A How-to in Photoshop?

[Amikasmom]

I have a question, and I hope it makes sense to someone!...
When I'm in Photoshop (I have elments 6) I am wanting to use some of the features that it comes with, like the simple frames and the edge softening. (under artwork and effects palette)
But what size do I need to make the background so that when I take my pictures in for printing, I can A) choose any size from 4X6 to 8X12 or B) Make sure nothing is being cut off or I have to cut the paper to match the size of the photo?
When I go to add the frame or edging to the photo, it makes it really small with lots of white space?
I hope I make sense to someone and can get some feedback, please help!

[sarahorton]

I think I understand. Before you use the simple frames, softening, etc. crop your photo to 4x6 or 8x10 (or whatever size you want it to be) but make sure to change the ppi in the options bar to 300 before you perform the crop. After you complete the special effect, select Image | Resize | Image size to make sure it is still cropped to the size you wanted.

With some of the special effects, you can use the Move Tool to drag the photo all the way out to the edge again, too - if the style resizes it too small for your liking.

Let me know if this answers your question

[Amikasmom]

yes that answers my question thanks! But I cant do one big size so that it cover ALL sizes, if I'm not sure in the future WHAT size I'll print? Like if I make it a 8X10 to start, can I still print it off as a 4X6 for example? I dont want to have to do a bunch of different ones, I just want to cover all the bases with one...Am I able to do this?

[esther_a]

8x10 and 4x6 are different proportions.

4x6 = 8x12 (double the height and width).
4x5 = 8x10 (double the height and width).

If you try to print 8x10 to 4x6 you'll have half an inch blank top and bottom and have to trim it.
Esther

[sarahorton]

Esther is totally right - they have different aspect ratios.
And also remember that it's easier to size downward than upward. Once it's cropped to a 4x6, you wouldn't be able to make an 8x10 from it because the resolution would be too poor.