1. Open PSE4 editor and choose File>New>Blank File
A dialogue box will open and you need to select the size page you will be making, make sure the resolution is 300ppi.
2. Open the photo or photos you want to use File>Open. Then tile the images so you can see the photo and your new document in the workspace. (Button with 4 squares in top right hand corner or Window>Images>Tile). Make sure the move tool is selected ( or the keyboard shortcut is V)
Click on your photo and drag it onto your layout. Your photo will now be on top of the background as a separate layer.
3. Maximise your layout then you are ready to resize and position your photo. The photo can be dragged around the layout. Use the bars to resize. Make sure you keep the aspect ratio the same (check in the top toolbar, click on the chain to maintain the aspect ratio.) When you are happy click the green tick.
4. So now you need to decide on a background. Once you have selected a coordinating paper open it and drag it onto your layout in the same way as the photo. The paper will be on top of the photo. In the layers pallette (bottom right) click on the paper layer and drag it down the list of layers below the photo.
5. If you wish you can make a matt for your photo using a contrasting paper. Open up the paper and drag it onto your layout. Then you need to cut it into a square. There are a few different ways to do this but an easy way is to use the rectangular marquee tool to select a square of paper.
Then Edit>Copy and Edit>Paste. Then select the layer with the full size paper and Layer>Delete.
6. Next you will want to add a title. Make sure the text tool is selected. In the top tool bar select the font you wish to use, the size and colour.
Click on your layout where you want your title and type. When you are happy click on the green tick. Text can be moved and resized in the same way as your photo or you can edit the text if your have the type tool selected.
7. Next you might want to add some journalling. Select the type tool and this time click and drag the mouse to form a text box. You can then type your journalling in the box. The size of the box can be changed at anytime by dragging the handles.
8. Now you can embellish your layout with some fun elements. Open and drag them onto your layout in the same way as your photo.
9. For a more realistic touch you may want to add some shadows to your layers. Make sure the layer you want to add a shadow to is selected. On the right hand side of the screen is the style and effects pallette. Select Layer Styles. Drop shadows. Then Low.
Your element will now be shadowed. The shadow can be refined by going to Layer>Layer Styles>Style Settings. Change the shadow distance to give a more realistic look. This will vary according to the element.
Creating a Layout from Scratch (PSE4)
or Window>Images>Tile). Make sure the move tool is selected ( 
or the keyboard shortcut is V) 
to select a square of paper. 
is selected. In the top tool bar select the font you wish to use, the size and colour. 
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