Importing Images into Photoshop

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To use Photoshop, images have to imported to your computer from a digital camera or another source. When doing so, it is important to be organized in where the files are first placed. (and later, where they are to be saved) Photoshop has various options to help.

Importing from a Camera
There are several ways to download photographs from a digital camera. The camera can be connected to the computer via an USB cable. Provided Photoshop recognizes them, the files can then be accessed directly from the file menu under import. They should then be transferred to a designated folder, though odd files can be opened and saved to the desktop.


Camera Software
The software supplied with the camera can be used. Ensure the files have downloaded completely and are saved before deleting them fro the camera's memory card.
Card Readers
A simpler method is to use a card reader which again connect to the computer. The images contained can then be downloaded. As there are several types of memory card, make sure you buy a card reader that is compatible with both your camera and your computer.
Other sources
Photographs from a cellphone camera are downloaded and saved in the same way as from a digital camera. To store images shot on film (whether from negatives or prints). a scanner is required. Previously saved or supplied digital images can also be opened or downloaded from an external hard drive, a CD or DVD.
Video Stills
Photoshop elements has the option to take still frames from video and digital video sources. Simply select Frame video in the import sub menu.
Importing from PDFs
Images are often sent by e-mails as PDFs which are simple to open. When a PDF is selected in open from the file menu, the import PDF dialog box appears displaying thumbnails of the PDF pages. Click to highlight image you want. It can then be opened as Photoshop document.
Saving
It is very important to save any changes made to an image. Select the Save from the File Menu (Shortcut Ctrl/S). Don't worry if you forget to save; when you attempt to close the file, you will be prompted by a window asking whether changes to the file need to be saved.
Save As
If format changes, such as using a different resolution or changing a TIFF to a JPEG, have been made, Select the Save As from the File Menu. This will save the changes on a new file, leaving the original untouched.