{"id":13001,"date":"2026-02-03T00:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/?p=13001"},"modified":"2026-01-31T11:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T16:24:05","slug":"photo-tags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/photo-tags\/","title":{"rendered":"Photo Tags"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I don\u2019t know about you but sometimes I have a lot of photos that I want to include in a single layout. I don\u2019t necessarily need the entirety of each photo, just the primary subject(s). Using photo tags is a fun way to highlight these photos without filling up the entire page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab a few photos and let\u2019s get to work\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Download<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t normally put together an assortment of supplies for a given post. But I wanted to gift you something special today. I have created an assortment of tag shapes and strings along with one piece of kraft paper for your use.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Download<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you click here<\/a><\/strong>, a compressed zip file named \u201cPhotoTagDownload\u201d will automatically download for you. These items should help you follow along fairly easily. If you have any problems with the download please Message Me<\/a><\/strong> and I\u2019ll try to get it straightened out for you as soon as I can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can still use any of your own supplies if you\u2019d prefer. But either way, the download is yours to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build The Tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before I get started here\u2019s a quick reminder. I use Photoshop Elements (PSE) 2024. If you use a different version, some of my screen shots may look different from what you see on your screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to start by opening a 12×12 file with a white base in PSE. Then I drag one of my tags (BasicBlankTag01_YSC) into the file:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Tag<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: Feel free to use any one of the tags included in the download. If you\u2019re using a tag from your stash vs. one from the provided download, be sure to choose a tag large enough to fit the subject of your photo. Try to stick with a simple, mostly rectangular shape for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tag I\u2019m using is a bit small for demonstration purposes so I\u2019m going to zoom in fairly close. This will give me a lot more room to work with. And, you\u2019ll have a better view of things as I move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This black tag isn\u2019t very pretty so it\u2019s time to pull in my kraft paper (BasicKraftPaper_YSC) and clip it to my tag in the Layer\u2019s Panel:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Kraft<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: If you\u2019re not using the download files, feel free to use whatever paper you like. Just pick something that will look nice with your photo(s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before moving on I want to simplify my tag by merging the kraft paper with the black tag:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Merge<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been following me for a while, I know you\u2019re probably shocked that I didn\u2019t duplicate those layers before merging them. I didn\u2019t feel it was necessary in this particular case because I no longer need the black tag as a separate layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not going to fill the tag with my photo. I want to leave some space on the tag both above and below the photo. I know I\u2019ll likely want at least some text below the photo. So, I need to add a clipping mask to the tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clipping Mask<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Marquee<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I can add the clipping mask in a couple different ways. I can use either the Rectangular Shape tool or the Rectangular Marquee Tool to create the desired size\/shape. I\u2019m guessing most people would use the Rectangular Shape tool. So, I\u2019m going to show you how using the Rectangular Marquee Tool can be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the tag layer active in the Layers Panel, I click on the Create a New Layer icon. PSE creates a blank layer named Layer 1 (at least for me). I rename this layer to \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (press M):<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Marquee<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the Tool options, I click on the New Selection icon, set the Feather to 0 and the Aspect to Normal (these seem to be the defaults):<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Marquee<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

On the file, I position my cursor starting outside the left boundary of the tag at the uppermost desired point on the tag. I then drag a selection as tall as desired and outside the right boundary of the tag:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Selection<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I ensure the \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d layer is active in the Layers Panel and that my Foreground\/Background color chips are at the defaults. Then I press Alt+Backspace and PSE fills the selection with black. I then cancel the selection (Esc or Ctrl-D):<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mask<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Clearly, I won\u2019t clip a photo to this clipping mask at that size. That means I now need to re-size it. But I want to easily ensure that it stays at the same height and is precisely the same width as the tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And here\u2019s the best way to do this. With the \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d layer active in the Layers Panel, I Ctrl-Click on the thumbnail of the tag layer to get a selection outline:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Tage<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I then click on the Add Layer Mask icon in the Layers Panel. PSE creates a Layer Mask that is black with a white tag shape:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Layers<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

And my clipping mask\/tag now looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mask<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At this point I can simplify the \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d layer since I really won\u2019t need the Layer Mask for anything later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, exactly how is this better than using the Rectangle Shape Tool? By creating a Marquee selection larger than the tag I can ensure that the clipping mask will cover the full-width of the tag, no matter the shape of the tag. It\u2019s not always easy to create a precise shape with the Rectangle tool without a lot of zooming in and potentially re-sizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yes, truthfully you could do the exact same thing if you create a rectangular shape that is wider than the tag. I just wanted to show you there\u2019s an alternate method!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add Photo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now it\u2019s time to add a photo to the tag. I\u2019m using a photo of a sweet little \u201cvalentine\u201d girl that I found on Pixabay<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Valentine<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: You can use any photo you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d layer still active in the Layers Panel, I pull the photo into my file and clip it to that layer:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Well, that certainly isn\u2019t pretty. But oh, so easy to fix. All I have to do is reposition and\/or re-size the photo until it looks the way I want:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

