F.A. Moore

Written by:

F.A. Moore
August 21, 2009

Tags:

art creation process, behind the scenes, f a moore, photoshop, photoshop elements and tutorial

Photoshop/Elements Tutorial Series - Digital Art process

UPDATE I will continue to add new tutorial links to THIS, one journal.

As I add photoshop tutorials, they will go here. That way you can just favorite this one journal. From now on, new journals will simply let you know that this one has been updated with a new tutorial.

Although, I am categorizing the series as a “how to”; it is based on a new artwork, the direction of which I have no idea what it will be. So it’s also a live journal of my process in creating THIS particular digital artwork.

Many Digital Artists on Red Bubble need no guidance whatsoever. You know who you are. ;)

This series does not assume anyone’s knowledge or skill level with tools of the trade. If you have just about any version of Photoshop Elements or Photoshop or even Gimp, you should be able to just get started working on an image. Tutorials run from 4-5 minutes, maximum.

	How to erase and blend objects. For Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or similar photo editing programs. Erasing is the most basic, and possibly the most critical skill of digital artists working with photo-manipulation.
^{Photoshop Digital Art – How to Erase and Blend Objects}

	Sometimes, using low resolution stock or image files for objects in large artworks is unavoidable. Here’s how to fix the ugly pixelation that would otherwise be noticeable in digital art at full size.
^{Photoshop Digital Art – Dipixelating Low Resolution Objects}

	How to add and blend Cat Hair without special brushes. For Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or similar photo editing programs that include a smudge tool.
^{Photoshop Digital Art – Add and Blend Cat Hair}

	Help prospective buyers visualize your art in their home or office building by showing it in a virtual setting. This tutorial shows how to use licensed stock photos of interiors, and place your framed art on the wall! Novice level tutorial for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, GIMP, or similar image editing program.
^{Photoshop Digital Art – Showcase Your Art in a Virtual Room}

You will note how I have a BUNCH of objects laying around, seemingly willy nilly, on this rather large psd canvas (9000×6000 pixels). It’s untitled, and I only vaguely know where it’s going, at the moment, even three (3) tutorials into the series, so far.

Some facts:

about 15 or so objects are laying around on the canvas
I started out with 17, that are shown in the video. The image below is after more erasing was done and 2 objects were nixed. Guess which ones.
objects are sized to approximately what they might eventually be
I may or may not use any or all of these objects
I will erase carefully around each, regardless if they will be used; unless I determine that I don’t like them.
Once any object is perfectly cleared of its background, it will go into an “objects.psd” file; so I can use it in some other image, any time.
Objects are generally placed close to where I think they may end up.
I have already placed the background
I have already done some work on the main figure and her mirror.
The window has already been transformed (perspective) and placed about where I want it.
Importantly, I have just received, before uploading this tutorial, permission that I needed from one stock provider who doesn’t allow use of her stock off of DA or in commercial-type works, without express permission. That allows me freedom to continue this series, as intended and upload to YouTube. Stock permission is critical to my work. If you watch the tutorial, you’ll note the rolling credits at the end.
This tutorial focuses only on the candelabra and shows it at 200% scale the entire tutorial.
There may be easier ways to do this. But I don’t take “easy” when precision is required. Plus PSE does not have all the tools of PS. ;)
I’m working in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 for the Mac (currently the latest for the Mac.) It is different from 1.0, which I worked in for over a decade, as I discovered just a week or so ago; in that it imports abr (Adobe brush files), has a photo bin/viewer at its base, and does NOT have the fabulous Airbrush eraser from version 1. Otherwise, the differences are almost purely user interface. This note is added to satsify the curious. :)

Bmail me or ask questions here, if you like.

You can rate, comment, and subscribe to my channel (“francorpier”) at YouTube. Thanks. ;)

Frannie

robpixaday

Yeeeeeeeeeehah!!!
How cool!! Can’t wait to look! Just rolled out of bed, gotta do a few things, will look in a little bit.
robpixaday

Oh, well, of course I couldn’t wait, so I watched three minutes. TERRIFIC!!!!!

