Thanks MEB, your input has been helpful, and i have had a look at the article in the second edition of the mag, that is good. one thing i found helpful there was simply the explanation of what is a layer! ..i had kinda figured that one out, but still it was helpful. so i am wondering, is it possible to have something where when you go over an icon, not only does it tell you the name but a little dialogue box comes up to tell you a bit about what it does? maybe this could be a feature you could turn on/ off. so that you could use it when you start but then turn it off. .or perhaps there could be a glossary of sorts (under the help menu) that tells you what different words mean, and what different things can do. i am not in the program at the moment i have to admit but dont remember finding that info simply. ...i think part of my issue too, is not realising exactly what i want to do with my photos. probably not realising what can be done with them, or coming from much more of a "realistic" photo background i dont really think about manipulating the image so much. will have to think a bit and get my creative mojo on! ;) thanks.