Tools:

Toolbox

This box contains all of the primary manipulation tools used in Photoshop Elements.

Download this zipped (530k) file for a demonstration program that describes each tool and what it does.

If you are not running Windows XP and have not installed a zip opener - here is a free one that you can download and install. Zip Central

Little Black Triangle

The little black triangle in the corner of some tools indicates that there are other sub-tools hidden under the button. Hold the button down for a second to reveal sub-tools. Examples: Marquee Tool, Lasso Tool, Shape Tool, Text Tool.

Brush Sizes

A number of tools use brush sizes to customize the area that you are manipulating or tweaking. You can change the brush size at the top of the screen on the options bar. See notes to part one to find the options bar.

Tolerance/Exposure

Tools such as dodge, burn, magic wand and sponge allow you to set the tolerance or exposure. This adjusts how drastically the change is made or how big of an area is selected in some cases.

Mode

Some tools such as the painting tools and bucket tool allow you to manipulate how the given area (painting or fill) reacts with the background.

Opacity

Adjusting the opacity will adjust how transparent the paint or layer is. Great for pasting someone into a photo or hand tinting a photo.