This will help a lot of people!!
Back later…........ ::waves::
F.A. Moore replied

You think? Well, hope it might have one tonight (er, this morning; sorry…haven’t gone to bed yet myself)...headed that way. Thanks for looking, Robin.
Susan Kimball

I can’t wait either, thanks so much Frannie, cause I don’t have a clue!
Dana Roper

Thanks so much for this!!! I have about 7 photo editing programs on my computer, and I just barely added Photoshop Elements 7 – I am going to LOVE your tips!!!
Sam Dantone

Very cool and generous Frannie.

I can appreciate the time it takes to put something like this together.

I have been contemplating taking a course in photoshop. I have the program and hardly use it, but to scan, size and correct photos.

Thank you for sharing.

Sam
F.A. Moore replied

You’re so welcome, Sam. I just added the video to this page this morning, before your arrival (even though it’s small and, letterboxed—far smaller than if you view it at youtube, proper). I’ll be posting journals with the others, as I complete them.

The next one completed is working on the cat: gentle erasing, and adding back hairs. But this tutorial said the next one is minimizing pixelation. So (lol), guess I might have to create that one first.

You would probably love working with the software; not just for your photography, but to do something unusual with those fabulous, ingeniously mad sketches of yours.

The nice thing about working in Photoshop, versus a mural, for example, is that you can constantly make adjustments to the artwork. The process of creation is so fun. I usually start out with only a fuzzy idea. Sometimes stock photography will inspire an idea. But the idea is rarely well developed until somewhere in mid process.

At the same time, this series is a bit scary for me. Because the empress has no clothes! ;)
RebeccaWeston

Thanks Fran – will have a look later XX
Becca
Alexandar T.

tnx…....and beautiful voice…
F.A. Moore replied

You’re welcome, and thank you, Alexandar. (oops I typed Alexander, at first :)
catherine walker

amazing how you do that ..wonderful!..and nice of you too !!

xxooo
F.A. Moore replied

I love canvas, but my current time only permits digital artworks. I keep thinking I’ll paint some of them, eventually. It’s fun to share, if someone can get something from it. Thanks, Catherine. :)
Barbara Brown

Thanks so much Fran! Will definitely be useful for me as i haven’t ventured into this area. Will hopefully be able to really take some time to study it !!
F.A. Moore replied

Each of these tutorials are 5 minutes or less; so they can be taken in quickly, and aren’t overwhelming. I’m glad to hear you can use them, Barbara.
F.A. Moore

I’m starting to update only this journal with tutorial links. New journals will just announce the update and tutorial subject; then link to here. Thanks!
robpixaday

SUPER!!!!!!
Left a comment at YouTube.
F.A. Moore replied

Thank you! Yes, I finally approved your first comment. Thanks for rating me, too, Robin! :)
terezadelpilar

I have been watching and this is so well done!! Thank you and congratulations for such Professionalism:)
F.A. Moore replied

Oh, that’s terrific to hear, Tereza, that you’re watching them.
Thanks for the compliment, too.
Dana Roper

Thanks for this Fran! I have about 7 photo editing programs on my computer, but have just started with Photoshop Elements. This was very helpful!
F.A. Moore replied

The blending one seems so basic (and it is), but is critical in fine digital art works. This essential is very often missed by those who started out creating web graphics (and have moved to larger artworks), or who tend to work in Photoshop at 12-66%.

It’s important to go over a finished work, inch by inch at 100%, to catch and correct errant blending lines.

Glad it’s helpful, Dana.
F.A. Moore

^{Inside Solo is the Art News and Resource magazine from Solo Exhibition.}
izzybeth

Thanks for sharing this. I am so very green when it comes to photoshop. I really appreciate your appeal to the novice. thanks!!!
F.A. Moore replied

You’re welcome, Izzybeth. Yes, it is built for the novice.

To my surprise, there are not just a few wielding photoshop daily, here on RB, that were not even aware of some of the basics. They got by, just the same. But just a very few secrets can open a whole new world and launch a new era in creativity.
valzart

Thxz sooOOO much sweetheART ;} happy hippy hugglez
F.A. Moore replied

Hey, Val. You probably don’t need any of this. But happy to get my happy hippy hugglez today! :)
UnEasy

Easily the best tutorial I’ve ever seen. You are gifted in creating this kind of documentary/tutorial as well as in the art of Photoshop itself. And that calm, dreamy voice doesn’t hurt either. Most of all I’m impressed with your enthusiasm for sharing with others, helping us improve all the time. With each video of yours I watch I see myself move up o the learning curve. I’m so grateful for this series – I only wish I could “pin” it as a topic (as in Myspace) so it’s always at the forefront! Kudos on a brilliant initiative.
F.A. Moore replied

