Photoshop Actions
New to Photoshop Actions? Start here!
How to install Actions:
(This method works in Photoshop CC, CS, & in Elements 11 & Up using the Actions Player.)
1. After downloading your Actions, be sure to first extract the Zip file they came in and save them to a safe place on your computer.
2. Open Photoshop and at the top of your screen, navigate to Window>Actions.
3. When the Actions Panel appears, click on the button in the top right corner of the panel (the button with the downward pointing arrow and four horizontal lines). From the list, find and select the option that says “Load Actions”.
4. A window will open that allows you to navigate your computer folders and find the ATN file you wish to install.
5. When you find the ATN file, highlight it and hit ‘Load’.
6. Your new Action folder should pop up in the Actions Panel. You should see the name of the action set with a little folder icon next to it. Be sure the little triangle to the left of the folder icon is pointing down. (This means the folder is open and reveals the individual actions below it.)
7. Once the individual actions pop up below, all you have to do is highlight the one you want to use and hit the triangular ‘Play’ button at the bottom of the Actions Panel.
Visual learners, you can watch the video tutorial for installing Photoshop Actions here.
If you’re using Elements 10 or below, installation can be a little trickier. Click here for a walk-through video tutorial.
Sky Overlays
New to Sky Overlays? Start here!
How to use Sky Overlays:
Before applying Sky Overlays in Photoshop, be sure to ‘Extract’ the zip file they come in.
1. Open the image you wish to edit in Photoshop and go to File>Place Embedded (or File>Place)
2. Navigate to the Overlay you would like to apply and click ‘Place’.
3. The Sky Overlay should now appear on your image. Stretch it to fit your photo as needed and then hit Enter to accept the changes.
4. Blur the sky using a Gaussian blur if necessary. (If the background of your photo is out of focus, blurred skies look more natural.)
5. Next, place the Sky in ‘Multiply’ blend mode.
6. Select the Layer Mask on your Sky layer, and use a soft black brush to remove the sky effect from any areas you don’t want it to apply.
7. If needed, you can finish up by adjusting the opacity of the sky to soften the look.
Overlays & Textures
How to Apply Overlays and Textures in Photoshop:
Before applying Overlays and Textures, be sure to extract the Zip file they came in. If your file isn’t zipped, then you’re all set!
1. Open the image you wish to edit and to go to File>Place Embedded (or File>Place). When the window displays, navigate to the folder where your products are saved.
2. Find and select the overlay you’d like to use and click ‘Place’ so that it opens directly onto your image.
3. Stretch the Overlay/Texture to fit to the edges of your photo and hit Enter when you’re done. (Feel to get creative with the way you move or transform the overlay for different looks.)
4. You can then change the blend mode for different effects, or adjust the opacity to your liking.
5. If you wish to remove the effect of the Overlay or Texture from any area of your image, you can use a layer mask and paint with a black brush to remove or soften the look of the overlay or texture.
Photoshop Brushes
Installing Photoshop Brushes:
1. In Photoshop, select Window > Brushes.
2. When the Brush Panel pops up, click the menu button in the top right hand corner of the panel. (The one with four horizontal lines.)
3. From the list, select “Import Brushes”.
4. Navigate to the location you saved the Brushes you wish to install, select them, and then choose “Open”.
Your new brushes should now be located at the bottom of the Brush Panel. Scroll down to select one and give it a try.
For alternate written instructions and a photo visual, click here.
For a video tutorial on installing and using Photoshop Brushes, click here.
Lightroom Presets & Adjustment Brushes
New to Lightroom Presets? Start here!
Lightroom Presets:
Before installing your presets, be sure to extract the Zip file your products came in. If the file isn’t zipped, then you’re all set!
1. Launch Lightroom and click the ‘Develop’ tab at the top of your screen.
2. From the list, select ‘New Preset Folder’ and type the name of the product you are installing.
3. The new folder will appear in the ‘Presets’ box on the left side of your screen. Right-click on your new folder and hit ‘Import’.
4. Navigate to where you saved the preset files you downloaded, select them and click Import.
The presets will now be added to your Lightroom Preset folder.
Lightroom Adjustment Brushes:
Before installing your Adjustment Brushes, be sure to extract the Zip file your products came in. If the file isn’t zipped, then you’re all set!
1. Launch Lightroom and go to Edit > Preferences in the top bar of your screen. (Lightroom > Preferences if you are on a mac)
2. When the Preferences box pops up, select the ‘Presets’ tab at the top.
3. Click the ‘Show All Other Lightroom Presets’ button.
4. Double click the ‘Lightroom’ folder to open it.
5. Then Double click the ‘Local Adjustment Presets’ folder.
6. Copy and paste your MB Lightroom brushes into the ‘Local Adjustment Presets’ folder.
7. Close and restart Lightroom.
8. When you reopen Lightroom, enter the ‘Develop’ tab and select the Adjustment Brush (Or hit ‘K’ on your keyboard.)
9. Click the dropdown menu to change the “Effect” of the brush. You should see your new Brush Effects listed in the menu. Click the one you want to begin painting it onto your image in Lightroom!
