FAQ
See the answers to our most frequently asked questions!
ABOUT PHOTOBACKS
What does Photobacks offer?
Photobacks offers an extensive line of creative products and education services to enhance your photos, design and workflow with ease. Our five main types of digital products are: 1) Digital Templates, also known as Photoshop Templates, Photobacks Templates, Digital Frames and Digital Overlays, 2) Digital Backdrops, also known as Digital Backgrounds, Digital Textures, Digital Papers and Digital Overlays, 3) Photoshop Actions, also known as Actions or Photobacks Actions, 4) Video Tutorials, also known as Photoshop Tutorials, Extended Training Tutorials or Webinars and 5) Photoshop Plug-ins to aid in your Photoshop workflow.
Do I need an additional software to use Photobacks digital products?
Yes, to use all of our digital products, you will need to have a third-party software, such as Adobe Photoshop. For more information, please see Software Needed below.
Are all of your digital products available for download or shipped on discs?
All of our digital products can be downloaded immediately after purchase. We no longer offer products on disc. For more information, see Product Delivery and My Photobacks.
Will all of your digital products work with a Windows PC and a Mac?
Yes, all of our digital products are fully compatible and will work on both a Windows PC or a Mac the same.
What if I upgrade my Photoshop to a newer version, or switch to a Mac from a PC, etc?
No problem! You will not need to repurchase your Photobacks products, as all of our products have been designed to work the same with any of our recommended versions of Photoshop software on a Windows PC or Mac. For more information, see Software Needed below.
Where can I find the license and terms of use for Photobacks products?
Please see the following link for detailed information that applies to the usage of all Photobacks products: Photobacks License & Usage Agreement. If you have any further questions on your usage rights, please contact us.
Is shopping online at Photobacks.com 100% safe and secure?
Yes. We want you to know that your security and privacy is extremely important to us. All purchases made at Photobacks.com by credit card or by PayPal are processed securely by industry-leading encryption and fraud prevention tools to make sure your financial information is never divulged or compromised. Should you have any questions about the safety of shopping online with Photobacks, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Will you design something custom for me?
Unfortunately, while we’d love to help, it’s just not what we do, as our team is dedicated to developing the Photobacks line of products and services. Of course, if you have ideas on something you’d like to see us sell, please let us know! We’re always happy to take suggestions and feedback!
SOFTWARE NEEDED
...if I want to use all of your digital products?
To use all of the Photobacks products, you will need any version of Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements software (Windows or Mac).
For best results, we recommend using CC or higher, CS2 or higher, or Elements 11 or higher. We do not sell this software directly, nor are we affiliated with the operation of any other software company or their products. For more information on these softwares, see the following links from Adobe:
While other softwares may recognize Adobe’s .psd file format, we do not recommend the use of or provide support for other softwares (except as noted below for specific Photobacks products).
...if I only want to shoot "green screen" with digital backdrops?
While you do not have to use a green screen (or chroma key) to use our digital backgrounds, shooting against a green screen when possible can be extremely beneficial for digital background extraction and replacement, because the solid green color is so easy for software to recognize and remove. And, while Adobe Photoshop does have some great tools for removing green screen, the following softwares are dedicated to the process and solution, which means they can really save you a lot of time and hassle! Here are our recommendations for your review, and again, we do not sell these softwares directly:
Note, all of our Digital Backgrounds are in the .tif file format and will work with these softwares, however you will still need Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements to use all of our template and action files. Also note, since Photoshop CC, CS and Elements have tools for background removal and replacement of any background, including green screen, purchasing an additional software is not necessary. However, if you plan to shoot a lot of green screen, we definitely recommend enjoying the benefits of a dedicated green screen software.
...if I can't see "thumbnail" sample images of Photobacks files?
When you open a folder with Photobacks templates in Windows (not Mac), you may not see a preview image icon, or thumbnail image, for each of our files, as you would with other image files in thumbnail view. This is due to the .psd file format and its compatibility with the Windows folder environment. However, there are several ways to preview our template files before opening them in Photoshop. One of the best ways is to use a free image viewer software, such as the one you can download at the following link:
You can also preview all of our files by using Adobe Bridge software, included in Adobe Creative Cloud with Photoshop CC, and most likely included with Adobe Photoshop CS. Elements users can also use Elements Organizer as well. Furthermore, Adobe Photoshop CS5 and CS6 users can use Mini Bridge from directly inside of Photoshop.
What about other softwares?
It is possible other softwares can open our files, however at this time, we do not recommend nor support the use of any other softwares with the majority of our products. Other softwares, such as Corel PaintShop Pro, may be able to open some of our files, but they do not offer the tools necessary to manipulate the files as described above and as we’ve designed for best results. In some cases, other softwares can be used in conjunction with the softwares listed above, but you would still need to have one of the softwares above to start.