Really… that’s quite a compliment. I almost didn’t load them, because I wasn’t sure of their merit. Thank you, UnEasy. I know what you mean about pinning. Maybe one day, here. :) Glad I can be of help to you.
Isa Rodriguez

I agree with everything uneasy said :). this is a gift you have given to others.. your enthusiasm for sharing is so important .. and we can hear your process thinking… this is really well documented.. and we are very appreciative .. I am still uneasy iin erasing and blending.. so when I practice with this sort of tutorial , maybe someday I will be able to do it :) lol.. Frannie.. anyways. a bunch of thanks , my friend
F.A. Moore replied

Isa, your comment is always appreciated. Yes, you can hear the process of thinking…you noticed that I left that in. It seemed to lend something, je ne sais quoi, to the tutorial—like a personal conversation, maybe? You can do it, Isa.
F.A. Moore

I’m not sure why I’ve had 4 responses to this in the last 40 minutes, the first maybe in 2 weeks? But I’m happy you all are discovering or rediscovering this series, certainly. And it is time for another. Maybe that’s it. You all are my gentle reminder! Thank you. :D
Mukesh Srivastava

Thanx lot for sharing such PS techniques,Moore!!! I saw one video It is great input for all RB members. Please keep updating!!!!!! It’s great service to this community!!!!!
F.A. Moore replied

Thank you, Mukesh. :) I will do so.
izzybeth

I wanted to comment on SOMETHING HAPPENED in this comment space.
I am glad to know that I am not the only person on the bubble who is hmmmmm technically challenged.

I want you to know that I appreciate how you have illustrated that you have fused three images together to make the whole.

I see that each image is looks like its dimensions is different from the other.

How in PS does one attach one image on top of another?
and how do you make it to appear so seamless?

Copy…Paste… I sorta understand, but the mechanics of making this happen, is beyond my knowledge.

You are a sweetheart for sharing. and here is a thank you in advance…

and they
izzybeth

Now wait a minute, I promise I will come back to this tutorial before I ask any more questions. thanks again. beth
F.A. Moore
Izzybeth, excellent place to ask your questions. You may start something here. Already this has well over 400 views and nearly 40 favoritings. So no, you are not the only one who feels technically challenged.

It was great that you added Something Happened, as an illustration of your question. There are 4 or 5 images at work here, which is a very few for me. I often have 15-20 images. But this one is simpler, because I wanted a STARK feel to it.

First, let me quickly lay out the elements, so that you can see them. They would be like shapes or planes in your paint:
1. the woman
2. the window
3. the moon
4. the pocket watch necklace
5. and two backgrounds, which in this piece are barely seen. One is a watery cave that covers the lower “red” half of the piece;
6. and the second is a woman with long hair whom I’ve lain on her side. Her hair has been contorted to produce the blue “spirit” lines across the breasts and torso of the subject; and her face and body were completely erased.
Layers are the secret to composition in Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Gimp, or similar programs. For now, I’ll lump them under the moniker, “PS/E”.
1. Your layers palette should always be visible.
2. Each image should be on its own separate layer.
3. Duplicate each layer, then LOCK and TURN OFF the original.
To “turn off” a layer (making it non-visible), click on the eye icon in the left column of the layer on the layers palette. But only turn it “off” AFTER you lock it. By saving back your original paste, you have something to return to and duplicate again, if need be.

In the video, I think every once in a while, you will see the camera move to the right over to the layers palette, where you see me locking or unlocking a layer, or duplicating one. I often duplicate, if I want to play with effects.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for opening discussion, here, Izzybeth.
F.A. Moore
1. When I said “Duplicate each layer”, I mean each layer on which you’ve pasted one of your image elements from a source file.
2. I guess there are 6 image source elements for this work; I misstated it above as “4-5”.
izzybeth

Thank you. I will try to decide what few images to use… I will keep it simple and then I will attempt. I have watched these three vids several times and sorta get the idea. I guess I might be more of a audio/video learner, because I really understand your demonstrations. In contrast, to the constant head banging on the PS books!!!
I really need to block out time to focus on this. which I will do soon.

