Create Drag and Drop Templates

Michel, you really don't need a workaround to create the template.  And you don't need to create clipping masks either.  I just created the following template with Elements 10.  The only difference between the older and newer versions is that drag and dropping a photo from the bin to the template photo placeholder does not create a smart object in the older versions. 

You simply create a new file with a transparent background, drag and drop a simple frame from the graphics panel (here, I used the Basic Black 1px frame) and resize the frame to your own needs.   Wash, rinse and repeat to add multiple placeholders to the template.  The template background can be added later, either adding a new layer or using the Paint Bucket to add a color.  (For some reason that I haven't quite figured out yet, using a white background for the new file does not work.) 

You may find this link useful:

https://photoshopelementsandmore.com/thread/7879/clipping-mask-worflow-workaround

I don't think this workaround was what you did (you did not state which old PSE version you were using?)

But it's something up to date.

You might browse this forum for many similar tips. The author of this post, Sepiana, is an expert both in Elements and Photoshop.

@Rmcdon said:  Did you have to resize the photos in that frame you pictured? I do not have to resize on my drag and drop boxes like you would have to do with a clipping mask or use the command each time. It is all automatic with those boxes with just a drag of photo.

OK.  We were cross-posting and you have now seen my screenshot.  Whether a photo has to be resized to fit the frame depends entirely on the resolution and aspect ratio of the photo.  You can resize the frames to meet your needs if your photos are all of the same dimension and aspect ratio.  So, it would be possible to design a template that would fit your intended photo contents.

To refresh your memory, you probably used some simple frames to create the templates.

The key here are clipping masks. 

Just drag the images from the photo bin onto your canvas- they will look messy, but dont worry about it.

The max number of photos in a pre made template is 8 (the ones included in the program-- I've found it easier to make my own with clipping masks. 

Drage your images one at at time to the layer abouve whatever shape you want them to appear in.