Now that we have our objects selected, what can we do with them? On this page I provide steps for doing the following:

  • Print object on a solid color background
  • Place multiple copies of object on a single print to make cutouts
  • Add object to another photo

Print Object on Solid Background

In this example we create an image of the person walking the dog on a light blue background, cropped to fill a 4x6" print.

  1. Open the walking-dog-in-snow.psd file in Photoshop Elements.

    Command: File > Open

  2. Convert this black and white image to color.

    Command: Image > Mode > RGB Color

    3. Selection of the person walking a dog placed on a solid background.

    Selection of the person walking a dog placed on a solid background.

  3. Re-load selection that you saved on page 2.

    Commands:
    • Select > Load Selection
    • In the Selection box choose person
    • Click OK

  4. Create a new layer containing only the selection.

    Command: Layer > New > Layer via Copy

    This step created a new layer named Layer 1 in the Layers palette. If the Layers palette is not visible, choose Window > Layers.

  5. Create a solid light blue layer.

    Commands:
    • Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color
    • In the Name box enter blue
    • Click OK
    • On the Color Picker choose a light shade of blue and click OK

  6. Move the blue layer below Layer 1 so that the person and dog are visible.

    Command: Within the Layers palette drag the blue layer below Layer 1

  7. Crop the image into the proportions of a 4x6" print.

    Commands:
    • Click the Crop Tool Crop Tool
    • On the top toolbar set Width to 4 in
    • On the top toolbar set Height to 6 in
    • Drag your mouse over the portion of the photo you wish to keep and hit Enter to crop

  8. Save the file with a unique name, print, and close the image.

Multiple Copies of Object

In this example we make multiple copies of the hula dancer on a blank 4x6" image. The final image can be printed and cut out to decorate scrapbook pages, stick on magnets, etc.

  1. Open the hula-dancer.psd file in Photoshop Elements.

    Command: File > Open

    2. Hula dancer image copied multiple times to a single 4x6

    Hula dancer image copied multiple times to a single 4x6" print. Dancer can be cut out and used to embellish scrapbooks, refrigerator magnets, etc.

  2. Re-load selection that you saved on page 4.

    Commands:
    • Select > Load Selection
    • In the Selection box choose person
    • Click OK

  3. Copy the selection to the clipboard.

    Command: Edit > Copy

  4. Close the file.

    Command: File > Close

  5. Create a blank image file to hold copies of the hula dancer.

    Commands v3 & v4:
    • File > New > Blank File
    • In the New dialog box enter the following settings and click OK:
      • Width: 6 inches
      • Height: 4 inches
      • Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
      • Background Contents: White

    Commands v2:
    • File > New
    • In the New dialog box enter the following settings and click OK:
      • Width: 6 inches
      • Height: 4 inches
      • Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
      • Background Contents: White

  6. For each copy of the hula dancer you want in the image, do the following:

    • Edit > Paste
    • Click the Move Tool Move Tool
    • Drag within the image to move it to its own location so it does not overlap other images
    • While holding down the Shift key, drag one corner of the dancer image to size it as desired.

      Tip: Always remember to hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while sizing photos to prevent distortion.

    • Click the checkmark button on the toolbar to accept placement and size

  7. Save the file with a unique name, print, and close the image.

Add Object to Another Photo

For our last example, we'll do something a bit cruel—we will add the lightly dressed hula dancer to the snow scene.

  1. Open the original walking-dog-in-snow.jpg file in Photoshop Elements.

    Command: File > Open

    2. Hula dancer placed into the snow scene photo.

    Hula dancer placed into the snow scene photo.

  2. Convert this black and white image to color.

    Command: Image > Mode > RGB Color

  3. Save the image with a unique file name.

    Commands:
    • File > Save As
    • Change the Format to Photoshop
    • Enter hula-in-snow.psd as the file name
    • Click Save

  4. Open the hula-dancer.psd file in Photoshop Elements.

    Command: File > Open

  5. Re-load selection that you saved on page 4.

    Commands:
    • Select > Load Selection
    • In the Selection box choose person
    • Click OK

  6. Copy the selection to the clipboard.

    Command: Edit > Copy

  7. Close the file.

    Command: File > Close

    After you close the hula dancer file, the snow scene file should still be open on your screen.

  8. Paste a copy of the hula dancer into the snow scene.

    Commands:
    • Edit > Paste
    • Click the Move Tool Move Tool
    • Drag within the image to move it to the desired location
    • While holding down the Shift key, drag one corner of the dancer image to size it as desired.
    • Click the checkmark button on the toolbar to accept placement and size

  9. Save the file, print, and close the image.

I hope that you found the time spent on this tutorial worth while. Learning how to select objects with Photoshop Elements has given you the skills to create a multitude of photo compositions for fun and for making unique gifts.