Torn Edges

Outline an image by making a torn edge frame. By saving presets the method can be quickly reproduced with variations to suite different images.

Open the image and note the dimensions. Shift + S displays the resize dialogue box with the dimensions.

Add say 50 pixels to the width and height.

This example was 588 x 578 px so I made the new image 650 x 650

Create a new larger image with these dimensions and with a white B/G .

Drag layer palette bar of the image onto the larger image. It centers itself.

Select the paint brush and set the paint brush options and save the settings as a preset for the future . I used

Set F/G colour to white.

Create a new raster layer

Click on a corner of the image

Move the cursor to the next corner hold Shift down and click

Move the cursor to the next corner hold Shift down and click

Repeat this to complete the frame with straight lines. Do it freehand if you like but make sure the line is complete

Merge down layers

Magic wand select the white margins. You might need to select more than once to include all the white margin

Invert the selection

Apply a thin drop shadow Effects / 3D / Drop Shadow

Change the background and Crop excess margins if necessary.

A similar effect can be done in Elements 7 but not as well.

Open an image and increase the canvas size with a white B/G.

Image/resize/canvas size. 10% w&h. Relative centre anchor, and white B/G

Create a Layer from B/G

Create a new lowest layer and fill with white

On a new top layer draw an outline over the edges of the image using a customised brush.

On this layer, magic wand select the centre Tolerance 30 and Contiguous

Invert the selection

Activate the image layer

Delete. You now have the jagged “torn” edge which is selected

Apply effect / drop shadow to the selected edge

The effects are not adjustable in Elements and my result is poor.