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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIGITAL IMAGING – BASIC ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

Introduction to Digital Imaging…………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Introduction to Photoshop.…………………………………………………………..……………………………………………..9

Getting Started…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…10

Interface Layout………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...12

Transformation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Alteration Tools-1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21

Brushes……………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………22

Eraser Tool……..…………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………27

Layer Mask……..…………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………….....30

Drawing & Selection Tool...…………………...…………………………………………………………………….……………..33

Shape Tool..…………………...…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………….34

Type Tool……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………40

Layer Styles………...…………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………42

Creating Logo ………...…………………...……………………………………………………………………………………...…….46

Pen Tool & Path ………...…………………...………………………………………………………………………………………….48

Alteration & Enhancement 2 ………...…………………...………………………………..……………………………...….…51

Adjustment Layers ………...…………………...……………..………………………………………………………………...…...54

Filters…………………..………...…………………...……………..………………………………………………………………...……59

Cropping…………………..………...…………………...……………..………………………………………………………………....61

Resizing…………………..………...…………………...……………..…………………………………………………………………...65

Correcting…………………..………...…………………...……………..………………………………………………………………..68

Saving…………………..………...…………………...……………..……………………………………………………………………...73
 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL IMAGING

Objectives:
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
➢ Categories of graphics

➢ Graphics file formats.

➢ Different graphic software

Overview:

Digital imaging design and desktop publishing involves the manipulation of digital images
and the creation of designs to produce compelling and informative media. Digital imagers use
sophisticated equipment and powerful software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to capture and
manipulate photographs, graphic representations or other pictures. Desktop publishers also use
design principles to layout websites, magazines, brochures and other content. The fields of digital
imaging design and desktop publishing can lead to a variety of careers and serve as a productive
outlet for students with natural artistic instincts.

As a desktop publisher or digital imaging specialist, you may pursue a position as a graphic
or publication designer. Once you've acquired some experience, you may also qualify for a job as an
art director or production supervisor.

Background Reading:
To learn more about Digital Imaging and Photoshop you can visit the following link:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/ps-basics-fundamentals.html

https://sites.google.com/a/wyckoffschools.org/digital-imaging-and-graphic-design/home

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 1

Digital Imaging

WHAT IS GRAPHICS?
Graphics can be found everywhere. It affects almost everything we do,
everything we buy. From a simple directional road to the glittering billboard,
from birth certificates to gift certificates, from receipts to tax forms, from
organization symbols to company logos, the applications of graphics are
enormous.
Graphics can be created through digital imaging. The term digital
imaging has become popular nowadays due to the rapid development of
computer and imaging technologies.
In general, graphics refers to illustrations, artworks, charts, diagrams,
paintings, photographs, cartoons, etc. Computer graphics in other hand,
pertains to pictures and images created and /or manipulated by a computer.
Computer graphics also pertains to a set of technologies used to create and
manipulate graphics.
An effective combination of text and graphics can be a medium to
transmit powerful messages. Graphics as a communication tool is used to:

• Grab the attention of the audience

• Add visual appeal to message
• Simplify complex information
• Clarify concepts and ideas behind the message
• Help the audience in understanding the text
• Enhance learning reading and enjoyment

Vector Graphics
Computer graphics is generally divided into two major categories: vector
and bitmap images.
Vector graphics store and display digital images as a collection of graphical
elements that can be individually manipulated. These graphics can be a series
of points, lines, arcs, and other geometric shapes with specific characteristics
(e.g. position, length, direction, color, fill, or outline). Vector graphics are
created through the use of drawing software such as Adobe Illustrator and
CorelDraw.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 2

 Digital Imaging

A vector is a
representation that
has magnitude and
direction. It has two
end points on the xy
matrix
A sample vector with nodes and control points

Vector graphics is resolution independent. This implies that vector images can
be scaled to any size without losing quality. Vector images require less storage
space than bitmap graphics because vector images file sizes are relatively
small.
Vector graphics cannot be capture, but it is generated through the use
of vector graphics software.
List of the common vector graphics file formats:
• AI-Adobe Illustrator
• CDR-CorelDraw
• Dwg-AutoCAD
• EPS-Encapsulate PostScript
• PFB-Adobe font: mainly used in Apple Macintosh
• SVG-Scalable Vector Graphics
• TTF-Mainly used in IBM PCs

Bitmap Graphics
Bitmap graphics, also known as raster graphics. Store and display
image as a series of dots that are arranged in columns and row. These
dots represent the individual elements that make up the picture and are
referred to as pixels (short for picture elements.) Each pixels represents a
particular color. Every color pixel in a bitmap graphics is created through
a combination of colors depending on the color mode that is used.

Bitmap images are size and resolution dependent. The size refers to the
physical dimension of the image. It can also refer to the number of pixels
in the image. Resolution, on the other hand, refer to the density of pixels
contained in an inch. The basic unit of resolution is dpi (dots per inch) and
ppi (pixel per inch). Increasing and decreasing the size of an image
affects the image quality. Changing the image to a bigger size might
result to aliasing. Aliasing is the staircase effect that appears on diagonal
lines.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 3

 Digital Imaging

An example of aliasing
When a bitmap image is resized to a smaller size, the excess pixels will be
discarded by the program that manipulates the graphics. When the bitmap
image is resized to a bigger size, the program creates new pixel to fill in the gaps
between the original pixels. The new pixels created using the process of
interpolation. Interpolation is the process of creating new pixels by estimating
the color value of the new pixels based on the surrounding pixels.
Furthermore, an image that does not have enough resolution will look
blurred when printed on paper. On the other hand, images that have high
resolution require a considerable time to download and display on the
computer screen. As a rule of thumb, a range of 72-96 ppi is used for graphics
intended for screen display, while a minimum of 300 dpi is used for images
intended for commercial printing.

