Need Help Understanding Filter Forge

I need some help in understanding what Filter Forge is all about. I've looked at many tutorials, but can not seem to grasp how really to use the filters. I know there are blog posts and tutorials, but they all seem to be way advanced.

Is there a basic tutorial that shows a simple example of how to use the filters?

I do understand that many users create there own filters using Filter Forge. How does this work. If I purchase the Pro Edition, how do I gain access to the user creations.

GMM ... yes I've used photoshop filter - that helps me connect a little better to what FF offers.

Now for a follow-up question, where does one access the array of filters created by Filter Forge owners. I heard that on the tutorial you suggested - it says you will have access to all of those created by others.?

Thanks folks - great information.

I just purchased and downloaded it. The download was successful, however it doesn't seem to appear in photoshop CS6.

Was I supposed to do something other than just downloading and installing it ?

Things that you need to know before the very first thing

The render speed is very variable and depends very much on:
1 - the filter you are using,
2 - the resolution you are using
3 - the settings you are using
4 - and the speed of your computer and available ram.

You can load your own images into some of the filters through File --> Open Image

On some filters that in the settings have a color control you will need to load the images probably through this way and not through file --> open image

I will look for more information so you have a good beginner information and can start well

Meanwhile go to the filters library page and download some filters and try them

TEXTURE FILTERS : Means that all these filters will be self generated inside filter forge and NOT need any external input and will not use any of your images

EFFECTS FILTERS: These filters will ONLY works with one or more images that you need to load for them to work.

Here is another review that speaks about using Filter Forge

Filter Forge – Great Solution To Your Digital Issues

Basic use of Filter Forge on this review here

Also on Layers Magazine Filter-Forge 3

and this one too --> The Power of Filter Forge

Youtube Video Tutorial Maximum Creativity with Filter Forge and Photoshop

For the whole collection of these video tutorials you can go here

Glad to be of help

I told you above that the filters are separated in two main categories

Quote
TEXTURE FILTERS : Means that all these filters will be self generated inside filter forge and NOT need any external input and will not use any of your images EFFECTS FILTERS: These filters will ONLY works with one or more images that you need to load for them to work.

BUT the problem to identify filters this way is that this is ONLY available when you go to the tab of "all filters by category" as nowhere else this information is available as there is no information on any of the filter pages about if it is a texture or effect filter, and so if you make a search in the filter library or want to see filters by authors, you can´t identify them this way

BUT there is an easy way to find which category it belong by looking at the main thumbnail, if it is included any of the built-in images (see File--> Built-in Preview Images) in some possible way or the colors of them are showing then is 99% sure that is an Effects filter, if the preview thumbnail have any other other graphic or image then this does not mean neccessarily that is a self generated image that belongs to Texture Filter, although sometimes this may be true, it could be also a Misc effects filter

Although some Texture Filter CAN also include some kind of image input

I think that this thread can be useful and interesting for new filter forge user that may be starting now and want to know more about it and how it works, specially if you are using the trial version to see if you want to buy it or not

I think that I will make a new thread about all the links that could help a Filter Forge (FF) beginner that needs help to understand how to use and get the most of FF and know how it works

Will make one for users that ONLY wants to use Filter Forge with the filters available in the library and does not want to create any filter

And a full version for FF users that also wants to create their own filters