Windows style toolbars for Elements?

[Dave Millier]

Hi Photoshop gurus

I've never been anything other than an occasional photoshop user, preferring other products. But I'm reasonably impressed with what Elements 7 offers: the interface, integration, features have gradually refined to the point I've decided to make the jump to the mainstream.

I have a couple of questions I hope someone can help me out with:

1. Photoshop in all its variants seems "keyboard priority". I'm a non typing Windows user and I've grown use to click, click, click rather than tap, tap and I find the standard windows GUI toolbars that appear to be missing from PS a great loss. Does anyone know of a plugin/patch/hack that can add standard toolbars to Elements? I'm not greedy, I'd be happy with Open, browse, cut, paste, print icons to start with!

2. Elements lacks softproofing. Is there a way to add this in?

Oh, and one other thing...I paid a fair amount for the Photokit sharpener plugin but it only works in the full version of PS. I have it installed in my old copy of PS v6 but it would be so much more convient it could be made to work in Elements 7...

Thanks for any suggestions

David

[jjj]

1. Photoshop in all its variants seems "keyboard priority". I'm a non typing Windows user and I've grown use to click, click, click rather than tap, tap and I find the standard windows GUI toolbars that appear to be missing from PS a great loss. Does anyone know of a plugin/patch/hack that can add standard toolbars to Elements? I'm not greedy, I'd be happy with Open, browse, cut, paste, print icons to start with!

Not knowing such basic short cuts is like doing a marathon by hopping. It can be done but it will be slower and more painful. Even if Icons are there, it's easier to use keyboard and it's not hard to learn, plus it lessens risk of RSI. The toolbars you mention are not standard, just common.
Cntrl/Cmmd+ P is print, Cntrl/Cmmd+C is copy, Cntrl/Cmmd+X is cut, Cntrl/Cmmd+V is paste, Cntrl/Cmmd+O is open, Cntrl/Cmmd+S is save, , Cntrl/Cmmd+Z undoes last action and these basics work in all programmes. [Contol for Windows and Command for Mac]
If you must use a mouse, you can find these things in the menus.
PSE shortcuts list

2. Elements lacks softproofing. Is there a way to add this in?

Unlikely, as if not there it's a full PS type of thing.

[Eyeball]

Traditional toolbars for elements 7?  >>>> Don't really know since I don't use Elements.  Probably not.
Soft-proofing? >>>> Nope.  You need to move to Photoshop for that or get something like QImage for about $50.
PK Sharpener?  >>>> Not for Elements.  At least not now.  In the future?  I doubt it.

As counter-intuitive as it sounds, you might want to spring for Photoshop CS4.  Why?
- You would get soft-proofing.
- You could probably get PK Sharpener to work again (I don't think Pixel Genius charges for updates but worth checking).
- You could use the new Adobe Configurator to create toolbar buttons to your hearts content (I agree with jjj, you should learn at least a few kb shortcuts but if you insist  ).
- You would have the rest of Photoshop there waiting for you as you decide you want to try more sophisticated things (and if you are interested in soft-proofing and advanced sharpening, it sounds like you are already on your way).

My 2 centavos.