Graphics File Formats

There are many standard formats for saving bitmaps in disk files. GDI+ supports
the graphics file formats described in the following paragraphs.

BMP
BMP is a standard format used by Windows to
store device-independent and application-
independent images. The number of bits per pixel
(1, 4, 8, 15, 24, 32, or 64) for a given BMP file is
specified in a file header. BMP files with 24 bits per
pixel are common. BMP files are usually not
compressed and, therefore, are not well suited for
transfer across the Internet.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 4

Digital Imaging

GRAPHICS INTERCHANGE FORMAT (GIF)

GIF is a common format for images that appear on
Web pages. GIFs work well for line drawings, pictures
with blocks of solid color, and pictures with sharp
boundaries between colors. GIFs are compressed, but
no information is lost in the compression process; a
decompressed image is exactly the same as the
original. One color in a GIF can be designated as
transparent so that the image will have the
background color of any Web page that displays it. A
sequence of GIF images can be stored in a single file to
form an animated GIF. GIFs store at most 8 bits per
pixel, so they are limited to 256 colors.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)

JPEG is a compression scheme that works well for natural
scenes such as scanned photographs. Some information is
lost in the compression process, but often the loss is
imperceptible to the human eye. JPEGs store 24 bits per
pixel, so they are capable of displaying more than 16
million colors. JPEGs do not support transparency or
animation.
The level of compression in JPEG images is configurable,
but higher compression levels (smaller files) result in more
loss of information. A 20:1 compression ratio often produces
an image that the human eye finds difficult to distinguish from the original. The
following illustration shows a BMP image and two JPEG images that were
compressed from that BMP image. The first JPEG has a compression ratio of 4:1
and the second JPEG has a compression ratio of about 8:1.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 5

 Digital Imaging

JPEG compression does not work well for line drawings, blocks of solid color, and
sharp boundaries. The following illustration shows a BMP along with two JPEGs
and a GIF. The JPEGs and the GIF were compressed from the BMP. The
compression ratio is 4:1 for the GIF, 4:1 for the smaller JPEG, and 8:3 for the larger
JPEG. Note that the GIF maintains the sharp boundaries along the lines, but the
JPEGs tend to blur the boundaries.

JPEG is a compression scheme, not a file format. JPEG File Interchange Format
(JFIF) is a file format commonly used for storing and transferring images that
have been compressed according to the JPEG scheme. JFIF files displayed by
Web browsers use the .jpg extension.

Exchangeable Image File (EXIF)

EXIF is a file format used for photographs captured by digital cameras. An EXIF
file contains an image that is compressed according to the JPEG specification.
An EXIF file also contains information about the photograph (date taken, shutter
speed, exposure time, and so on) and information about the camera
(manufacturer, model, and so on).

Portable Network Graphics (PNG)

The PNG format retains many of the advantages of the GIF
format but also provides capabilities beyond those of GIF.
Like GIF files, PNG files are compressed with no loss of
information. PNG files can store colors with 8, 24, or 48
bits per pixel and grayscales with 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 bits per
pixel. In contrast, GIF files can use only 1, 2, 4, or 8 bits
per pixel. A PNG file can also store an alpha value for
each pixel, which specifies the degree to which the
color of that pixel is blended with the background
color.
PNG improves on GIF in its ability to progressively display an
image (that is, to display better and better approximations of
the image as it arrives over a network connection). PNG files can contain
gamma correction and color correction information so that the images can be
accurately rendered on a variety of display devices.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 6

 Digital Imaging

Tag Image File Format (TIFF)

TIFF is a flexible and extendable format that is
supported by a wide variety of platforms and image-
processing applications. TIFF files can store images with
an arbitrary number of bits per pixel and can employ a
variety of compression algorithms. Several images can
be stored in a single, multiple-page TIFF file. Information
related to the image (scanner make, host computer, type
of compression, orientation, samples per pixel, and so on) can be stored in the
file and arranged through the use of tags. The TIFF format can be extended as
needed by the approval and addition of new tags.

Graphics File Formats

GRAPHICS SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
A program that creates rough
Paint program freehand drawings that are stored as
bitmaps.
A program that creates vector images
Drawing program suitable for line art, drawing and logos

A program that modifies a digital

image by adjusting brightness and
contrast, changing the image color or
Image editing adding photorealistic effects such asa
shadows and glow. Photoshop and
Corel Photopaint are examples of this
type.
A type of graphics software in which all
elements (text, line art,, and photos)
Page layout software
are place for electronic production

A program that allows the user to

create charts, diagrams, and other
Presentation graphics software
types of graphics for slide show and
reports
A program that enables the user to
create a chain or sequence of a series
Animation software
of images to stimulate movement

A program that is used by architect

CAD software
and engineers to draft their designs.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 7

 Digital Imaging

Image Size and Resolution

Size refers to the physical dimension of the image or the number of pixels
contained in an image. Resolution refers to the density of pixel in an inch. These
units interchangeably by many. To avoid confusion, let us differentiate the two
units. Pixel per inch (ppi) describes the number of pixels that can be packed in
an inch. Dots per inch (dpi), on the other hand, describes the physical
characteristics of an output devices such as the printer (for example, inkjet
printer that has 150 dpi releases 150 droplets of ink in an inch).