What if I upgrade Photoshop versions, change from Elements to CC, or switch from PC to Mac, etc?
No problem at all! All of our products are designed to work the same in any of the versions of Photoshop software recommended above, on a Windows PC or Mac. This means, if you upgrade your Photoshop software or change your computer type, you will not need to repurchase our products.
PRINTING / COMPLETED IMAGES
How and where do I print my completed images after using Photobacks?
The good news is, you can print your finished work at any lab you choose! Photobacks provides you with Photoshop Templates, Digital Backgrounds and other image enhancement files to use with your photos and one of our recommended softwares, such as Adobe Photoshop. When you have an image ready for printing, simply save your image as a high quality .jpg file (10-12 quality in Photoshop), and then upload or take that .jpg file to your lab, like you would any other photo. Or, if you print on your own machine, print the .jpg file as you would any other photo.
Can I use Photobacks digital products to enhance photos I want to share online?
Yes! Once you complete an image, you can save it as any appropriate file type and size for sharing or posting online! Share completed images via email, social media, your website, blog, etc!
Can I print your templates, backdrops, etc., at any size, big or small?
Yes, indeed! Of course, we know the question is one of quality and not ability, but our standard files have a high enough resolution that they can be printed beautifully at any size. Sounds like an easy answer, but if you ask your lab and tell them our file specs, we know they’ll say the same thing!
What if the Photobacks file starts at 8x10 but I need to print a different size, like 5x7 or 11x14?
This is really no problem, as it’s just a matter of aspect ratio, like any other photo you print. If an image is 8×10 and you want to print it on a 5×7 canvas, you can do that, but the image will be resized and cropped to fit, as the aspect ratios are different. The same would apply to any two image sizes that have different aspect ratios. This can get confusing, but the good news is, we include extended video tutorials on making sure you know how to print any of our templates and backdrops at any size and get the great results you want! Plus, since all of our Photoshop templates are layered, you can easily reposition or resize any of the layer elements to fit the size canvas you want to print on. Again, we have video tutorials that will show you exactly how to do this, and once you do it once, you won’t worry about it again!
DIGITAL BACKDROPS / BACKGROUNDS
What are digital backdrops?
Digital backdrops, also known as digital backgrounds, digital textures, digital overlays and digital papers, are digital images that can be used in many ways with a third-party software to create amazing image effects. First, they can be used to replace the background of a photo, whether your photo is shot in your living room, a studio or against a green screen / chroma key — in this case, the original background of the digital photo is removed (using the appropriate photo editing software, as noted in Software Needed, and the digital background is put in its place. For professional studio photographers, digital backgrounds can save you a lot of money, as opposed to purchasing multiple muslin backdrops or scenery for your studio. Plus, digital backgrounds can give your clients more options than you ever had before! For example, if a client loved the beach, but you lived 500 miles away from the nearest sand, a digital background could come in quite handy! You can also use digital backdrops as additional design elements or layers in digital templates, or with other digital projects such as digital scrapbooking. In this example, let’s say you love the framework of one Photobacks template, but not the background layer. You could easily switch out this background layer from the template with a different Photobacks digital background from either same package or a different series. Also, digital backgrounds can create amazing image effects and borders for photos by using them as layers and changing their blending modes in Photoshop. For example, take a grunge digital background, place it over your photo in Photoshop, change its blending mode and see the incredible combination the two layers can make! Our video tutorials will show you how to do all of these things! With Photobacks, you can have thousands of digital backgrounds at your disposal, including beautiful studio replications, outstanding scenics, textures, holiday themes and much more!
What's the difference between a Digital Backdrop and a Digital Template?
In comparison to a digital backdrop, a digital template is like a digital picture frame, as opposed to just a background. You place your photo into the frame, but you’re not removing a background or replacing it. Sure, the frame may cover up part of the photo, but the original background of the photo is still there. Note, you can use your digital backgrounds as new backgrounds for your templates as well as for your photos. For more information on digital templates see Digital Templates.
What software do I need to use digital backdrops?
In short, you will need Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements, or if you’re shooting photos with a green screen or chromakey, a dedicated green screen software, such as FXhome PhotoKey, will do the trick. For more detailed information on the appropriate photo editing software to use with digital backgrounds, please see Software Needed.
Can I use any photo with digital backdrops or do I need a green screen to start?
With the appropriate photo editing software, as noted in Software Needed, you can digitally remove the background of any digital photo, shot with any digital camera. You do not need to use a green screen or chroma key in order to use digital backdrops. However, many professional photographers are already set up with green screens or white or gray backdrops, so replacing these solid color non-complex backgrounds digitally can be quite easy and beneficial.
Is it hard to work with digital backdrops?