Interesting topic about resolution in different objects… I thought ALL files had to be of the same res. and I thought how on earth can that be done? Thanks for the nifty candelabra lesson. knkow
F.A. Moore replied

I know what you mean. I think when the jargon is unfamiliar, you find yourself reading the same lines over and over, thinking what did they just say??? And it can be so frustrating.

That’s why I try to take a laid-back, casual approach to the video, and repeat the same action for nearly a minute. Hopefully it immediately relaxes you so that you just catch the concept presented in that one video.
izzybeth

BTW I bet your hair always looks great too… ; )
F.A. Moore replied

lol. Oh no, I’m not one of ‘those’.... :))
F.A. Moore replied

Just checking in here because you said you had some questions to post regarding “What is it about Milly”. I think this is a good place for that. Because if you have the question, so will 10 other people who are not speaking up. Thanks for putting your trust in me to give an adequate answer.
izzybeth

Here are a few beginner questions for you.

In your WHAT IS IT ABOUT MILLY piece, I see that the finished piece is 3000×4000 and the ppi is 300. By the way, I adore the piece. She looks like a universal friend. She is so sweet and welcoming. The slightest touch to her eyes makes her face even more captivating… and the flowers are so delicately rendered.

If the dimensions are 3000×4000and 300ppi in the finished piece, and if you used only three images you would have four initial layers, right? I mean eight because you have duplicated the layers to save the original. One layer for each detailed piece and one transparent layer to build on? AND all four layers are 3000×4000 with a 300ppi?

Do you modify each individual image until it is exactly visually what you want, and then bring it into the transparent layer?

I am notorious for being all over the place when I am chatting about things I do not really know. Let’s say on my c-drive I have a ton of images I have taken over the years and want to use several images in a collage.

Or even …

I understand the images were from a place where you can download them on your personal machine and use them, as long as you acknowledge where and who created them.

Does the ppi represent the quality of resolution?
And the 3000×4000 represent how large the image is?
I know these are elementary questions, but I want to make sure I understand.

AND

I have a high school teacher friend who I think mentioned her students download a few images, from say Deviant, then manipulate them and at last (or one of the last things they did) purchase the right to use the image.

So, do you make certain each image you work with the same size (3000×4000 and ppi 300) at the beginning, or do you modify that after you have chosen your images. Is your bottom layer always a transparent layer that represents the size of your desired finished product and you declare it as your figurative table to work on, especially if you may make your image a T-shirt?

I hope the above makes sense. Thanks in advance. Beth
F.A. Moore replied
Let’s talk dimensions.
1. on ”...Milly”, dimensions are square 4000×4000 pixels.
2. 300 ppi means there are 300 pixels per inch That’s the resolution.
3. 300 ppi is fairly high resolution for a digital image, whereas 72 ppi is quite low, but is standard for web resolution. Actually more monitors are now capable of showing 96 ppi. If a program SAVE FOR WEB, it will lower the resolution automatically to either 72 or 96, depending on the program and platform.
4. The program should have a select menu under “image resize”, where you can switch from viewing it in Pixels to Inches (or something else). You can switch that to see.
5. But you can also do a very little math to figure it out. If there are 300 pixels to an inch and you have 4000 pixels, then you want to know how many 300’s are in 4000. i.e., 4000 divided by 300 = 13.3 inches. So this is a small piece: 13.3×13.3 inches at this resolution.
F.A. Moore replied
Moving on to layers.
1. yes, when you add a layer it is always the same size as your “Document”. If you set your document to 5000 wide x 3335 high, then all layers will be that size and initially transparent
2. When you set up the document, I would keep it checked on transparent background, yes. But there is a choice when creating a “new” document.
3. Each stock provider at Deviant Art has different rules, although they are similar. I maintain a stock folder for Deviant Art as a whole. Within that folder I have a separate folder for each da stock artists whose work I might use. Inside their folder I put a text file named “artist.txt”. It simply has a copy/paste of all of their rules. Then I use their folder for the downloads from their site. If I do use one, I might change it’s file color, just so I know that I’ve used it. But that’s not so important. Just sharing the way that I organize. Before using an image I check to make sure that I have permission to use it for a print OFF of DA. Some do not allow it without expressed written permission. I go for that if need be, and in advance, in case they might take a couple of weeks to get back. I also save those permissions. You might take a screen shot of them if you are being very prudent; because ultimately the burden is on us as artists. Then I copy their da website address from their “artist.txt” file in their folder on my system into my description on RB and turn it into a link, as most of them want a link back. To use DA artists, you will also need to set up an account at DA as most require that you’re there and show your work there.
4. Stock resolution varies from 72 to 300 ppi, based on my experience. Try and get the best you can. If there are choices and one is 72 dpi and another 200 dpi, hopefully you like the 200 better. If an image is the main image for your collage, then skip the low res ones and go for the hi res. only. If the object will be very small on your layout, then 72 might be okay.
5. You can grab any image the you paste onto a layer by the corner handles and drag toward the middle to resize it proportionally. Some older programs required you to hold the shift key down to resize proportionally. But this doesn’t seem to be the case much any more. Experiment to see.
6. I personally modify the image INSIDE the document itself. That’s why I lock away the original.
7. With filters, you can actually duplicate a layer again and keep changing the filter until you see an effect you like. Once you get one. Save that (meaning save and lock it). Then duplicate and continue experimenting.
8. There are some tools like dodge, burn, smudge that you will need to use directly on the layer. So make sure before using those that you save back the last copy of that layer that you liked before smudging it, or dodging or burning it.
I am concerned you’re getting into a lot of reading again. Maybe it’s better if I cover these basics in another visual/audio tutorial. Things like bringing an image into a layer, resizing it, etc. maybe…?
izzybeth

