FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Jump to a topic using the links below or scroll down for all of our questions and answers!
1. ABOUT PHOTOBACKS
What does Photobacks sell?
Photobacks sells an extensive line of creative products, mainly to enhance your photos and design 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. We also sell access to our extended library of online video tutorials via Photobacks Backstage. All of our digital products are either delivered via discs and/or download, as noted on the product pages.
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.
Are all of your digital products available for download or shipped on discs?
All of our digital products can be downloaded, which most can be shipped on discs as well. There is a shipping and handling fee added to your order if you would like the product shipped on disc. For customers in California only, sales tax is added to any purchase with discs, but not for "Download Only" purchases. All purchases, whether you choose "Download Only" or "Discs & Download" can be downloaded right away! For more information, please see Product Delivery or details on My Photobacks & the Cloud below.
Will all of your digital products work with a Windows PC and a Mac?
Yes, all of our digital files and Photoshop Plug-ins, including our backdrops, templates, videos and action files, along with our discs, are fully compatible and will work perfectly on both a Windows PC or a Mac.
What if I upgrade my Photoshop to a newer version, or switch to a Mac from a PC, etc?
No problem. You will not have to repurchase your Photobacks products, as all of our products have been designed to work the same in any of our recommended versions of Photoshop software on a Windows PC or Mac. For more information on softwares to use with Photobacks, please see Software Needed.
Where can I find information on the license and usage rights 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 this, 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. Furthermore, while we may retain account information, we do not retain any credit card numbers. 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. Of course, if you have ideas on something you'd like to see us sell, please let us know. We're always happy to receive recommendations and feedback!
Will you add my photo to one of your digital backdrops or templates for me?
Unfortunately, while we'd love to help, we just can't do the work for you. Still, we will make sure you know exactly how to use our products, either through our excellent video tutorials or customer support. If you ever have a question while working on a project, something you just can't figure out, let us know and we'll be happy to help!
2. PRINTING / COMPLETED IMAGES
How and where do I print my completed images after using Photobacks digital products?
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 and share the completed image via email, social media, your website or 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 of 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 8x10 and you want to print it on a 5x7 canvas, you can do that, but the image will be 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!
3. DIGITAL BACKDROPS
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 at noted at 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 above 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 slide 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 below.
What software do I need to use digital backdrops?
In short, you'll 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 to shoot on a green screen to start?
With the appropriate photo editing software as noted at 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 those solid color, non-complex backgrounds digitally can be quite easy and beneficial.
If I do use a solid color background or chroma key to start, what's the best color to use?
We recommend green, gray or white. 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.
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 with digital templates or Photoshop actions, as noted below, as it's very easy to use our Photoshop templates and actions.
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 images with no quality loss upon saving or transferring them to you.
4. 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 it from there (if necessary or if you like). 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 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 and fully customizable. 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.
5. PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS
What are Photoshop Actions?
An "action" is a unique effect that you can apply to a photo in Photoshop. With Photobacks actions, you can apply these effects with the click of just one button in Photoshop. 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 to multiple photos.
Are your Photoshop Actions easy to use?
Yes. If you can click a button, you can create incredible effects in seconds with Photobacks Photoshop Actions.
What version of Photoshop do I need to use your actions?
Adobe Photoshop CC, CS or Elements 7 or higher.
What if I have Photoshop Elements, do I need to purchase your actions again if I upgrade to CC?
Nope. 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.
Will Photoshop Actions work in other softwares, such as Lightroom?
No. Photoshop actions are specifically designed to work in Photoshop CC, CS or Elements software.
6. VIDEO TUTORIALS
What topics do your video tutorials cover?
Our video tutorials cover everything you need to know when it comes to using our products and achieving amazing results as you see in our sample images on the website. They also cover an incredible amount of Photoshop tools, tips and tricks that you'll be able to use not only with Photobacks products but with all of your photos and use of Photoshop in general.
Are your video tutorials easy to follow?
Yes. This is because all of our video tutorials are high resolution, high quality videos with excellent sound quality and we go step-by-step, making sure you know exactly what we're doing to achieve the results you see on our website.
Can I see samples of your video tutorials before I purchase a product?