That\u2019s much better. And since I\u2019m certain I won\u2019t be making any changes to the size\/position of the photo, I\u2019m going to do the exact same thing I did when I created the clipping mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the photo layer active in the Layers Panel, Ctrl-Click on the thumbnail of the \u201cClip Photo Here\u201d layer to get a selection outline. I then click on the Add Layer Mask icon in the Layers Panel. PSE creates a Layer Mask that is black with a white rectangle shape:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Layers<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At this point I can simplify the photo layer since I really won\u2019t need the Layer Mask for anything beyond this point. And if you\u2019ve read my July 2023 post about File Sizes<\/a><\/strong> you know if you\u2019re planning to save your file as a PSD, keeping larger than necessary images isn\u2019t a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now I could go on to add any other embellishments to dress this up a bit more. Sometimes it\u2019s best to wait until I move it to a layout. But since this is an \u201cexample\u201d tag I will dress it up a bit:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Final<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I added a string (from the download provided) along with some word art and a transfer just to give you ideas about how these photo tags can look. I also moved the clipped photo up a bit higher on the tag to leave more room for the word art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: You can add whatever \u201cfastener\u201d and\/or embellishments you choose I just wanted you to see a finished version. You may also want to hold off on adding a long string (like the one on the tag above) or any other fastener until you actually put the tag on a layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For these last few steps, I am going back to the unembellished tag:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Simple<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Since this photo tag is destined for use on a layout rather than being saved as a standalone element, I need to do one thing to make the transition simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: If you\u2019re happy with your tag \u201cas is\u201d nothing says you can\u2019t save it as a PNG file if that would be easier for you than copying\/layers to a new file. It\u2019s really just a matter of personal choice.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Group<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Creating a Group that contains all layers that I want to copy (move) simplifies the process of transferring the layers to my layout. Moving is always easier if I can move a Group vs. numerous \u201cindependent\u201d layers to a different file\/layout. I hope this makes sense!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s group things together\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this particular point my file holds only the unembellished tag and the photo layer is active in the Layers Panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I press and hold the Shift key and click on the \u201ctag\u201d layer. PSE now has three layers active (highlighted):<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"3<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Note<\/strong>: If you\u2019ve already added any embellishments, be sure to include those layers in the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I then click on the Create a New Group icon in the Layers Panel (it looks like a stack of papers). PSE creates the group (with the layers nested inside the group) and names it Group 1. I\u2019m going to rename the group to \u201cValentine Photo Tag\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Group<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Now I can move just this group to my layout and finish my page as planned. I could also save the file as a PSD if I wanted to preserve the current tag should I need to make adjustments or even use it as a template for future tags. Or I could actually just crop the file to the size of the tag and save it as a PNG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And here\u2019s a layout I created using this technique (with different tags and photos). I love how using multiple tags helped highlight each of the children:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Family<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to see more details about this layout you can find it in my 2026 Gallery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Top<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Choosing a good tag is important. Single layer tags with flat edges tend to work the best. The tag can be any shape, color, or pattern. But it is important to avoid skinny tags, tags with raised edges (such as a metal\/plastic rim) or tags with layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel free to experiment with tags that are not mostly rectangular. Most geometric shapes can be used. I\u2019d recommend that you avoid any complex shapes like stars or anything that is \u201ccurvy\u201d. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t try them. They\u2019re just much trickier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you end up using a pre-made tag from your stash that has an angled orientation you can do one of two things. You can change the orientation of the tag so that it is positioned vertically (using a \u201cGrid view\u201d will help with this) before applying your photo clipping mask. Or you can just create the clipping mask and tilt it to match the orientation of the tag. Simply rotate the clipping mask so that it\u2019s parallel with the edge of the tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering about adding a shadow to the photo once it\u2019s on the tag. I prefer not to do this as it makes the photo look lifted off the tag. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t add a shadow if you\u2019d like. I just don\u2019t recommend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to \u201csimplify\u201d your clipping mask shape to the size of the base tag as I did in the steps above. As long as you use a Layer Mask to \u201ccut it\u201d to size, you\u2019ll be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also don\u2019t have to merge your base tag with whatever paper you\u2019re using to create the tag background. Especially if you\u2019re just going to save the tag as a PNG. Suggestion, if you plan to move the tag to a different file it would just be easier not to have a full-sized piece of paper!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And remember\u2026Every creative project is a work of heart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for reading this week\u2019s Tuesday Tip. Remember, if you have any suggestions or questions please don\u2019t hesitate to “Message Me<\/a><\/strong>“. Check back next week for tips about creating glitter patterns. Click \u201cFollow Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Keep<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I don\u2019t know about you but sometimes I have a lot of photos that I want to include in a single layout. I don\u2019t necessarily need the entirety of each photo, just the primary subject(s). Using photo tags is a fun way to highlight these photos without filling up the entire page. Grab a few photos and let\u2019s get to work\u2026 Special Download I don\u2019t normally put together an assortment of supplies for a given post. But I wanted to…<\/p>\n

Read More Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12999,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"0","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tuesday-tip-day"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13001"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13001\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}