Hidden Prefs

This script grants you access to some undocumented Photoshop Elements preferences.

1. By default, for any image size changes Photoshop Elements relies on the "Bicubic" algorithm. While resampling an entire image, we may choose in the "Image Size" dialog either "Bicubic Smoother" or "Bicubic Sharper" method. In the meantime, we have no alternative when transforming a layer or selected area.

The "Image Interpolation" menu of the "Hidden Prefs" dialog allows you to choose a default algorithm for image resampling (fig. 1). For example, if the image upscaling is a more frequent operation in your workflow, you may want to choose the "Bicubic Smoother" method, while for the downscaling you might prefer the "Bicubic Sharper".

2. The "History Log" option makes the program write the image editing history to the file metadata. Later on, to see those records you open the File Info (File > File Info) and go to the "History" tab (fig. 2).

Just in case, let's make it clear that the history logging doesn't let you undo the changes.

3. As we know, the undo history in PSE is linear, which means, that making any changes for an "earlier" history state undoes all the "subsequent" steps (more about).

The "Allow Non-Linear History" option allows the "alternative branches" to co-exist in your "Undo History" panel.

4. On opening an image, PSE creates a "history snapshot" allowing you to return to the initial state even if the image has been re-saved.

However, while working with very large graphic files, you may decide that the snapshot occupies way too much RAM.

By unchecking the "Automatically Create First Snapshot" gadget you make the sequence of backup states a little bit shorter (fig. 3).

5. The "Auto-Update Open Documents" option may come in handy, for instance, while editing a shared image file via local network. On saving changes by one user, the open document automatically updates in the collaborator's PSE window as well.

6. By default, the height of a font in PSE is measured in "points". In the meantime, the point itself has two different definitions. One "PostScript" point is 1/72 inch, while one "Traditional" point is 1/72.27 inch.

Surely, in most cases, the 0,3% difference doesn't matter much. However, for the unerring precision you may specify the exact value in the "Point/Pica Size" menu.

Important! By editing Photoshop Elements settings in the native "Preferences" dialog you reset all the hidden prefs to the default values.