Installing Add-ins to PSE2

by Barbara Snyder

Installing add-ins such as custom shapes, brushes, filters, layer styles, effects and gradients to Photoshop Elements 2 not only will enhance this versatile little program, but it is quite easy.   This is the method I use, and it works like a charm every time.

First, here is a little advice on organizing your add-ins for PSE2. I have a file folder titled "Photoshop". It is on my "E" drive. In it I have subfolders titled: Brushes, Gradients, Patterns, Shapes, Styles, and Textures. In each of them I store the original copy of the add-in. Then I copy the file to PSE2, which is located on my "C" drive, and place it in the proper folder.  Displacement maps, effects and filters are located in Plug-Ins.  Brushes, Color Swatches, Custom Shapes, Gradients, Pattern, Styles and Textures are located in Presets.
 

Here are the steps I take to install an add-in:

1) Download the shape to the big file folder, Photoshop. I don't install add-ins but about once a week or so on my computer.  I install everything at once,  shapes, brushes, etc., so I know that "x" file hasn't been installed yet if it is in the Photoshop folder.

2) I unzip the files that need unzipping, and move the file to the proper sub-folder.  

3) Copy the add-ins to PSE2. In my computer, it is found here: C:\Program Files\Presets (or Plug-Ins). In your computer, it may be C:\Program Files\Adobe\PhotoshopElements2\Presets\Custom Shapes or something along those lines.

4) Restart your computer. I also take the time to empty my recycle bin and empty my browser's cache before I restart.

5) Open PSE2 and a new file, and you should be able to see the new add-ins available for your use!