To fully understand the relationship of size and resolution

VALUE FORMULA

Pixel Dimension Pixel Width= Width x Resolution

Pixel Height= Height x Resolution

Total Number of Pixels Total Pixels= Pixel Width x Pixel Height

Resolution Resolution= Pixel width/width or

Resolution= Pixel Height/Height

File Size (kb) File size= Total Pixels x Bit-Depth / 1024 bytes or
8 bits

Formula for computing the image size and resolution.

Introduction to Digital Imaging PAGE 8

 ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

Objectives:
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
➢ Photoshop interface layout

➢ Different Photoshop tools

➢Adobe Photoshop essential practices
➢ Photo editing and manipulation

Overview:
Adobe Photoshop is an image editing software that is used to modify and enhance the
characteristics and appearance of the digital image. It was originally designed as a convenient and
powerful tool for retouching photographs. Nowadays, most of the graphics you see in print and in the Web
have been in one way or the other edited in Adobe Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop has redefined and revolutionized the art of photo retouching and production.
Photo retouching which in the past was limited only to the capable hands of professional artist and
photographers is now available to everyone who knows how to use Adobe Photoshop. It can be used for a
variety of applications. Among these applications are cropping and straightening pictures, adjusting then
color and tonal qualities of the picture, sharpening the images, and adding photorealistic effects.

Background Reading:
To learn more about Photoshop you can visit the following link:

https://www.agitraining.com/adobe/photoshop/classes/what-is-photoshop

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/photoshopbasics/what-is-photoshop/1/

Adobe Photoshop PAGE 9

 GETTING STARTED

1. Begin by opening Adobe Photoshop CS6.

On a PC, click Start > Programs > Adobe > Photoshop CS6, or click on the shortcut on the desktop.

On a Mac, click Go > Applications > Adobe Photoshop CS6 > Photoshop CS6 shown in
Figure 1, or click the icon in the Dock.

Figure 1. Navigation to Photoshop CS6 on a Mac

Setting up the document

Setting up your document correctly from the start will make your job much easier as you work through your
project. This will require some advanced planning. For example, if your final output will be a brochure, you may need
to set up your document to be horizontal and double-sided.

To create a new document, click File > New. This will open the Document Setup dialog box (Figure 2).

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 10

 Figure 2. Document Setup dialog box

Here you will be able to name your file, set up the correct page size and orientation for your document.
Options include, but are not limited to:

Page Size and Orientation

Change the page size by typing in new values for width and height. Page size represents the final size you
want after bleeds or trimming other marks outside the page. In the Preset dropdown menu you can find
such common sizes as letter, legal, tabloid, etc. Typing in exact values for Height and Width gives you more
control over the size and orientation of your page.
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on a printed area of an image. The higher the resolution, the more
pixels there are on the page, the better the quality of the image. However, high resolution increases
the size of the file. The standard recommended resolution for printed images is 150-300, for Web
images it is 72.
Color Mode
Choose a color mode that will best fit your project. For example, when making a graphic for a web site,
choose RGB. When making an image for print choose CMYK.
Background Contents
Choose the background: white, color or transparent. When you have entered all of your document
settings, click Ok.

Opening an image from a disk

If the image you have is saved on a disk or to the computer, select File > Open, and then navigate to the disk
drive/file where your image is saved. Choose the image file and click Open. At this point, you may want to save
your image under a different name so that you can always have the original to fall back on in case of a mistake.
To save your file, select File > Save As and type in the new name of the file in the dialogue box.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 11

 Interface Layout

Figure 3. This is the layout of Adobe Photoshop interface.

Menu Bar
If you look at the top of the screen you will see the Menu bar (Figure 3), which contains all the main
functions of Photoshop, such as File, Edit, Image, Layer, Select, Filter, Analysis, 3D, View, Window, and
Help.

Toolbar
Most of the major tools are located in the Toolbar for easy access.

The Image
The image will appear in its own window once you open a file.

Image Name
The name of any image that you open will be at the top of the image window as shown above.

Palettes
Palettes contain functions that help you monitor and modify images. By default, palettes are stacked
together in groups. These are the palettes that are usually visible: Color, Adjustments and Layers. If none
of the palettes are visible, go to Window in the Menu bar and choose the palettes you need.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 12

 Palettes
Below is the description of the most commonly used palettes in Adobe Photoshop CS6. Palettes used for
more advanced image editing will be covered in the Adobe Photoshop CS6 Tutorial - Intermediate.

Color, Swatches, Style

The Color palette (Figure 4) displays the current foreground and background colors and RGB values for these
colors. You can use the sliders to change the foreground and background colors in different color modes. You
can also choose a color from the spectrum of colors displayed in the color ramp at the bottom of the palette.

Figure 4. Color palette

In the Swatches palette (Figure 5) you can choose a foreground or background color and add a customized
color to the library.

