INTRODUCTION
Photoshop Elements 6 makes it easy to convert a colored image to Black & White.  Sliders allow you to  include more or less data from the original color channels in the new black and white image.

OPEN A PICTURE
Hold the Ctrl key and tap the letter O key > find the folder that has pictures > double-click the folder to view the pictures inside > click the View Menu icon and select Thumbnail or Medium Icon view > select a picture and click Open.

LAYERS
If the Layers palette is not visible, click Window + Layers.  Right-click the image title “Background” in the Layers palette and select Duplicate Layer > accept the default name and click OK > click the new layer “Background copy” to make it the active layer.

SELECT AREA TO BE CONVERTED
Tap the “A” key to select the Quick Selection Tool > select the area to be converted (or all area not to be converted and inverse the selection later) > click-click-click to select (hold Alt and click to deselect areas that are not wanted in the selection).
 
CONVERT TO BLACK & WHITE
Click Enhance + Convert To Black and White > select each of the 6 styles and reselect the one which looks the best > move each of the sliders for best results > click OK to complete the Black & White conversion > hold Ctrl and tap the “D” key to delete the selection marching ants.

PLAY WITH OPACITY
With the Black & White image active, click Opacity > move the slider and observe the effect on the overall picture.  A slight hint of color might improve the Black & White effect on some images.

CONCLUSION
Photoshop Elements 6 improves the black & white conversion by providing individual adjustments for red, green and blue data to be included in the final image.  Some images are more dramatic and appealing in black & white than when seen in the original color.

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