Working with Filters

Filters are also called plug-ins, or sometimes plug-in filters. You can install them very simply, by copying them into the Filters folder. Elements is compatible with all the third-party Photoshop filters, and with most plug-ins that work with other graphics programs such as PaintShop Pro or Painter. If you already have filters installed in another Photoshop-compatible graphics program, you don’t need to reload them. You can designate a second plug-ins folder by going to the Preferences dialog boxes (Edit, Preferences), displaying the Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks options (shown in Figure 17.1), clicking Choose, and locating the folder containing the additional plug-ins you want to use. When you restart Elements you’ll see the new ones listed at the bottom of the Filters menu.

Figure 17.1. Choosing a second plug-ins folder.