Ugh!
Why is it so complicated. My head hurts. I am so used to fireworks and now when I have to use photoshop on another computer I can't even create a rectangle with a border and a translucent center... :(

HL

Use the select tool to make yourself a rectangular selection.

Then go to:

File > Stroke...

Originally posted by alpha
File > Stroke...

you sure about that??

HL

P.S. Better help me quick, cuz I am already downloading the fireworks trial :D, which I am going to install to avoid further frustration!

Err... sorry, my mind was elsewhere when I typed that out.


Edit > Stroke ...

hmm I kinda get it, but I am still confused.
I mean I create a layer, then a rectangle, but I am not sure what to set in the stroke feature

HL

Trying things with it... there's a history window where you can undo things if you make a mistake or something.

The stroke function basically outlines the current selection. You set the thickness, color, etc... then click okay.

If you have a reactangular selection, then it should just outline that selection. Deselect - you should have a rectangular outline and it'll be transparent in the middle.

If you're used to Fireworks, I say use it.

It's really counter-productive to use a product that you don't know how to use, especially if you know how to use another product that does the same thing (practically).

well yeah I'm giving up...wasted about 1 hour with this.. :(

HL

Dont give up, I had the same problem with myself when I started using photoshop. Look for some tutorial sites. I personally like http://good-tutorials.com/

Originally posted by Hostlead
Ugh!
Why is it so complicated. My head hurts. :(

HL


They sure dont make it easy, do they? PhotoShop has got to be one of the most confusing softwares i've ever worked with. Supposedly its capable of doing some pretty good art work, but not if you can find things and figure out how to work them. :rolleyes:

Fireworks <-> Photoshop.

I've been using Photoshop for... what 7 years or so?

When a friend of mine wanted some help with a graphic he was working on, I assumed he was working on it using Photoshop so that's the reason why he asked me for help.

When I went to help him, he was using Fireworks... and I had no clue how to help him.

If Fireworks is what you are used to, there is no reason to switch to any other program unless you want to learn it.

Ye, it just takes alot of time to learn how to use the other package properly, specially photoshop

Originally posted by iGravity
Dont give up, I had the same problem with myself when I started using photoshop. Look for some tutorial sites. I personally like http://good-tutorials.com/

Thanks I will check it out tonite.

HL

Originally posted by alpha
Trying things with it... there's a history window where you can undo things if you make a mistake or something.

The stroke function basically outlines the current selection. You set the thickness, color, etc... then click okay.

I would hate to have someone who knows Photoshop watch me stumble my way through it, unless they could help... Problem is, I'm in a small rural town and am more likely to do the helping as I've been using PS since about 1994. I'm too embarassed to describe the method I used to use to accomplish what Hostlead asked. I didn't know about 'stroke' until alpha's post - thanks, alpha.

google.com

photoshop tutorials.

That will aid you. ;)

good-tutorials.com is also good

Originally posted by BigBison
I would hate to have someone who knows Photoshop watch me stumble my way through it, unless they could help... Problem is, I'm in a small rural town and am more likely to do the helping as I've been using PS since about 1994. I'm too embarassed to describe the method I used to use to accomplish what Hostlead asked. I didn't know about 'stroke' until alpha's post - thanks, alpha.

Just like the saying "There's no wrong way to eat a Reese's" the same goes for Photoshop ;) Everyone has their own method yet some ways just seem either faster or slower depending on the process that you taught yourself/learned. I started with version 4 and didn't learn how to really use it til version 5ish (5.5 had just gotten released then I guess). So don't feel so bad! I think you do a pretty good job at it.

Originally posted by BigBison
I would hate to have someone who knows Photoshop watch me stumble my way through it, unless they could help... Problem is, I'm in a small rural town and am more likely to do the helping as I've been using PS since about 1994. I'm too embarassed to describe the method I used to use to accomplish what Hostlead asked. I didn't know about 'stroke' until alpha's post - thanks, alpha.

I just wanted to add that I found an easier method.
You create a rectangle, then use the marque tool and once you select everything you wanted hit backspace or edit - clear.

HL

Glad to see you haven't given up :)

Originally posted by Hostlead
I just wanted to add that I found an easier method.
You create a rectangle, then use the marque tool and once you select everything you wanted hit backspace or edit - clear.

HL

Or you make a rectangular marque and create a new layer. Fill it with white or another color. Doublt click the layer to go to layer styles and in the left column click stroke. If you do not want white change the Fill to 0%. It is on the layers box right under Opacity. Just fool around with it :)

In my opinion Photoshop is really easy to learn. I didn't have problems when i first started, i just bought a book and followed the first 2 chapters, after that the rest learned itself. You just need a little push. After one week of working with it, you don't want anything else anymore :D
So just give it a day, with some basic start-up tutorials or library book.

Stuff like max or maya, that's a pickle!

It just takes getting used to. It's like learning linux the first time :)

Hang in there ! it gets worst lol jk

Originally posted by ic3d
In my opinion Photoshop is really easy to learn. I didn't have problems when i first started, i just bought a book and followed the first 2 chapters, after that the rest learned itself. You just need a little push. After one week of working with it, you don't want anything else anymore :D
So just give it a day, with some basic start-up tutorials or library book.

Stuff like max or maya, that's a pickle!

I do a agree. After working with it for about 3 hours I feel confortable...well I am not a professional (yet!), but I manage to do what I need to do and if I can't do it then my friend Google helps me.

HL

Yeah, I was like 10 the first time I used Photoshop...(I'm only 13 rofl), and I actually was doing stuff decently, cause I saw every tool I would ever need in the little toolbox.

And then I started finding out about Filters....even though it's better to do it yourself :D .

But yeah, I had the PSP7 or whatever never trial, and I tried it, I couldn't do jackrabbit with it heh. I spent 5 mins tops looking at it going, "I don't like this" so I just want back to PS7 :P .

But I have to say, it's much harder to go from one program to another, so basically, just forget everything (if you decide to stick with PS) like shortcuts and tool finding, and start from scratch :D

No matter what your regular skill is on Fireworks (or other) just try something simple, and then you'll progress from there on.

I just acquired Photoshop for myself. I also find it quite difficult to use. I'm used to Paint Shop Pro.

It takes time to get used to everything Photoshop has to offer. Check out some books by Bert Monroy the Photoshop guru if you're interested in learning and of course, Photoshop tutorials online. Good luck!

because it's well worth it in the end :D

Photoshop is easy once you get the hand of it.

Just practice practice practice.

Lol. Photoshop is a bit of a bitch, but when you get used to it fireworks will look like a childs toy to you ;)

Fireworks is far better suited to Web work. It is entirely useless for any type of print editing - it's bitmap tools are certainly second to Photoshop, but for doing vector graphics for Web, Photoshop doesn't even come close (and ImageReady is even farther off). FW's rendering engines reign supreme, and its filters, even Photoshop filters that FW accepts (which is almost all of them) are more precise, easier to use and give the user more control post-rendering. And forget doing .png in any program other than FW. There's no comparison.

But those are just my observations. FWIW, my experience with CS is limited - I've had some, but not tons.