Figure 5. Swatches palette

The Styles palette (Figure 6) allows you to view, select, and apply preset layer styles. By default, a preset style
replaces the current layer style. You can use the styles in the palette or add your own using the Create New
Style icon.

Figure 6. Styles palette

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 13
History

The History palette (Figure 7) stores and displays each action performed allowing you jump to any recent stage of
the image alteration. The alterations should be created during the current working session. After saving or closing the
document, the History palette clears all the contents. Each time you apply a change to an image, the new state of that
image is added to the palette. It is important to know that once you click on any of the previous stages, all the
changes that were made after it will be lost.

Figure 7. History palette

Adjustments
The Adjustment layers palette give you the ability to apply an effect to a group of layers in Photoshop, and then you
can edit that effect later, while preserving the original layers.

Figure 8. Adjustments palette

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 14

Layers

Layers let you organize your work into distinct levels that can be edited and viewed as individual units. Every
Photoshop CS6 document contains at least one layer. Creating multiple layers lets you easily control how your
artwork is printed, displayed, and edited. You will use the Layers palette (Figure 9) often while creating a document,
so it is crucial to understand what it does and how to use it.

A) Layer Visibility -The eye shows that the selected layer is visible. Click on or off to see or to hide a layer.

B) Layer Locking Options -Click the checkered square icon to lock Transparency, click the brush icon to lock the
Image, click the arrow icon to lock the Position, and click the lock icon to lock all options.

C) Layer Blending Mode -Defines how the layer’s pixels blend with underlying pixels in the image. By choosing a
particular blending mode from the drop-down menu you can create a variety of special effects.

D) Fill -By typing in a value or dragging the slider you can specify the transparency.

E) Opacity -By typing in a value or dragging the slider, you can specify the transparency of the entire layer.

Figure 9. Layer palette

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 15

F) Layer Lock -The icon shows when the layer is locked and disappears when it is unlocked. Double-click the icon
to unlock the layer.

G) Layer Options Menu -Click the black triangle to display the following options: New Layer, Duplicate Layer,
Delete Layer, Layer Properties, etc. Some of the options are presented as icons at the bottom of the Layers
palette.

H) Link Layers - Can be used to link layers together.

I) Layer Styles -If a layer has a style, an “F” icon shows at the bottom of the Layers palette. Click the little black
triangle to see style options.

J) Layer Mask -Allows you to hide certain parts of the layer, which can then be revealed by using the paintbrush and
the white paint color to expose portions of the layer.

K) Layer Set -This option helps to organize images with multiple layers. Click the icon to create a folder for
several layers.

L) Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer -Have the same opacity and blending mode options as image layers and
can be rearranged, deleted, hidden and duplicated in the same manner as image layers. Click the icon and select an
option to create a new fill or adjustment layer.

M) Create New Layer -Click this icon to create a new layer.

N) Delete Layer -To delete a layer, select a layer in the Layers palette and drag it to the trash can icon, or
select a layer and click the icon.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 16

 Toolbox

If you used other Adobe products, such as Illustrator or InDesign, you should be familiar with the
toolbox in Adobe Photoshop CS6 as it shares some of the tools from these applications. If you are a
new user of Adobe products, you should keep in mind that you might not need to use all of the tools.
In this tutorial, only the basic tools will be discussed in-depth.

Some tools in the toolbar have additional “hidden” tools. These tools have small black triangles in the
right-hand corner. To view the “hidden” tools, click and hold down on any tool that has a gray triangle in
the corner (Figure 10).

Figure 10. “Hidden” tools

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 17

 Selection Tools

Move
Used to select and move objects on the page.
Click the tool button, then click on any object on the page you wish to move.

Selects an object by drawing a rectangle or an ellipse around it.

Marquee
Click the tool button, choose a rectangular or an elliptical marquee. Drag the marquee
over the area of the image you wish to select.

Lasso Selects an object by drawing a freehand border around it.

Click the tool button, drag to draw a freehand border around the are of the image you
wish to select.

Magic Wand
Selects all objects in a document with the same or similar fill color, stroke weight, stroke
color, opacity or blending mode. By specifying the color range or tolerance, you can
control what the Magic Wand tool selects.

Crop
Click the tool button, then click and drag the tool over the part of the image that you want
to keep. Resize the selected area dragging the squares at the sides and corners. Click the
Return/Enter key when your crop box is sized correctly.

Eye Dropper Takes color samples from colors on the page and displays them in the Color Boxes.
Select the tool, click on the color in the image you wish to sample. The Color Box will
display this color.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 18

 TRANSFORMATION

Apply transformations
You can apply transformations to a selection, an entire layer, multiple layers, or a layer mask.
You can also apply transformations to a path, a vector shape, a vector mask, a selection border, or an alpha channel.

To make a transformation, first

select an item to transform and
then choose a transformation
command. If necessary, adjust
the reference point before
manipulating the
transformation.

Transform submenu commands

Scale
Enlarges or reduces an item relative
to its reference point, the fixed point
around which transformations are
performed. You can scale
horizontally, vertically, or both
horizontally and vertically.

Rotate
Turns an item around a reference point. By default, this point is at the center of the object; however,
you can move it to another location.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 19

Skew
Slants an item vertically and horizontally.

Distort
Stretches an item in all directions.

Perspective
Applies one-point perspective to an item.

Warp
Manipulates the shape of an item.

