Frames in PS

[NancyA]

I'm trying to create a frame in PS.  I googled and found these instructions so I am assuming it is possible but it isn't working. I can create the frame but can't get it to convert to a shape.  When I  right click shape layer created with frame tool there is no option to "convert to frame" therefore no width or height.  I also attached a screenshot showing the frame and what it looks like in layers panel and one showing what I get when I right click.  Hopefully I am just clicking on the wrong thing.

Thanks!

Create frames with the Frame Tool

1. Select the Frame Tool  from the Tools panel or press 'K'.
2. In the Tool options bar, choose a rectangular frame  or an elliptical frame .
3. Draw a new frame on the canvas.

Convert any shape or text to a frame

1. In the Layers panel, right-click (Win) / Control-click (Mac) a text layer or a shape layer and choose Convert To Frame from the context-menu.
2. In the New Frame dialog, enter a Name and set a specific Width and Height for the frame. 
3. Click OK.

 

 

[Damien Symonds]

I'm so sorry, this is beyond my knowledge.

What do you intend your frame to look like?

[NancyA]

I figured out a method.  I think the above doesn't work because an image isn't a "shape".  Instead I used a drop shadow in FX and it is working.  I just want to put a tiny frame around each/some of the pictures in my photo book in PS.  I have spreads with 2-8 pictures per  spread and want frames on each picture not the whole spread as 1.  Make sense?  These are not totally sharp on outside edge but think they are ok unless you have a better method.

[Damien Symonds]

I would have suggested Fx too.  Not drop shadows, I would have suggested Stroke, but whatever works for you.

[NancyA]

I thought I tried stroke first but I failed to find the "outside".  I believe it makes a sharper edge than the drop shadows so will use stroke.  I can't tell a difference in multiply & darken in this case.  What blend mode do you suggest?  Thanks!  I prefer the stroke!

[Damien Symonds]

Is a blend mode necessary at all?  What's wrong with Normal?

[NancyA]

Normal works.  I was using an example and it had multiple.  I played with darken but not normal but all 3 seem the same.  Thanks again!  

[Damien Symonds]

Yes, because it's black.

[NancyA]

I'll play with it but are you saying if I use a color other than black (which I may do on some) I will need to use a different blend mode?

[Damien Symonds]

No, I'm just saying that blend modes don't really affect black.

[NancyA]

Is there a way to make the corners square or should I be happy with curved?

[Damien Symonds]

Set the stroke to "Inside".

[NancyA]

Still curved.  Left inside, right outside

[Damien Symonds]

May I see a whole screenshot?

[NancyA]

I thought I sent a screen shot but not sure where it went.  Top is inside at 30, the bottom is outside at 30

[Damien Symonds]

No, really, a WHOLE screenshot.  Layers panel and everything.

[NancyA]

Oops!

[NancyA]

Double oops.  I had changed them back to the same.  Here is the one.  top left inside other 2 outside

[Damien Symonds]

It looks like you haven't read this?  https://www.damiensymonds.net/2011/12/simple-storyboard-tutorial-part-2.html

[NancyA]

No I had not seen it.  Thanks!

[Damien Symonds]

You should read all of them, actually.  https://www.damiensymonds.net/tut_collage.html

[NancyA]

Sigh.  Wish I had found this earlier.  I have 90 pages done so not redoing them but will on the remaining pages.  Back to why my corners aren't square like yours.  Can you screen shot me your "border & drop shadow settings"?  I presume the same settings should work whether I have each image on its own layer or 3 images on 1.  This is my stroke settings.

And yes, I was going to go back and find the first it referred to.  Thanks for link.  Maybe I'll get my answer in that tutorial?

 

[Damien Symonds]

You have to turn off the Drop Shadow.  Just use the Stroke.

[Damien Symonds]

[NancyA]

Bingo!  But you stated in your tut that you used both and yours are square.  Am I assuming that was a "general" statement either/or??