PLEASE NOTE: this tutorial is for photoshop elements 2.0 which is a very old edition. I am working on an update for photoshop elements 20 which should be available soon.
these instructions should only serve as a guide if you have a version other than 2.0. Commands will be different.
This is a step by step tutorial for creating professional portfolio images using Photoshop Elements 2.0 (old version). Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Open your working folder and under File select New.
A window will open that looks like this. Change the name from untitled-1 to something else. Reset the image size. I've set the image size to width 2000 and height 2000 to create a square format. If you prefer a rectangular format adjust your size accordingly. Look for Contents and select a white background. If you wish to use a background color click that option and a new window will open.
You will see something like this. Save in file by going to File and selecting the save as option. Save as a jpeg. If you simply click on the X you will lose this and have to start over. After you have saved it you can close it using the X or Close.
Prepare the image of your artwork by increasing the resolution to 300ppi and then resizing it down to a smaller pixel dimension than your white square. Use the Unsharp Mask filter after you have resized. For this demo, my white square was 2000 by 2000, and my artwork image was 1700 by 1351. If you want a rectangular white pane instead of the square, change the dimensions on your white image to an even increase all the way around, making sure you've left enough room for your text.
When you are satisfied with your image, save it and then reopen it.
While holding down the Ctrl key, double click on your white square image. You should now have two active images in your work pane.
Select the move tool.
Click on your artwork image to bring it in front of your white square (if you don't see the white square, you did not save it properly and need to create a new one). Position the move tool over your image, left click the mouse and drag it onto the white square. Don't worry about the correct position at this point. Close the artwork image so you now only have one active pane open, the white square with your artwork image.
Select View at the top of your workspace. Select Grid. Now use the Move tool to position your artwork image evenly. Be sure to leave space at the top for your name, and space at the bottom for title, size, and any additional information you want to include with the image. When you are satisfied, go back to View, unselect Grid.
Select the Horizontal Text Tool.
A new toolbox will open. Select Alignment ( look to the far right in this demo image - I've selected left, options are left, center justified, right) For my name I used the Center Justified, and for artwork information I used left align. Click above your artwork image to add your name. You will now see text style and size choices. Use the drop down list to select your font. (In this demo I am using Cursive in 48 pt. with a soft brown color for my name, but for the name and dimensions of the artwork I will switch to a different font, size and color is black.)
Select the color of your type, if you are using Centered your name will automatically be positioned correctly. When adding the title and dimensions and media, you may wish to re-apply the Grid view to help line up your starting point and ending point with your artwork edge. (Start at left, then add spaces to push medium and size text over to align with right edge)
Once you are satisfied with your image, click on the Layer tab and then click on Flaten Image. Save your image at this point. If you would like to add a thin border to the white square, continue with the next steps.
Go to image. Select resize, then canvas size. You will see Current Size. In this demo, my size was width 6.867 and height 6.867. I reset the size to 7.067 by 7.067.
Look to the left at the bottom of your tool box. Click on set background color. I've selected black but you can use whatever color you wish. If you wish to change the width of your line repeat the previous step until you like the result. You will now have a professional image that will print beautifully and present well in a CD format, providing the viewer with all important information.
