Lainy

I'm very embarrassed that I have to even ask this question. ;\

But I would simply like to know how to add a border or mat (I don't know what you would call it.) and maybe change the colour of it.

I didn't use photo shop to do this and it totally distorted my photo all the clean lines got jagged.

http://www.deviantart.com/view/5151339/

I am a total beginner at using Photoshop and I would love to use it with confidence.

bigcloud

There are a lot of ways to do this. This is my preference.

-Create a new layer above the image.

-Select All.

-Edit-> Stroke.

-Define your width, color (defaults to your forecolor), and location (choose INSIDE for this border). Keep the blending mode normal.

-Now you'll have a border on a seperate layer. If you need to change the color of it, it's a simple Hue/Saturation adjustment.

Good luck!

theKeeper

I'm going to assume you mean a "Matte" not a border.

Add a new layer above your photo.
Select ALL. Then under the EDIT menu choose Stroke. The number you use here will be the width of the matte.
Deselect.

The HUE&SAT filter can now be used if you need to tweak the colour at all.

And that's about it.

To help the effect along, add a small drop shadow ('small' as in the "distance" being only 1-2 pixels).
You may also want to give the inner edge of the matte a little thickness -- a lot of mattes have a bevel to them, and are not just flat pieces of paper/cardboard. The best way to add this type of bevel is to first, duplicate the matte layer. Move the duplicate below the original. Fill the duplicate matte shape with white. Apply the FILTER>Other>Minimum filter set to about 2-3 pixels (= bevel width). Your photo's size will determine this exact number. My sample image here is fairly small.
Apply the "Bevel & Emboss" layer effects filter. Max out the 'Highlight Opacity', and reduce the 'Shadow Opacity' to around 35%. Also, use the "Chisel Hard" bevel type. And max out the "Depth" setting. The bevel width should at least equal the same number you used in the "Minimum" filter -- which is what decided the bevel width.
Also... for a better bevel effect, make sure the "Altitude" of the light source is at 10 degrees.

TIP: you can also apply a texture to this to give it another look. Or use any colour you like for the bevel on the matte. Experiment!

:B

Lainy

Thank you so much and yes I did mean Matte ;\

I love reading through the posts on here you people really know your stuff 8))