Rotate 180, Rotate 90 CW, Rotate 90 CCW

Rotates the item by the specified number of degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Flip
Flips the item vertically or horizontally.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you chose Scale, drag a handle on the bounding box. When positioned over a handle, the pointer becomes a
double arrow.

If the Maintain Aspect Ratio button (Link icon) is ON in the Options bar, drag a corner handle to scale the layer
proportionally.

If the Maintain Aspect Ratio button (Link icon) is OFF in the Options bar, drag a corner handle scales the layer
non-proportionally. Hold down the Shift key while transforming to toggle between proportional and non-proportional
scaling behavior.

If you chose Rotate, move the pointer outside the bounding border (it becomes a curved, two-sided arrow), and
then drag. Press Shift to constrain the rotation to 15° increments.

If you chose Skew, drag a side handle to slant the bounding box.

If you chose Distort, drag a corner handle to stretch the bounding box.

If you chose Perspective, drag a corner handle to apply perspective to the bounding box.

If you chose Warp, choose a warp from the Warp Style pop‑up menu in the options bar, or to perform a
custom warp, drag the control points, a line, or an area within the mesh to change the shape of the bounding box
and mesh.

For all types of transformations, enter a value in the options bar. For example, to rotate an item, specify degrees in the
rotation text box.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 20

 BRUSHES

What Is the Brush Tool in Photoshop?

The Brush Tool is a primary painting tool. It works like a traditional drawing tool by applying color using strokes.
It's located in the standard toolbar, and its default shortcut is the letter B.

The Brush Tool works by adding a shaped mark on a layer, and if you continue pressing the mouse button or the
pen on a tablet, several marks will be added, creating a stroke, until you release the pressure.
The essential options for the Paint Tool in Photoshop are Brush Tip Shape, Blending Mode, Opacity, and Flow.
You must understand those concepts before moving forward with the advanced settings.
Photoshop includes several built-in presets, which are premade brushes ready to use.

The Basics

Brush Tip
This is the most basic option for the Paint Tool in Photoshop. The
Brush Tip settings allow you to modify the way to add colors on a
Photoshop document using the Brush Tool. When you click on the
Brush Preset Picker in the default Options Panel, you will see several
built-in presets. On many of the presets, you can easily adjust two
very important values:

1. Size increases or decreases the size of the brush tip. The

default shortcuts to increase or decrease are the [ key
and ] key. Alternatively, you can Control-Option-Click on
a Mac or Alt-Right-Click and Drag in Windows to change
the brush size dynamically.
2. Hardness increases or decreases the brush tip's border
strength. 0% means a soft border, and 100% a precise
border.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 22

Hardness: If you want to make the
edges of the brush harder or softer,
you can adjust the hardness from the
same drop-down menu. A harder
brush will have clear, defined edges,
whereas a softer brush will have
blurry, less-defined edges. For most
situations, we recommend setting the
hardness to 50% or less because it will
help to make individual brush strokes
less obvious.

Brush Tip: If you want to create a

unique effect, there are different brush
tips to choose from in the same drop-
down menu. Some of these are
designed to mimic real-life drawing
tools like pens and markers, while
others are simpler.

Opacity: By default, the opacity of your brush is set to 100%, meaning the brush will use the highest intensity.
However, you can reduce the opacity of your brush to make it less intense.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 23

Foreground Color

The color being applied by the brush tip is controlled by the

Foreground Color, found at the bottom of the Tools toolbar. To
change the brush color in Photoshop, click on the Foreground
Color and use the Color Picker to choose a new color.

Brush Modes

Each time you paint something using the Brush Tool,

you can choose a Blending Mode for the stroke. A
Blending Mode is a way to change how a brushstroke
interacts with the pixels behind the stroke. Let's try
some of them.

Modes: Normal, Dissolve, Behind, and Clear

Let's review some of the basic brush modes.

The first on the list is Normal Mode, which paints the

color as is.

Dissolve Mode adds some noise at the edge of the

brush stroke.

Behind Mode paints behind an existing stroke, even if

they are both on the same layer.

And then Clear Mode. The “Clear” blend mode turns

the pixels you paint on transparent, much like the Eraser
tool.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 24

 TRANSFORMATION

You can create brushes that apply paint to images in a variety of ways. You select an existing preset brush,
a brush tip shape, or create a unique brush tip from part of an image. You choose options from the Brush
Settings panel to specify how the paint is applied.

The Brush Settings panel lets

you modify existing brushes
and design new custom
brushes. The Brush Settings
panel contains the brush tip
options that determine how
paint is applied to an image.
The brush stroke preview at
the bottom of the panel shows
how paint strokes look with
the current brush options.

Brush Settings panel (Left) and Brushes panel (Right)

A. Locked/Unlocked B. Selected brush tip C. Brush stroke preview D. Brushes panel

Display the Brush panel and brush options

Choose Window > Brush Settings. Or, select a painting, erasing, toning, or focus tool, and click the panel
button on the left side of the options bar.

Select an option set on the left side of the panel. The available options for the set appear on the right side of
the panel.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 25

Import brushes and brush packs
You can import a wide variety of free and purchased brushes—for example, Kyle's Photoshop brush packs—into
Photoshop. Follow these steps:

In the Brushes panel, from the flyout menu, choose Get More Brushes. Alternatively, right-click a brush listed in the
Brushes panel and select Get More Brushes from the contextual menu.

