I want to create a flyer with a Word document in the fore ground and a scaned photo in the background. Anyone with some info on how to import a MS Word document into photo shop elements that can be used that way?
I hope someone will come up with an answer, but I haven’t had good luck with this. Elements doesn’t retain the formatting when I’ve tried it, which means I’ve had better luck just adding text in multiple layers. I understand the newer versions of Word will allow you to bring an image in and move it to the back, so you can place text over the top. If anyone knows how to do this, I’d like to know how, too, and I’d also like to know which versions of Word allow this. Mine is old – Word 98.
If you’re using a Mac running OS X just save the Word document as a PDF from the Print dialog box. If you’re using Windows you just need to find a utility or program that’ll do the same thing. If you can get your document into PDF format then you’re all set. Elements handles PDF’s no problem.
In Word 2002 (OfficeXP) you can insert a picture as a watermark image by going to Format>Background>Printed Watermark. There are several choices once you are there.
It’s probably easier to make the image in Elements, save it and then import it into Word to use for a brochure or other document.
We must have been posting at the same time. Have you tried using a PDF like I just described? I’ve used it a few times and it works well because the PDF does retain the formating.
Happy Day After Thanksgiving Joe! No, my version of Word doesn’t have that option. Looks like it’s time to order Office X, which I’ve been planning to do anyway. Thank you!
Beth and Ron, Word 2000 will allow you to put a picture in the background for a Web page; however, it won’t print that way. I’m still looking at how it can be done. One way to do the project Ron has is to open the picture in Elements, add the words in one or more Type layers, flatten the final image and save it, then Insert it into a Word document. Still looking for a better alternative…
Beth, the pdf thing doesn’t have anything to do with specific programs-it’s an option in the print dialog in X. In early versions of X you go to Output Options in the little pulldown menu where it says "pages and copies" by default. You can save any document in X as a pdf–that’s how all X fax programs work, BTW–they make a pdf and send that.
I don’t think Beth can save as a PDF because she’s using a Classic version of Office (98 or 2001). You don’t get that option in Classic print dialog boxes do you?
Beth,
Happy Turkey Day to you too! Sorry, I forgot you were using a pre OS X version of Office. My Bad! 😉
Chuck,
Have you tried using a PDF as a text layer? It works slick.
Just an addendum to my earlier post. Word offers the option of using a "washout" on the watermarked picture. Not using this choice gives you a stronger image but still not as bright as if it were a plain image file.
No, I don’t have it yet, Barbara. Joe is right, and I’m still doing all of my word processing in OS 9. I started to buy Office X a while back but never got it ordered. Which is probably just as well, because I would have gotten the Pro version and then had a useless copy of VPC when the day comes I move to Panther. This way I can at least save a little money. 🙂
The really sad thing is that it’s been so long since I’ve booted into 9 or had to use a classic app that I couldn’t remember if there was a way to use OS X’s built in PDF print option from within Classic. I must be getting old. 😉
It’s not sad if you’re got all the software you need Joe! I don’t use Jaguar too much, because on my computer it still isn’t as fast and smooth as 9.1, and I still don’t have a couple of critical apps that will run natively in X. I’ve got that old B&W, remember? It has only a 550 processor, and even with a gig of RAM Jaguar is still choppy for some tasks. I’m glad I did the upgrade, because I was having a lot of misgivings about moving to a new computer that will run only in OS X. I’m comfortable with it now, so $$$ is the only thing standing between me and that G5 dual. 🙂
Ron, I have Word 2002 on my computer. You can get a picture file in to Word and have it appear behind text, for example: 1. Open picture in PE, Select>all, Edit>copy 2. Open new document in Word, Edit>Paste special. In window that comes up select "Picture." This will paste picture into document 3. Double click on picture to bring up format options, such as position behind text, in front of text, etc. Can position picture on specific portion of page with a click, move it, resize it, etc. Let us know how you make out. Ken
Hey, Beth, Apple just came out with a dual 1.8 that’s significantly cheaper than the dual 2.0. Of course, if you wait ’til after MacWorld they’ll probably have next generation G5’s right around the corner.
Joe, that was a brilliant idea for using a PDF as the background!
