Okay, I have figured out how to change colors on elements or backgrounds using the hue and saturation mode (by the way I use photoshop 7), but I can't figure out how to get the color to be the same as my other elements. I tried using the colorizer (not sure if I have the name right as I am at work right now) mode, but it changed the whole element's color and didn't leave any of the highlighting or shading, which is what made the item realistic looking and I can't, right now, create that effect appropriately. So my question is, how do I change the color of an element or background to be the exact color I am looking for and still be able to keep the shading and highlighting? Is there any way to do this or am I just hoping?

Shawnery

Look in the Image-Adjustment menu for Match Color. I use CS, so I'm not sure if it's in 7 or not. I open the paper I want to match and the element to use. Make sure the element is the active image. At the bottom of the match color window, there is a spot for Source. Select the paper you want it to match and it'll update your element with that color. See if that's what you're looking for, I've used it a lot.
Daisy

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Daisy

I saw this handy trick Daisy and had to try it, but it didn't work for me (I'm using CS too). Does it have to be a pretty plain paper without much detail. I selected the paper as the source (it was a light green paper with pink polkadots) and used a red fiber as the element to change (it was the active layer). I notice that if you play with the sliders it alters it some with the luminosity slider, but nothing else. If you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Shawnery, I've always used Image - Adjust - Hue/Saturation and then clicked on the colorize box at the bottom and then play with the sliders, but never have been too satisfied with that. It does work though. Just make sure the color you want is your foreground color first (in the two boxes at the bottom of your toolbox). Hope that helps.

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I haven't had a chance to try your trick Daisy, but I will try it tonight. I always do what Amy does, but I usually can't get the perfect color I want. I saw there was a way to do it when I was flipping through a how to book once, but when I got home I had forgotten so maybe I need to go back to the bookstore and take another gander with a notebook

Now that I read the responses to my idea, I remember that it didn't always work the right way! I've usually had success with it, but maybe my paper was without much detail, like you mentioned. Most of the elements I've recolored were circular or square, so maybe it was just a coincidence! I dunno, maybe someone else will have a better idea, I'm sorry I couldn't be much help!
Daisy

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Daisy

Ever since I "discovered" match colour, I have gone nuts with it. It may not work absolutely every time but it is amazing. Stick with it and try a few different things. I have never had such a great way to do monochrome layouts and I find I am using it at least two or three times in every recent layout I have done. In fact, it is making me darn right lazy. Not every thing will work but a surprising number of things do. Remember, too, that you can pick a specific layer from any image. I never use the sliders--just pick a layer and see what happens. It is fun.

The match color choice isn't there in photoshop 7 , but I used the colorizer option rather than just the hue and saturation and that worked a little better than just using hue/saturation, but it would be nice to be able to match the color exactly.
Thanks for your help.

Shawnery