Download a brush pack. For example, download Kyle's

"Megapack".

With Photoshop running, double-click the downloaded

ABR file.

The brushes you added are now displayed in the Brushes

panel.

Additional Resources and References for Photoshop Brushes:

https://www.brusheezy.com/free/photoshop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yhB0hQx0iY&feature=emb_logo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw4I-SD_oPc

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 26

 ERASER TOOL

“E” is the hotkey to enable the Erase tool. It’s also available in the toolbox.
There are multiple other attributions which appear on application toolbar after selecting erase tool which are:

• Brush: This includes different shapes of brush, size adjustability,

the hardness of edges and various other styles. Everything in
brushes can be changed at any point in time as required.

• Mode: There are 3 modes which are (1) Brush (Soft edge) (2) Pencil (Hard edge) and (3) Block (Square
brush size). Based on the requirements we can go with the mode.

• Opacity: By default, the opacity range of the erasing tool is 100% which removes the entire image and makes
the image transparent or shows the below layer image from the layer panel. The opacity can be changed
at any point in time depending on the requirements. The mostly used opacity ranges are 50%, 20%, 30%
and based on the color which we want to partially remove.

• Flow: It helps in knowing the applicability of erasing to numbers of pixels it moved from one corner to
another corner. Based on the level of percentage range set the effects apply accordingly. This option is
only applicable in brush mode.

• Airbrush: This option helps the erase tool moved pixels clear to clean without remaining traces in pixels at
the area where the brush is moved to get a smooth finish. This option is only applicable in brush mode.

• Erase to History: When the erase tool is active and we want can review the image by enabling this option.
Upon enabling Erase properties will not apply for the image which we are working for.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 27

 Different Eraser Tools in Photoshop
Below are the three different eraser tools in photoshop:

1. Eraser Tool
eraser tool (Eraser Tool in Photoshop)
This is a regular or default process of using the eraser in Photoshop to remove unwanted pixels
in the image. Upon erasing the image portion, it becomes transparent and the pixels will be
removed on the areas of brush movement. By doing this the background image can be shown if
we have multiple layers, make the image transparent where required and small or large portions
of objects can be removed from the image which is not needed and use the clown stamp tool or
other images to cover it.

This is used by all professional Photoshop artists who work for magazine making, editorials
making, calendar making, cover pages, pamphlets, banners and many more.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 28

 2. Magic Eraser Tool

Magic Tool is used when the pixels of the same tolerance color needs to be removed. In the
below image after enabling the magic erase tool the tolerance option setting option is available
beside the brush option as shown. By selecting the color which needs to be removed by tool the
portions get selected based on tolerance and perform edits or erase them. This tool provides the
exact selection and has various options to select the area and modify it.

Tolerance: For each image can range from 0 to 255 which are closely matched.
Anti-Aliased: To give a smooth edge to the complete portion of the image selected by the magic erase tool.
Contiguous: Contiguous is enabled for the areas which need to be joined to work together.
We can add and remove the selection by using Shift and Alt keys from the keyboard.

3. Background Eraser Tool

This tool is specially used to alter the background to solid color or make the background transparent for
images and layers as required. After selecting the image this tool needs to be selected brush properties can be
changed by clicking the brush icon on top or also we can use left square brackets to reduce the size of the
brush and right square bracket to increase the size. It makes the user work quickly.

Brush: Properties such as Dimensions Hardness, Spacing, Angle, etc can be

configured as required.
Sampling: There are 3 modes of sampling, the commonly used one is
continuous and a few more are once and background switch. Based on the
requirement we can switch between them.
Limits: There are 3 types of limits that are the discontinuous, continuous and
fine edge.
Tolerance: It’s a “%” based editing low tolerance which needs multiple
repetitions of the brush to remove the background color compactly. High
tolerance removes the background color quickly but adjusts it to the required
level avoid image tiny details missing.

Protect Foreground Colour: Full opacity can be used while removing the
background color of the image which is used in television studios, movies and
VFX which use green mats and black mats.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 29

 LAYER MASK

Photoshop layer masks offer advanced control over image transparency, one of the most basic functionalities of
Photoshop. Because of their fundamental nature, every Photoshop user should have a working understanding of
layer masks and how to use them. They open huge doors to creative possibilities and help Photoshop users
knock out simple tasks as well!

What is a Photoshop layer mask?

Photoshop layer masks control the

transparency of the layer they are “worn” by.
In other words, the areas of a layer that are
hidden by a layer mask actually become
transparent, allowing image information from
lower layers to show through.

To use a simple analogy, Photoshop layer masks

work similar to masquerade ball masks. These
masks hide some areas of a person’s face and
reveal others—often the eyes, nose and mouth.
Similarly, Photoshop layer masks can be used to
hide and reveal sections of a layer. Photoshop Layer Mask

Why use layer masks?

Can’t I just use the eraser tool to remove parts of an image? The answer is yes! However, if you
do those parts of the image will be lost forever. That method resides in what we consider a destructive
workflow.

Layer masks, on the other hand, leave the original layer pixel data untouched. This means you can play
with the transparency in a multitude of ways without harming the layer content or creating an
irreversible mess.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 30

 Layer Mask - Photoshop provides a complete set of functions for handling layer masks.

