SUBJECT: Using the Crop Tool in PSE

PROGRAM: PSE8 (can be applied to other versions)

PREREQUISITES: Basic understanding of the marque tool, Be able to open a document in Photoshop, a basic understanding of the marque tool

In one form or fashion I crop every photo on every page. One of the most straightforward methods is to use Photoshop Element’s built-in crop tool. Begin by opening a photo. Click on the crop tool in the tools palette on the left side of the workspace.

Before you go any further, do a Save As and give your working photo a new name. The crop tool alters the photo and unless you don’t mind losing your original you’ll want to work with a duplicate.

Click on the down arrow in the Aspect Ratio menu in the Options Bar near the top of the work space. Use one of these options if you want your crop set to certain proportions (if, for example, you plan to print the photo as a 4×6, 8×10, etc.) Set it to ‘No Restriction’ if you aren’t looking for a specific height/width ratio.

Click and drag on your photo to set crop perimeter. ‘Marching ants’ should now surround your crop area. This is called the ‘bounding box’.

Use any of the eight small boxes (often called ‘handles’) around the perimeter of the bounding box to adjust your crop area. You can also rotate the crop area by hovering your cursor just outside the bounding box until it becomes a bent two headed arrow, then click and drag to rotate.

Once you are satisfied with your crop area, click on the green check mark at the bottom of the bounding box.

Voila! Crop complete and my photo is ready for scrapping.