Oh, and I have seen several very talented artists on the bubble, including you, who have done a little suggestive selling by somehow placing their specific art on some type of template that looks like a location at someone’s house. For example, your MILLY is located above a rustic desk on a gorgeously tiled room.
F.A. Moore replied

I purchased a package at one of the stock places that seemed to have some good “interior” stock, as I call it. And then went shopping through their catalog, searching for stock that might work for me. I searched for days and only found about 2 or 3 truly free interior shots that were decent; and that’s not enough. So I broke down and purchased the license for web use.

You can purchase stock for commercial use and for prints, mugs, calendars, etc.; but it’s a lot more expensive, and I don’t do it. Used to in publishing, because I had to. Be sure to check out their terms of use for different licenses.

Search for Royalty free stock and plenty of sites will come up. Then, yes, to finish answering your question, you pop that image in photoshop, add a few blank layers, save as a psd file, and then pop in your framed image, or unframed image and create your own frame. You’ll need to use transform/perspective to match the perspective up to the context of the image. It does add something special, doesn’t it? And these are fun to do. Because you get to see your own art in a setting. With Rain Dance I left it outsized, so it looks like museum size. Wow, it’s inspirational. lol.
izzybeth

thank you Fran, now I need a brain break… nap time… I will be back… thank you thank you thank you
coppertrees

Great stuff Frannie thanks for sharing
Isa Rodriguez

again.. I am so happy you placed this up .. so helpful.. the work sure looks finished and beautiful in the frame.. referring to “milly”.. I need to see the part where you select with the lasso . something I cant do . every time I grab something with it , it runs away on me.. what am I doing wrong?..lol.. this is like so hard for me, and I am so wondering what I am missing.. he he.. do you have one where you go super slow.. he he. ill go watch it again. i love to watch your videos
F.A. Moore replied

Oh, okay, the trick is you have to END very close to where you START with the lasso. PS/E is forgiving, so it doesn’t need to be exact, but very close.

If your hand is not steady, you can take little sections at a time. The second section on out, you would use shift+ lasso to ADD those sections to the first. That’s the easiest way to grab large or intricate areas.

Isa, You can see in the vid, where I get a little wild with it on the left side, going up the chair. But then I “correct” it with either shift+ lasso (to add a little to the section), or option+lasso / windows = alt + lasso (I believe) (to substract a little from it).