Definitely! Go to Video Demos to see sample videos. Or, join us for a free webinar session and see our live video training!
Where I can see your video tutorials? Can I watch them 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 with the purchase of a Photobacks product or Backstage pass. This not only allows us to provide exclusive content for our customers, but gives us the ability to manage the quality of the videos we offer, as we want to make sure when you see a Photobacks video tutorial, it is large, clear and easy to follow. As noted in the answer above, we do have Video Demos for your review and free webinars you can attend live online!
What version of Photoshop do you use in your video tutorials?
That's a good question, since there are so many versions of Photoshop, such as CC, CS2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Elements 7, 8, 9 and 10, etc! So, not every tutorial is shown 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 CC and CS, however we are careful to point out or show the differences in other versions of Photoshop when 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 Customer Support and let us know!
7. PACKAGES
Are all of your Photobacks Packages different, or are there some of the same files in each?
All of the Photobacks Packages are different, so if you were to purchase them all, you would not get any duplicate files. For example, the Premium Package includes entirely different digital backgrounds and Photoshop templates than the ones in the Advantage Package. Some of the files are similar, such as there are Rep Card Templates in Ashbury Court and Modern Classic Package, but the template designs are entirely different. Or, for example, there is a grunge series of digital backgrounds in the Advantage Package and a grunge series of backgrounds in the Premium Package, but they are different grunge designs in each package, with no duplicate files between them. The only exception to this is with the Upgraded Advantage Package, which includes the entire Advantage Package plus Digital Backdrops Packages B01 and C01 and Winter Holiday Template Set 01. Note, however, these additional digital backdrops and templates are not in any of the other Photobacks Packages, as they are from the "Digital Backdrops" and "Template Sets" sections of our website. Also note, some of our standard video tutorials on how to use the Photobacks products are included in all of our Photobacks packages.
Is the Premium Package included in the Upgraded Advantage Package?
No, as noted above, the Premium Package is an entirely different package than the Upgraded Advantage Package or the Advantage Package. The Upgraded Advantage Package includes the entire Advantage Package plus Digital Backdrops Packages B01 and C01 and Winter Holiday Template Set 01, but nothing from the Premium Package or any other Photobacks package. If you purchase the Premium Package and the Upgraded Advantage Package, you will not receive any duplicate files, other than our standard video tutorials as noted above.
Can I create a custom package, choosing just the parts of packages I think I'll need?
Unfortunately, we don't offer custom packages or the ability to pick and choose just certain parts of packages and sell them separately. We're kind of like the cable company in this way. Sure, you may not think you'll ever watch StampsTV, but it's included with your package. Then, one day, you find a box in your attic full of old stamps and now you're really excited you've got StampsTV!
8. BACKSTAGE
What is Photobacks Backstage?
Backstage is an exclusive area of our website that is only available to Backstage pass holders. Backstage passes can be purchased at Backstage. Backstage pass holders can enjoy on demand access to exclusive Photoshop Video Tutorials, including all of our webinar recordings, Quick Tip Photoshop video tutorials and new and past free bonus downloads, as long as they are a Backstage pass holder. For more details, see Backstage.
Don't your products come with video tutorials? Why should I get a Backstage pass?
Yes, our products include excellent video tutorials on how to use our products, and our webinar sessions are free to attend live, so you definitely do not need to purchase a Backstage pass. However, the Backstage pass will provide you with easy online on demand access to our extensive library of additional video tutorials on any computer or mobile device for extended training, not included with our other products. Plus, Backstage offers easy access to all of our past and new free bonus downloads and Quick Tip videos, as long as you're a Backstage pass holder.
Do I have to sign up or attend a webinar in order to view the recording Backstage?
No. One of the great advantages of Backstage is that you will have access to all of our webinar recordings, whether you signed up and attended them or not. So, even if you didn't know about a webinar on a particular date, when you access Backstage, you'll see the webinar recording on the list for your easy on demand viewing. Of course, joining a live webinar is great because you can ask questions live, but with a Backstage pass, you certainly don't need to rearrange your schedule!
Does the Backstage pass automatically renew and charge my credit card every year?
No, your Backstage pass will not automatically renew and your credit card will not be automatically charged again. When you're ready to renew your pass, simply purchase it again for another year.
