How To Add A Frame In PS Elements?

[Chris]

I usually add frames with various plug ins without any problem. It's been a long time since I added a simple frame using the built in feature in PS Elements and I can't remember how to do it. 


Senario 1 Starting with a layer stack:

I start off with a layer stack and combine the images with the combined layer at the top. Then I go to Graphics and double click a frame and get a message, "Click here to add photo". I can't see how to get the frame around the underlying image. 



Senario 2 Starting with a single background image

I double click a frame and get an empty border around the image. But I still can't get the frame around the image.



I am sure there is something simple that I am missing. Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

[Sepiana]

Hi Chris,

I replicated your two scenarios. I had no problem adding a frame to my images using the Graphics panel.  I'm going out on a limb here . . .

Your layer stacks show no Frame layer.  This may explain why the frame is not being applied to your images. We could try deleting the MediaDatabase.db3 file (the file that caters to the Graphics panel) but let's try something else first.

- Run Elements as administrator.
- Test the Frames feature.
- If it works as it should, close Elements.
- Now open Elements as a standard user. Test this feature to see if the problem is gone.

[fotofrank]

Hi Chris,

I get both ways to work just fine.

As Sepiana stated the frame layer is missing in both.

[Chris]

Thank you Sepiana and Frank for your replies. I have done some more experimenting. Exactly the same problem happens in PSE 9 and PSE 2020. I tried running PSE 20 as administrator and also renamed MediaDatabase.db3 to Old_MediaDatabase.db3 but to no avail and the problem continues.

I experimented further and found out that the fancy frames with textures work. For example, the "black/Gold 1" frame in Frank's example works. Its only the "simple" frames that don't work. My guess is that the simple frames are just strokes. When I zoom in there is a 3 pixel stroke on the inside. I can change the stroke to go outside and wider than 3 pixels by fiddling with the layer style settings. I am sure that is not how the "simple" frames are supposed to work. I will keep trying...

Kind regards
Chris

[Sepiana]

Chris,

The simple (stroke) frames work the same way for me. They are available with a set number of pixels such as 1 px, 10 px, 20 px, etc. Then, I make make adjustments in the Styles Settings dialog.

Personally, I don't use Graphics to create simple frames. I use Edit>Stroke (Outline) Selection. It's the easiest way to add a frame to an image and it also offers more editing flexibility.

When Location Matters

[Chris]

Thank you Sepiana. I have tried many times but the simple "Stroke" frames do not work as they should. I don't know if it's a bug in Elements or it's somehow related to the many add-ons I have which may be interfering. Evidently if I adjust the style settings I can make them visible.

Yes, as you mention it may be easier to create a stroke using Edit/Stroke/outline. Thanks for the tutorial link. The only challenge I have with Edit/Stroke is that that I want to make it editable on its own layer like a frame. Otherwise, it's a matter of trial and error using undo and trying with new settings. I have just been doing some tests...New Layer/Fill white/Inside stoke/select white with magic wand and delete the middle. That seems to work.

Maybe later I will be able to solve the simple "stroke" frame bug. In the meantime, its good to know there is a work around.

Thank you Frank and Sepiana for your help.


Kind regards
Chris

[fotofrank]

Chris, Your simple stroke frame bug, as you put is probably working correctly. Adding a 1 pixel stroke on a large size image will not be visible. For the 1 pixel frame adobe use the stroke feature in elements.



To create a simple stroke- try this:

1. Add a new blank/empty layer above your composite layer
2. Ctrl/Cmd click on your composite layer to select it
3. You should now see the selection (marching ants) and have the blank layer selected.
4. Now add your stroke using edit>stroke.

If you select you composite layer you can add an outside stroke/frame using styles. You can adjust the size and position afterwards - just keep in mind that this is destructive as it adds the stroke border to that composite layer.

[Chris]

Thanks for the useful screenshots Frank. The Edit/Stroke feature works well.

Kind regards
Chris

[hmca]

Chris, you may want to check out the current CE Challenge by Frank. Members have created some interesting frames using brushes.

[Sepiana]

Feb 11, 2021 18:07:32 GMT Chris said:

Thank you Sepiana. 

Yes, as you mention it may be easier to create a stroke using Edit/Stroke/outline. Thanks for the tutorial link. The only challenge I have with Edit/Stroke is that that I want to make it editable on its own layer like a frame.

Chris, you are most welcome!  

You will have more editing flexibility if you apply the stroke on its own layer. And, if you have multiple strokes, place each one on its own layer.

BTW, I forgot to mention Edit>Stroke has one drawback. It doesn't work with Smart Objects. You will need to simplify the layer.