Layer mask filled with white

First, select the layer you want to mask (in this example Layer 1), then click the layer mask button as
highlighted above. Alternatively, you can navigate to Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All (we’ll get to the other
options later). As seen in the example above, a white rectangle appears to the right of the image thumbnail.

Despite the fact that we’ve added a layer mask, nothing has visibly changed on the canvas. The reason for this
has to do with the contents of the layer mask. That’s right, layer masks hold pixel data too! In fact, they can be
thought of as layers in their own right, existing in a parallel universe.

Currently, the layer mask in our example holds entirely white pixels, as seen in the layer mask thumbnail. This
means the areas of a layer mask that hold white pixels allow the same pixel area of their corresponding layer
to show through.

Layer mask filled with black

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 31

 What happens if we replace the layer mask’s white pixels with black pixels? Simply click the layer mask
thumbnail, then click Edit > Fill. Let’s choose black. Instantly we see that the layer mask thumbnail turns black,
and the corresponding layer disappears from the canvas – revealing the clouds in Layer 2!

Contrary to our previous example, which uses a layer mask filled with white pixels, layer masks filled with
black pixels create full transparency in the corresponding pixel area of the layer which is masked.

Can you guess what happens if we fill half the layer mask with white and half with black? That’s right! Half the
image becomes visible while the other half stays transparent. In this case, we would see half clouds and half
bird.

Layer mask filled with gradient

Layer masks don’t end with black and white. In fact, layer masks can hold any
form of grayscale pixel information. Let’s see what happens if we fill the layer
mask with a gradient ranging from black to white!

Press G to switch to the gradient tool, then select the layer mask by clicking
on its thumbnail. Finally, let’s drag the gradient tool across the canvas. As you
can see, the thumbnail fills with a gradient from black to white and the
corresponding layer smoothly transitions between full opacity and full
transparency.

In essence, the clouds in Layer 2 are “showing through” the areas of Layer 1,
which have become transparent as a result of the gradient layer mask.

You may also be wondering what that chain-link is doing between the layer
thumbnail and layer mask thumbnail? Quite simply, this chain-link means that
if you move the layer image on the canvas, the layer mask will move around
with it.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 32
BRUSHES
II. Set shape tool options
In the shape tool options bar, you can set:

• Mode: Set a mode for your Shape tool — Shape, Path, and Pixels.
• Fill: Choose a color to fill your shape.
• Stroke: Choose the color, width, and type of your shape stroke.
• W&H: Manually set the width and height of your shape.
• Path operations: Use path operations to set the way your shapes interact with each other.
• Path alignment: Use path alignment to align and distribute your shape components.
• Path arrangement: Use path arrangement to set the stacking order of shaes you create.
• Additional shape and path options: Click the gear ( ) icon to access additional shape
and path options to set attributes such as width and color of the on-screen display of your
path, and constrain options while drawing shapes.

III. Draw a shape

Click and drag on the canvas with your selected shape tool to draw a shape. This automatically
creates a new shape layer in the Layers panel.

• Hold the Shift key while drawing to make your shapes proportional.
• With your shape layer selected, use the Move tool to move your shape around and
reposition on the canvas.
• To easily scale, transform, or rotate your shape, choose Edit > Free Transform or
press Control+T (Win) / Command+T (Mac).
IV. Edit shape properties
You can easily edit your shape properties directly using on-canvas controls or accessing Live Shape
Properties under the Properties panel. On-canvas controls make your interaction with shapes
more intuitive.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 35

 You can use on-canvas transform and rounding controls to adjust the appearance of your shape. The
keyboard modifiers will work the same way for on-canvas transform controls as they work
in Transform tool in Photoshop. You can modify the radius of all corners of your shape at once or
hold Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) as you drag to change the radius of a single corner. For triangles, all
corners will be modified even if you drag one of them. Easily rotate a shape using the on-canvas
rotate handle that appears as you hover over your shape on the canvas.

Click the reset ( ) icon in the properties panel to reset all modifications at any time.

Once you've drawn a shape, you can click

anywhere on the canvas to bring up
a Create Shape pop-up dialog and modify
your shape parameters.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 36

 Draw Custom Shapes in Photoshop

Selecting the Custom Shape Tool

The Custom Shape Tool is nested in with

Photoshop's other shape tools in the Tools
panel. To select it, click and hold on the icon for
whichever shape tool is currently visible (which
will either be the Rectangle Tool (the default) or
whichever shape tool you used last). When you
click and hold on the icon, a fly-out menu appears Clicking and holding on the Rectangle Tool, then selecting

showing the other shape tools that are available. the Custom Shape Tool from the menu.

Select the Custom Shape Tool from the list:

Drawing Vector Shapes

With the Custom Shape Tool selected, the next thing we want to do is make sure we're drawing vector
shapes, not paths or pixel-based shapes. We learned the important difference between vector shapes and
pixel shapes in the Drawing Vector vs Pixel Shapes tutorial, but in short, vector shapes are flexible, editable,
and resolution-independent, meaning we can edit and scale them as much as we want, and even print them
any size we need, and the edges of vector shapes will always remain crisp and sharp.