When you shift+ lasso, the Lasso will gain a little “” sign by it. When you option lasso (or Alt + lasso for windows), the Lasso will gain a little ”-” sign by it. Those let you visually see that you are going in the right direction.
robpixaday

Frannie! That’s supercool!!!!!!!! Very clear…..WOW!!!! MANY thanks for doing this!!!!!
(btw your Photoshop Elements window looks different from mine)
F.A. Moore replied

It does? Do you have 6.0 for Mac?
steppeland

Thanks a lot, Fran! Very helpful tuts – will love watching them and am sure I will pick up some great hints on how to do things – Thanks for the work and time put into this. Much appreciated!
F.A. Moore replied

Good deal; hope they are of some help.
robpixaday

No, I have PSE 3. :(

It came along with my printer a couple of years ago. I tried using PSE 4 but I don’t think it likes Tiger 10.4.11 since it crashes each time I click on it to open. It came with my camera…
F.A. Moore replied

Okay, well, as you know, my last version was PSE 1.0. And while this is a very different interface, not much else has changed.
Junior Mclean

Hey, you forgot the one source for all questions guys, experts exchange, you want tutorials they have it, I used to be with them for a time but left to start my own business.

The tutorials are good though.
F.A. Moore

BTW, the last 6 comments are in response to my latest video upload on

how to show your framed art in a virtual office or room.

The video tutorial (under 5 minutes) was a response to issybeth’s question as to how to do that.
Isa Rodriguez

you are too kind to answer my question frannie. you really are so helpful. I am going to do this. I am really excited now, I have been needing this . thanks ..shift +lasso . those little things are exactly what I need. :)))
Liane Pinel

Oh I am happy hopping…thanks so much! Fav’ed so I can keep learning with you…thank you again!
Karen Tillotson

Awesome…great tutorials…thank you.
Kymie

You are the best, you have no idea (or actually probably do due to the responses) how much “we” appreciate you taking the time to do this…awesome Thank you
F.A. Moore replied

This gets a lot of favorites and views, so I hope it’s helpful to someone. Thanks for taking the time out to let me now.
Linda Gregory

Frannie, you are amazing. Your wish to give to other people is overwhelming. This is a wonderful posting which I’ve passed on to several RB members who are just getting into the PS thing. Thank you so much!
F.A. Moore replied

Super Linda. I figure this latest one might be in demand, but I don’t know really. At least it’s here if someone wonders about how to get your art in those “little rooms”.
ega39

Thanks so much I always want to learn about this
F.A. Moore replied

Terrific, post any questions here.
Joanne Bradley

This is a crazy brilliant idea! Or as the would say in New England: Wicked awesome! Definitely a favourite for me, maybe finally I can learn a little something about photoshop!
F.A. Moore replied

Good! glad if it helps, Joanne
amko

Thanks so much for your time and generosity of spirit for sharing!
F.A. Moore replied

You’re very welcome!
Jayne Le Mee

I know I haven’t even scratched the surface of Photoshop’s capabilities and these tutorials are a great place to get started. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this and for sharing. Favourited…and have no doubt, I’ll be baaaack! ;)
F.A. Moore replied

The key to learning is DOing. My suggestion is to start a smallish but fun project that you really want to do. And then when it requires any of the techniques shown in the videos, watch and then emulate in your own project. Since these are only 4-5 minutes a piece, they won’t interrupt your creative energy flow much at all.
lianne

I am a total klutz when it comes to Photoshop – not even having a clue how to create even one layer above another so every single bit of help that I can get is golden. Thank you so much for this – a time consuming but so generous thing to do!
F.A. Moore replied

What version of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements do you have, and is it for Windows or Mac?
lianne

I’m using Elements 6 for Windows Frannie – and can manage a few basic editing kinds of things – lol – but layers just has me stumped for some reason – and cutting objects out of one image to put in another. I had thought about getting Elements 7 but thought I’d wait until I get both a new computer and learn how to do the basic things! Thanks for doing this wonderful project!
F.A. Moore replied

When you open your PS, do you see a layers palette…suspended on the PS canvas (right or left of the canvas)?
F.A. Moore replied

I can’t speak for Windows, but I can tell you, after a dozen or so years, I just upgraded from version 1.0 to the latest for the Mac, and they are virtually the same! Don’t waste your money on an upgrade unless you know for sure it has something you can’t live without.
lianne

I don’t think it opens that way but I believe I can set it to open a layers palette. There are boxes to the right (perhaps that’s what you mean – which just goes to show you how illiterate I am about PS) to indicate various layers and to allow for merging or flattening (though I must say I think I’ve managed that exactly once since I’ve had it and can’t for the life of me remember how I did it – lol) I’ll take your advice on the upgrade however – thank you!