Adjustment Layers


Curves Adjustment Layer
I think Curves would have to be the number one most requested enhancement for Elements.  Though before you get too exited - I came across this function in Elements by accident and after trying it a few times decided that Adobe didn't really mean it to be included as it doesn't work properly.  I found that for small adjustments it seemed to work, for larger settings there were wild unexpected color shifts and other strange effects.  I have included it in my tools as you might find a use for it, but if it doesn't do what you expect then "Sorry, talk to Adobe - not me".

Using the Curves Adjustment Layer is just like in Photoshop 6 but it only works on the Master Channel and you can't edit the setting once you click the Ok.

Curves is much too complex to explain here - any good Photoshop book will have an in depth description of its use.


Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer
Unlike the Curves Adjustment Layer the Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer does seem to work correctly, but it is still a bit limited as you can't change the settings once you click Ok.  

The Channel Mixer lets you modify a color channel using a mix of the current color channels.  This allows you to make color adjustments not easily done otherwise.  Also it is ideal for creating high quality grayscale images by choosing the percentage contribution from each color channel.