The past two week we’ve been working with text. In last week’s “Puffy Words” post in particular I found myself using one of my favorite keyboard hacks and wondered why I never shared it with you before. Have you ever been working on a layout with multiple text layers and find yourself running into weird text hijinks? It used to happen to me a lot before I discovered that simple keyboard hack.

So, what exactly do I mean by text hijinks? That’s just another surprise from Photoshop Elements (PSE). This happens when I already have multiple text layers and try to add another. As soon as I select the Type tool in an attempt to add another text layer PSE graciously opens one of the existing text layers for editing. If this has happened to you, I know you know how frustrating this can be. I admit I used to shout WHY??? (literally out loud) every time it happened.

Well, here’s the why. PSE opens an existing text layer when selecting the Type tool because the tool is purposely designed to automatically detect and select the nearest text layer, or it is interacting with a “ghost” or previously created, nearly invisible, blank text layer. It can also happen if a text layer is active in the Layers Panel. At least that’s the common excuse for these annoying hijinks!

And here’s how to stop the hijinks…

Shift + Type Tool

This is so simple…just hold down the Shift key while clicking on the Type tool to force PSE to create a new text layer instead of selecting an old one.

Now, don’t expect too much from PSE here…it will still open the Type tool with whatever font and other settings were used last!

So, if you’ve ever run into these pesky hijinks this is a simple “key” addition to make a habit of using. Great things are the results of good habits. Especially for a seasoned scrapbooker. I know it’s one habit I’m glad is part of my normal routine!

No Other Tips

But here’s a creative thought for your day…

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. – Charles Mingus

Thanks for reading this week’s Tuesday Tip. Remember, if you have any suggestions or questions please don’t hesitate to “Message Me“. Check back next week for some fresh tips about recoloring. Click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!