In the Graphics panel, choose from the category menu (for example, By Event or By Activity), and choose a subcategory (for example, Baby or Cooking).
Last updated on
18 November 2018
Using the Effects panel
The Effects panel provides a single location from which you can apply photo effects. By default, the Effects panel is located on the taskbar in Quick and Expert mode. It displays thumbnail examples of the artwork or effects that you can add or apply to an image. Most sections offer a menu of category options and corresponding subcategories.
Using the Graphics panel
The Graphics panel provides a single location from which you can apply artwork, theme decorations, and text styles to your images. To show the Graphics panel, choose Window > Graphics.
In the Graphics panel, the following sections provide various items that can enhance your images. For example, you can select from varieties of frames, backgrounds, graphics, shapes, and text. Under each tab, a drop-down helps in choosing the right frames, backgrounds, graphics, shapes, or text to reproduce.
Each section displays thumbnail examples of the artwork or effects that you can add or apply to an image. Most sections offer a menu of category options and corresponding subcategories.
Add stylized shapes or graphics to an image
When you add a shape or graphic to an image, the shape or graphic is a new layer and does not affect the original image.
In the toolbox, choose a color for the shape.
Do one of the following:
Double-click a thumbnail.
Drag the thumbnail to the image.
Use the Move tool 
to
relocate or resize the shape or graphic.
to
relocate or resize the shape or graphic.
Add an artistic background to an image
When you add an artistic background to an image, you replace the existing background layer. For example, you could use the selection tools to create a layer separating your family members from a kitchen background, and then replace the kitchen with a nature background.
If your image has only a background layer, select
it, and choose Layer > Duplicate Layer. Name the layer
and click OK.
Select the Background layer in the Layers panel.
In the Graphics panel, select Backgrounds from the drop-down.
Do one of the following:
Double-click a thumbnail.
Drag the thumbnail to the image.
Add a frame or theme to an image
When you add a frame or theme to a photo project, frames appear with a blank (gray) area for the image. Click and drag an image from the Photo Bin to the blank area.
In the Graphics panel, choose Frames from the
drop-down menu.
Do one of the following:
Select a thumbnail and click Apply.
Double-click a thumbnail.
Drag the thumbnail to the blank background.
Drag the desired image from the Photo Bin to the frame.
Use the slider to resize the image in the frame or theme
border, then click the Commit icon 
to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon 
.
to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
Use the Move tool to center the image, then click the
Commit icon to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
About photo effects
Photo effects let you quickly create different looks for your images. In the Effects panel, choose one of the subcategories, such as Faded Photo, Panels, Monotone Color, Textures, or Vintage Photo.
Frame
Apply a variety of effects to the edges of a selected layer, or to a portion of a layer. A frame also creates a drop zone where you can add or change the contents easily.
Image Effects
Apply effects to a copy of a selected layer. Adding the Blizzard effect to an image makes it look like snow is falling. The Neon Glow effect turns the image into a dramatic neon picture. You can use Image effects, such as Oil Pastel or Soft Focus, to soften colors or blur an image. You can also combine Image effects, but you may be prompted to flatten layers first.
Textures
Apply texture layers to an image. You can add texture to a new, blank image as a background, or add a texture to an existing image. By arranging layers, and working with opacity and other layer tools, you can create interesting and attractive images.
Note
Many photo effects apply filters with modified values.
Apply an effect
Note
If you want to experiment with an effect, modify a duplicate layer and preserve the original image.
Do
one of the following:
To apply an effect to an entire layer, deselect any selected areas in the image, and then select the layer in the Layers panel.
To apply an effect to a portion of a layer, use any selection tool to select the area.
To apply an effect to text, select or create text, and use any text effect from the Graphics panel.
In the Effects panel, choose a category of photo effects,
and do one of the following:
Double-click an effect.
Drag an effect to the image.
Select an effect, and click Apply.
Note
In some cases, when applying an effect to an image with multiple layers, you are prompted to flatten the image first.
Add stylized text to an image
When you add text to an image, a text layer is added, so you can modify the text without affecting the original image.
In the Graphics panel, select Text from the drop-down,
and then do one of the following:
Select a thumbnail, and click Apply.
Double-click a thumbnail.
Drag a thumbnail to the image.
A text frame appears over the image and the Text tool
becomes active. Type in the new text.
When you have finished changing the text, either click the Commit icon to apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
Use the Move tool to relocate or resize the text frame.
(Optional) Add color to the text using the pop‑up Color
panel in the options bar.
When you finish adjusting the text, either click the
Commit icon to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
to
apply the change, or click the Cancel icon .
(Optional) To experiment with different text effects,
drag a different thumbnail over the text frame.
Add graphics or effects to Favorites
When you see a graphic or effect that you would like to quickly access in the future, add it to the Favorites section of the Effects panel.
In the Effects or Graphics panel, right-click the thumbnail and choose Add To Favorites.
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