If Ron’s using Windows, then Dick’s or Ken’s suggestions will work.
That dual 1.8 is exactly what I have my eye on Lou! I spotted it within minutes of introduction, and my husband had to tie my hands behind my back as he reminded me I swore to wait for the second generation. Except that WAS before they added dual 1.8. I did hear some of the G5s have a noise problem that I’m hoping will be ironed out in Rev B. I’m trying to be strong!
Ken, I can’t get the text to sit on top of the picture, even when telling it to Send Behind Text; wherever I try to move the picture, the text moves away from it. Wonder if that’s something that’s been improved in Word 2002 (I have 2000)
I’m really using him as my excuse, because I did tell him not to let me cave in. If you’ll remember back a year ago, I had some extra challenges to overcome when I was upgrading this computer because it was a first generation. The bugs got ironed out when they introduced Rev B , but I’ve had to live with them. I’m determined to try and avoid that this time. I hope.
And your argument that the dual 1.8 is second generation only holds water if you ignore the fact Apple didn’t make any changes besides adding a second processor. I’m too smart to fall for that one. Although, so far, the only complaint I’ve heard about the G5s has to do with noise, and I think it’s only the dual 2.0s. That isn’t bad for a totally rebuilt line.
Ronald try this, I am using XP Home Convert your Word.doc to pdf > open this doc in Elements, I have a lot of pdf doc files so I opened a saved one. Make a duplicate layer and color it white > move it below the pdf doc > Flatten > Select all > Copy. Open Elements photo > Open a blank layer > paste. hth Ben T
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I want to create a flyer with a Word document in the fore ground and a
scaned photo in the background. Anyone with some info on how to import a MS Word document into photo shop elements that can be used that way?
Ronald try this, I am using XP Home Convert your Word.doc to pdf > open this doc in Elements, I have a lot of pdf doc files so I opened a saved one. Make a duplicate layer and color it white > move it below the pdf doc > Flatten > Select all > Copy. Open Elements photo > Open a blank layer > paste. hth Ben T
Chuck I don’t know. I have full Acrobat writer because I need it in my part time job. When writer is installed it places convenient icons to make the process easy. If one doesn’t need the writer I can see that it won’t be worth the expense for an occasional project. somewhere arond $150.00. Sorry ’bout dat. Ben T
Thanks to everybody who offered information on how to solve my problem. I used Office Xp Word which allows you to put a "watermark" behind the text of your document, you can use a picture or text. Problem solved!!!
Ron, To get your Word document into your PE2 creation, open your document in Word, press the PrtSc button (you may also have to press shift at the same time). Open your PE2 creation, activate the appropriate layer and then edit/paste and there you are. Sorry I didn’t reply earlier, I just tuned in. This works with my WXP and laptop computer. I can’t see why the version of Word would be relevant. John
FYI, I was working on a project not long ago where I had to create PDF’s in Windows. I found a $40 utility that would do just that (basically a print driver) without requiring you to buy the full version of Acrobat. If anyone is interested let me know and I’ll post the pertinent info.
Chuck, My version of Word does allow me to place picture behind text by steps outlined. I can also use the watermark technique, but then the picture looks faded. I tried watermark text and that looks ok for a background admonition such as "condidential." Ken
About 2 months ago I downloaded I downloaded a free PDF driver. When you use it, an advertising browser ‘pops up’. You can get rid of this by purchasing an advanced package, but it is a very minor annoyance.
Sorry, I forgot to post this last night. I was tired and well, I get forgetful when I’m tired. Anyway, here’s a link to PDF Factory <http://www.pdffactory.com>. It’s actually $49 instead of the previously mentioned $40. There I go getting forgetful again! 😉
It worked pretty good for the project I was working on and it beats having to buy $200 Acrobat.
Hi, Ken: I believe I found out how it can be done in my version of Word also; I can switch from Watermark to a regular picture view and still maintain the text-over-picture. I figured out with help here yesterday….now can I still remember it today?? 🙂
A few months ago I downloaded a free PDF driver. When you use it, an advertising browser ‘pops up’. You can get rid of this by purchasing an advanced package, but it is a very minor annoyance.