The answer really depends on several factors, including the photo you’re starting with, the software you’re using and your comfort level with that software. At first, depending on these factors, you may find the process a bit challenging, but with our video tutorials and a little practice, you’ll love what you can do! This is different, however, with other design resources, such as digital templates or Photoshop Actions, as they can be very easy to use.
What's a .tif file? My photos are .jpg's. Can I still use your digital backdrops?
Yes, no problem at all! The .tif file format is a universal file format that can be opened by any photo editing software. You’ll be able to open our digital backgrounds in your photo editing software along with your photos and work with them together. You can then save your work along with our digital backdrops in any file format you choose, such as .jpg or .psd. The reason we start with .tif files is because they allow us to give you compressed file sizes with no quality loss upon saving or transferring the files to you.
If I do use a solid color background or chroma key, what's the best color to use?
We recommend green, gray or white, or any light earth tone color. If you’re using a green screen software, then green is the way to go. If you’re using Adobe Photoshop software, you may find gray is the best starting color due to the way it reflects light, as well as how easily it can be manipulated with blending modes.
DIGITAL TEMPLATES
What are digital templates?
A digital template, also known as a Photoshop template, Photobacks template, digital frame or digital overlay, is a digital image file that is made up of multiple layers in which you can add your photo, much like an actual picture frame, where the frame is one layer, the glass is another, followed by the matte, the photo, the backing, etc. Using Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements software, you can simply add your photo to the template and customize any layer as you please. Plus, our video tutorials will describe our unique layer set-up, our Photoshop Plug-In called “Photobacks Control,” and our techniques for achieving amazing results in seconds!
Are your digital templates easy to use?
Absolutely! Unlike some uses for digital backgrounds, adding photos to our templates and customizing them is very easy! With digital templates, you don’t have to remove the background of your original photo. You simply add your photo to the template and customize any layer from there (if necessary, or if you desire). This means, incredible results in seconds, as we want to increase your workflow and save you time!
What file format are your digital templates?
All of our digital templates are in the Adobe Photoshop .psd file format for use with Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements, as noted under Software Needed.
What software do I need to use your digital templates?
To use our digital templates as we intend, you will need Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements as noted under Software Needed. There are other softwares, such as Adobe’s Lightroom, Corel Paint Shop Pro, GIMP and video editing softwares that will open our digital template files in the .psd file format, however they do not have the tools necessary to work with our files as we have intended and support.
Are your digital templates layered and completely customizable?
Yes, our digital templates are completely layered, fully customizable and interchangeable. We have left every major design element that we could as an “unmerged” layer, so you can choose to keep it, customize it or turn it off. Furthermore, all of our text layers and fonts you see in our sample images can be changed in all of our digital templates, so you can personalize any template to suit your needs.
MY PHOTOBACKS
What is My Photobacks?
Your My Photobacks account is where all of the products you purchase from Photobacks are stored digitally and available to you for download at any time, anywhere, to save to your computer. To access your products, simply sign in to your My Photobacks account and click on the purchased product listed that you’d like to download. There is no limit to the number of times you can download your purchases and your My Photobacks account does not expire.
How do I get a My Photobacks account?
You will easily set up your My Photobacks account when you purchase a product from Photobacks.com for the first time. After that, you will sign in when purchasing, and any products you purchase will be added to your My Photobacks account instantly for your easy, anytime download.
Do I have to download my purchases right away?
No, because your My Photobacks account does not expire, and it allows you to access and download your purchases any time, anywhere, over and over again.
Can I download my purchased products more than once?
Yes, indeed! Since your My Photobacks account is more like a back-up hard drive, you can access your products any time, anywhere, over and over again. Simply sign in to your My Photobacks account and you’ll see your purchased products.
Can I order from a mobile device and download later?
Yes, after you purchase from a mobile device, such as an iPhone or iPad, your purchased digital products will be available immediately in your My Photobacks account. So, the next time you sign in at your computer, your newly purchased products will be waiting for you to download.
Can I back-up the files I download from my My Photobacks account?
Absolutely. You can download and save your purchased products to any of your personal computers, back-up hard drives or discs, etc., for easy access.
Do I need to be signed in and online to use my Photobacks products?
No. Once you download your products to your computer, you no longer need to be online or signed in to your account. You will access your products directly from your computer. Note, some video tutorials are only available online and you will need an internet connection to review these video tutorials.
I'm traveling and need a Photobacks template I purchased that's not on my laptop! Now what?
No problem! Simply go to Photobacks.com, sign in to your My Photobacks account and download the template you need to your laptop!
My download didn't work! What do I do?
Please note, we will make sure you get what you ordered! While you shouldn’t have any issues downloading our files using any internet browser on either a PC or Mac, we know sometimes computers don’t act in the way we want them to! If you have any issues downloading, please contact Customer Support at www.photobacks.com/contact. Again, we will make sure you get what you ordered!
