align text

how do you align text in new picture. I click on the move icon on the left and then go to the top to click on the align buttons after i select the layer but i'm not able to click on any of the align buttons. maybe the layer is locked or something. I just want to create buttons and have all the text in the center of each button. it is so simple iwth jasc, but why not adobe?

thanks,
greg

In the Layers list, select the layer with the text on it. Then from the tools panel, click on the icon for Text. That should "open up" all the text options for color, font, aligning, etc. With text, just selecting that layer isn't enough; you also have to select the text icon to edit the text on that layer. Also, if you just want to Move the text, then you can move it as you would any other layer - just select the layer, then click on the Move icon. If you click on the Move icon, thats all you can do - move it - you can't use two tools at once, so you have to move then edit or vice-versa.

I still can't get it to align in the center of the picture. All i want to do is make multiple buttons with the text in the center of each button. I can't figure out to do align the text right to the center. I swear it is so easy with jasc photoshop, but i cant for the life of me figure it out with adobe.

thanks for your help.

Are you making the text on its own seperate layer? If not, yeah, moving it won't work cause it's "stuck" to the button below it. If you create the text on its own layer, you should have no problems just using the "move" tool to move it anywhere you want.
I never use the "align" options. I just leave it set on center and make the text, then use the "move" tool to put it where I want it. If you are making the text on its own layer, I'm not sure why you're not able to move it where you want.

What you need to do is use linked layers.

Make sure you have the two layers that you want to align linked using the link icon next to the eye icon in the layers palette - Click here to see an image
Once you have your layers linked go to the 'Layers Menu' then to 'Align Linked' and choose your preferred alignment.

Hope this helps

DJF