Photoshop Elements >

Plug-ins >

1 - Introduction

Actions versus Plug-ins

When you use an action, it "plays" a series of steps.

The steps are steps that you could do yourself with Photoshop Elements.

But, you can save time and effort by clicking the action.

You may be able to make one or two changes to the action's settings, but that's it.

Unlike actions, plug-ins do things that Photoshop Elements can't do.

When you click a plug-in, a window will open with several buttons and sliders for changing the settings.

Go to Actions.

View the Plug-ins

Photoshop Elements has many plug-ins already installed.

To look at the plug-ins that are already installed, do the following.

Windows

Go to Help > About Plug‑in, and select a plug-in.

To close the plug-in window, press Esc, Enter, or click on the window.

Mac

Go Photoshop > About Plug‑in, and select a plug-in.

To close the plug-in window, press Esc, Enter, or click on the window.

Compatible with Photoshop Elements?

Most plug-ins and filters are made for Photoshop.

Many of them will work when using Photoshop Elements.

Be sure to check whether a plug-in or filter is compatible with the version of Photoshop Elements that you're using.

To check, look for a compatibility page on the website.

Or, download a trial version, and try it out.

Mac

If you're using a Mac, plug-ins and filters made for earlier operating systems, such as OS 9, may not be compatible with OS X.

They may function if you open Photoshop Elements in the Classic environment.

Plug-ins

Be sure to check the websites in the Various section for a particular type plug-in, filter, or texture.

Color to B&W

B/Works

Fred Miranda - BW Workflow Pro Windows Mac

Color Correction

Color Corrector

Color Mechanic Knowledge of color spaces helpful

iCorrectPortrait

SkinTune

PhotoKit Color 2 See CC Correction, especially if you're a former color printer in a darkroom

Noise Reduction

Helicon Filter Free version available

Neat Image Photoshop, Photoshop Elements

Nik Dfine Photoshop, Photoshop Elements

Noise Ninja - PictureCode Stand-alone application

Noiseware Free version available

Patterns

Image * After

Panoramic

Panorama Tools

Resampling

Genuine Fractals

Photozoom

SI Pro 2 Fred Miranda

Stairstep Image Size Free PS/PSE plug-in

QImage

Sharpening

Genuine Fractals

Intellisharpen II Fred Miranda

Nik Sharpener

SizeFixer

Textures

Auto FX Software

Entering a Dream

Image * After

Various

Adobe Exchange - Photoshop Search in the Photoshop category by using the term Elements

Auto FX Software

Dreamy Photo

Mosaic

Filter Forge Make your own filter

Flaming Pear Software

Fluid Mask

Fred Miranda Software Many

The next section covers the installation of plug-ins and more.