My computer crashed and I lost everything I purchased and downloaded! Now what?
First, cry. (We’ve been there.) Second, buy a new computer. Third, sign in to your My Photobacks account at Photobacks.com and simply download your products again to your new computer.
PRODUCT DELIVERY
Are all of your digital products available for download or shipped on discs?
All of our digital products can be downloaded immediately after purchase. We no longer offer products on disc.
How large are the files to download?
Due to our high quality, our files are quite large, however our larger products are available in downloadable segments, so you won’t have to download the entire package at once. For example, with the Premium Package, you could download just the Portrait Templates for a project today and download the other templates from the package at a later date as needed. Downloadable segments range from 50 – 600 Mb each.
PHOTOBACKS CONTROL
What is Photobacks Control?
Photobacks Control is a plug-in for Photoshop that gives you an easy and fast way to customize your Photobacks Templates, as well as other images in Photoshop. You can add photos to your templates with the click of a button, change the color of any layer to match your photos perfectly and much more! For complete details and a video demo, see Photobacks Control.
Will Photobacks Control work with all Photobacks Templates I've purchased in the past?
Yes! Photobacks Control will work with all Photobacks Templates, past, present and future!
How do I download Photobacks Control?
Photobacks Control is included with the purchase of any Photobacks digital product. You will find it available for download on the main page of your My Photobacks account page after logging in.
What version of Photoshop do I need to use Photobacks Control?
In order to use Photobacks Control, you will need any version of Adobe Photoshop CC, CS2 or higher, or Elements 11 or higher. You may use either Windows or Mac. You do not need Photobacks Control to work with Photobacks digital products.
I don't have a version of Photoshop needed to use Photobacks Control. Can I still use Photobacks Templates?
Yes. While you won’t be able to take advantage of Photobacks Control, you’ll still be able to add your photos to Photobacks Templates and customize them using other tools in Photoshop, as you’ll see in the included video tutorials.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Are Video Tutorials included with your products?
Yes, where noted, video tutorials are included with our products and cover the use of the product to achieve results as you see in our sample images. They also cover a number of Photoshop tools, tips and tricks that you’ll be able to use in general.
Are your video tutorials easy to follow and understand?
Yes. This is because all of our video tutorials are high definition, high quality videos where we take each item step-by-step, making sure you know exactly how to work with the products you’ve purchased.
Can I see samples of your video tutorials before purchasing?
Definitely! Go to our Demos now to see sample videos.
Can I watch your video tutorials for free on YouTube?
While we do share some quick video tutorials on social networks, 99.9% of the Photobacks library of exclusive video tutorials are only available at Photobacks.com. This not only allows us to provide exclusive content for our customers, but it gives us the ability to manage the quality of the videos we offer and update them as necessary.
What version of Photoshop do you use in your video tutorials?
Since there are so many versions of Photoshop, such as CC, CS2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Elements 7, 8, 9, 10, etc, we do not offer every tutorial using every version of Photoshop. However, this does not mean you’ll be at a loss if you don’t have the latest version of Photoshop. For the most part, we use Photoshop CC and CS, however we are careful to point out or show the differences in other versions of Photoshop as they apply. Our products do include general video tutorials for CC and CS as well as some specific tutorials for newer versions of Elements, CC and CS. But again, all of our products will work in all of our recommended versions of Photoshop, listed under Software Needed. Plus, if you ever get stuck, or can’t follow a particular video tutorial, just contact us and let us know. We’re happy to help!
WEBINARS & PIXEL U
What is a webinar?
A webinar is a live online training session. Picture an auditorium filled with people and a speaker on stage demonstrating something. A webinar is basically an online version of that. You’re the guest, we’re the presenter and the internet is our auditorium! You can watch the presentation right on your computer or mobile device. All you need is an internet connection and you’re good to go!
What is Pixel U?
Good question! Everything is explained here: Pixel U.
PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS
What are Photoshop Actions?
An “Action” in Photoshop is a unique one-click option that will run a series of steps at once to apply a desired effect to your image. For example, some of the effects will create a vintage effect on your photo, or a grunge, lighting, or black and white effect depending on the one you choose. The benefit is that you can achieve amazing, consistent photo effects in Photoshop in seconds with the click of just one button that may have otherwise taken you minutes, hours or even days to learn, perfect and apply.
What version of Photoshop do I need to use your actions?
You can use Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements 7 or higher. We recommend CC or higher, CS2 or higher and Elements 11 and higher.
What if I have Photoshop Elements, do I need to purchase your actions again if I upgrade to CC?
No. Our actions are designed to work in all of our recommended versions of Photoshop CS, CC and Elements as noted above, so you can install them in any version, any time.