Lightroom and this Pretext box when Making a Signature: I just downloaded Lightroom 5.3, 64 bit, from the Adobe website on a 30 day free trial. I'm enjoying the program. TWO questions:...

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

I just downloaded Lightroom 5.3, 64 bit, from the Adobe website on a 30 day free trial. I'm enjoying the program. TWO questions: Do you think its worth the small investment? I have a friend who has PS7 who said I can have it, but I'm getting comfortable with LR5. Your thoughts on which is best? Also, on LR5, when I go to make my signature mark on photos and click "Save", this pretext window always pops up and its beginning to get annoying because I don't know what it means. Can someone explain that for me? Much appreciated.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

RichardJohn wrote:

I just downloaded Lightroom 5.3, 64 bit, from the ... (show quote)

LR5 and PS7 are two completely different pieces of software. PS7 cannot do most of the things that LR can do, but PS7 can do a great deal that LR cannot. The two programs will work together very well.

There are several members still using PS7 and I do use it occasionally.

Watermarking in LR is limited, in PS7 is not.

If you can describe more fully the message you are getting in LR - watermarking, I am sure we can help.

I have just noticed that you joined up with us today - so welcome to UHH.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

As you get to know Lightroom, and to understand its little foibles, I would be surprised if you did not like it.

We have several tutorials on LR4 but they still apply to LR5 and can be found in the Post Processing section:

Use this link to come in and have a look round: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-116-1.html
Use this link to go straight to the Tutorials and Tips index page: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-156310-1.html
Use this link to go straight to the Free Software Index: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-168252-1.html
To subscribe to the Post-Processing Digital Images section, click this link http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/
Click on "All Sections" and scroll to the second-to-last item: Post-Processing Digital Images and click to subscribe in the appropriate box.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Welcome to The Hog. Yes, LR 5.3 is definitely worth the investment. I'm assuming your friend has Photoshop Elements 7, rather than Photoshop 7? IF so, PSE-7 is greatly outdated. Personally, I use LR 5.3 with PSE-12. LR does 85-90% of what I need but occasionally, I need to do something that PSE will do better than LR, or that LR can't do.

As for your "signature mark" you can create a Watermark option that should eliminate the pretext pop-up. It adds your watermark automatically during the export process. http://www.lightroom101.com/learn/watermark/

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

Thanks Searcher! That's helpful.

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

The message is the "New Preset? box says: Preset Name: Untitled Preset. then in red it says "Name is already in use", so I have to create a new preset name. I suppose if I use prior presets the "name is already in use" wont appear. It appears anytime I alter the watermark, its asking for a new preset. Makes sense now. Thanks.

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

Thanks Frank, I'll check out the link you provided. Also I've actually been a member for several days now. Not sure why it says I started today. Must be a default "preset" ;-)

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

RichardJohn wrote:

The message is the "New Preset? box says: Preset Name: Untitled Preset. then in red it says "Name is already in use", so I have to create a new preset name. I suppose if I use prior presets the "name is already in use" wont appear. It appears anytime I alter the watermark, its asking for a new preset. Makes sense now. Thanks.

When you make your change are you clicking "done" in lower right of the watermark dialog? If so, try clicking the dropdown arrow at top left instead and choose "update preset" unless you're wanting to add a new preset. Took me a while to figure that out, as I thought I had to keep creating a new one every time. Hope this helps

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

Helps enormously, thanks!!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Sorry, I can't help you with that little box issue. I did use LR5 for a while ( 30day trial), and while I liked the program, I could never pry myself loose of photoshop, if I had to choose. Anyway, I much prefer bridge over LR.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

I don't know what your budget is like. You can get a membership with adobe for 9.99/month. You get lightroom and photoshop, fonts and other apps. It is continually being updated so you will never find yourself out of date.

Yes, you do need a post processing application.

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

Mark, I'm confused. Why would I need a post processing app if Adobe gives you photoshop and lightroom for the $9.99?

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

No, the $9.99/mo includes all of the applications. You get Lightroom and Photoshop and others as well. You get the subscription by calling Adobe direct. They charge you $9.99/month each month. You have to sign up for at least a year. They send you a link. And you download the applications. It could not be easier.

I teach Photoshop at the college level and this is a great way to get into post processing.

RichardJohn Loc: Huntington Beach, CA

Cool. Then I will have lots of questions for you Mark. LOL

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mark7829 wrote:

No, the $9.99/mo includes all of the applications. You get Lightroom and Photoshop and others as well. You get the subscription by calling Adobe direct. They charge you $9.99/month each month. You have to sign up for at least a year. They send you a link. And you download the applications. It could not be easier.

I teach Photoshop at the college level and this is a great way to get into post processing.

Too bad that $9.99 offer is only good for customers who own a previous commercial version of Photoshop or Photoshop Extended, version CS3 or later (CS3.x, CS4, CS5.x, or CS6), as a stand-alone product or as part of a suite edition. I called Adobe to be sure this was correct as stated on their website, and was assured that the offer is only good if you have PS CS3 or later as a stand alone or part of a suite edition. If there's been a change, I'd jump on it.
http://creative.adobe.com/plans/offer/photoshop+lightroom