Can I download the training videos from Backstage?
At this time, you can watch all of our recorded webinar videos and Quick Tip video tutorials at any time online, while you're a Backstage pass holder. We are looking into download options, but at this time, you have to be signed in to Backstage and online to watch the videos.
Can I sign in to Backstage and review videos on an iPad, iPod, iPhone or Android mobile device?
Absolutely! Backstage and all of the videos in Backstage are compatible with mobile devices! Simply go to your device's web browser and sign in to Backstage. There are many great ways to enjoy Backstage with an iPad or other similar mobile device. For example, you can use your iPad as a second monitor to watch the video tutorials while you work in Photoshop on your computer. Or, with an Internet connection, you can review the hours and hours of video tutorials while traveling!
9. MY PHOTOBACKS & THE CLOUD
What is the Photobacks Cloud?
The Photobacks Cloud, also referred to as the Cloud, is where all of the products you purchase from Photobacks are stored digitally and available to you for download at any time to save to your computer. To access your products on the Cloud, simply sign in to your My Photobacks account on our website.
How do I get a My Photobacks account to download my purchased products from the Cloud?
You will easily set up your My Photobacks account when you purchase a product. After that, any products you purchase will be added to your My Photobacks account for your easy, any time download access.
Do I have to download my purchase from the Cloud right away?
No, no, because the Photobacks Cloud is more like a back-up hard drive that you can access whenever you want, now and in the future, again and again, just like your personal hard drive...it just happens to be accessible online as opposed to in your home or office, etc.
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, if you purchase the Premium Package, but just want to download the Rep Card Templates for a project today, you can do that and download other templates from the package later. Downloadable segments range from 50 - 600 Mb each, where some products total 12 Gb of data! If you do not have a fast Internet connection or available data via broadband, we recommend you choose the "Discs & Download" option when purchasing. This way, you can download what you need right away, but will have the discs sent to you for easy access in the future. For more information, please see Product Delivery.
Can I back-up the files I download from the Cloud?
Absolutely. You can download and save your purchased products on any of your personal computers, back-up hard drives or discs for easy access.
Can I upload files to the Cloud?
No, you can only download files from the products you purchased from Photobacks from the Cloud.
Can I only download my purchased products once from the Cloud?
No. Since your My Photobacks account on the Photobacks Cloud is more like a back-up hard drive that you can access online whenever you want, you can download your product again any time you want in the future if you need to. Simply sign in to your My Photobacks account and you'll see your purchased products.
I'm traveling and need a Photobacks template I purchased that's not on my laptop! Now what?
No problem! Simply go to our website and sign in to your My Photobacks account and download the templates you need to your laptop!
I tried to download a file and nothing happened! You stole my money!
While that's not really a question, we understand your concern. First off, we are definitely not in business to steal anyone's money and we want to and 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 see Trouble Downloading? If that doesn't help, please contact Customer Support. Again, we want to and 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 from the Cloud to your new computer.
10. WEBINARS
What is a webinar?
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! For more information on our webinars, go to: Webinars. You will also see a separate Webinar FAQ on the page.
I know what a webinar is but I have more questions about your webinars! What do I do?
We've set up a separate Webinar FAQ on our Webinars page for your review, right below the Webinar Schedule. This should answer your questions. If not, just let us know!
11. 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. 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 more!
Will Photobacks Control work with Photobacks Templates I've purchased in the past?
Yes! Photobacks Control will work with all Photobacks Templates, past, present and future!
How do I get Photobacks Control?
Photobacks Control is included with the purchase of any Photobacks Package or product with templates.
I bought a Photobacks Package before Photobacks Control was available. Can I still get it free?
Yes! Go to your My Photobacks account. Under Download Purchases, click on any product you've purchased with templates. On the product download page, look for Photobacks Control in the download list. The download includes the install file and video tutorials.
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, CS, or Elements 11 and higher, for Windows or Mac.
I don't have one of the versions of Photoshop listed above. Can I still use Photobacks Templates?
Absolutely, yes and of course! 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.
I have more questions about Photobacks Control! I'm freaking out! What should I do?
Take a deep breath...and contact us. We're happy to help!
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