To make sure you're working with vector shapes, set the Tool Mode option in the Options Bar along the top
of the screen to Shape (short for "Vector Shape"):

Choosing A Custom Shape

Next, we need to tell Photoshop which custom shape we

want to draw, and we do that by clicking on the shape
thumbnail in the Options Bar. The thumbnail shows us the
shape that's currently selected. Clicking the thumbnail
opens the Custom Shape Picker, with thumbnail previews
of each shape that we can choose from. Use the scroll bar
along the right to scroll through the thumbnails.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 37

Loading More Shapes

As I mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial, only a

handful of shapes are available initially, but there's many
more that we can choose from. All we need to do is load
them in. To do that, click on the gear icon in the upper
right:
Clicking the gear icon.

In the bottom half of the menu that appears, you'll see a list of all the
custom shape sets that Adobe includes with Photoshop. The shapes
that are displayed initially are the default set, but looking through the
list, we see that we have lots of other interesting sets, like Animals,
Music, Nature, and so on. To load one of these sets, simply choose it
from the list.

The only problem is that unless you've been using Photoshop for a
while (and spent much of that time working with custom shapes), it's
hard to know which shapes you'll find in each set. So, rather than
choosing the sets individually, what I'd recommend is selecting All at
the top of the list, which will load the shapes from every set all at once: Choosing All will save you a lot of guess work.

Photoshop will ask if you want to replace the current shapes with the new ones. If you click the Append
button, rather than replacing the current shapes with the new shapes, it tells Photoshop to keep the
existing shapes and simply add the new ones below them. That may be a good choice if you were selecting
an individual shape set from the list and you just wanted to add it to the default shapes.

In this case, because I'm choosing All (which includes the default shapes as part of the collection), I'm going
to click OK. At the end of the tutorial, we'll learn how to reset the shapes back to the defaults:

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 38

Resizing the Custom Shape
Picker

With all of the shapes now loaded in,

we have far more to choose from.
You can resize the Custom Shape
Picker to see more shapes at a time
by clicking and dragging its bottom
right corner. In fact, you can make the
Custom Shape Picker large enough to
see every shape at once:

Click and drag the bottom right corner to resize the

Custom Shape Picker.

Choosing A Color For the Shape

Once you've selected a custom shape,

choose a color for it by clicking the Fill
color swatch in the Options Bar:
Clicking the Fill color swatch.

This opens a box that lets us choose from four different

ways to fill the custom shape, each represented by one of
four icons along the top. Starting from the left, we have the
No Color icon, the Solid Color icon, the Gradient icon,
and the Pattern icon.

Selecting the No Color option on the left will leave your

custom shape blank, which may be what you want if you
need your shape to contain only a stroke outline. We'll see
how to add a stroke in a moment.

The Solid Color option (second from left) lets us fill the
The No Color, Solid Color, Gradient,
custom shape with a single color. Choose a color by clicking and Pattern fill options.
on one of the color swatches. Colors you've used recently
appear in the Recently Used Colors row above the main
swatches:
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 39
 TYPE TOOL

The Type Tools are what you will use when you want to add text to a Photoshop document. The Type Tool
comes in four different variations and allows users to create both horizontal and vertical type. Note that whenever
you create type in Photoshop, a new Type Layer will be added to your Layers Panel.

Type Tool Options Bar

Options bar in Photoshop on Windows

s
A. Change horizontal text to vertical text and vice-versa B. Change font style C. Change font size D.
Change pixelation of text edge (anti-aliasing) E. Change text alignment F. Change text color G. Cancel
changes H. Save changes

You can also use the Character panel and the Paragraph panel to further edit your text.

There are 2 ways of adding text, and it’s critical that you know when to use one way, and when to choose
the other. The first way is how most people use text, by using what is called the Point text tool. You
simply click on the Text Tool in the tool box, click back on your image and start typing. The second way is
to use Paragraph Text.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 40

 Open a new document in Photoshop,
and click on the Text tool (keyboard
shortcut = T). Start typing. you’ll see
something like this:

Your text will have an underline and a

cursor will show where you are
inserting the next letter. If you keep
typing, the text will continue along in
one long single line. To get text on a
new line you have to hit ENTER. You
have just created text using the
POINT TEXT tool. Save this and call it
“point text.”

Go ahead and type. Type a lot of text. See how the text is constrained by the size of the box? This is Paragraph
text.Open another
You can grab document, click
the text box on the
handles (the little boxes on the middles and corners) to define the size of the
area in which you want the text to appear. You can see this is great for larger areas of text. Because you can
Text tool if it’s not already clicked,
change the size of the text box, you have great flexibility using paragraph text.
now take the text tool and DRAG it
Youout
canto
use the aMOVE
make toolYou
rectangle. to position
should the entire block of text anywhere on your page.
see something like this.
Paragraph text is also easier to center on your page. To center your text, just grab one of the handles and drag
it to the right edge of your page. Drag the left box to the left edge of your page, then up in the context menu,
click the CENTER text icon where number 5 is on the diagram above.

Variations of Type Tools

Horizontal Type Tool - The Horizontal Type Tool is your basic type tool. It allows you to create basic text on a
horizontal plane.

Vertical Type Tool - This tool allows you to create basic text that is written on a vertical plane (from top to
bottom).

Horizontal Type Mask Tool - This tool creates a selection of the text rather than live text. The selections can
then be used to create masks and clippings.

Vertical Type Mask Tool - This tool creates a selection of the text rather than live text. The text will be
formatted on a vertical plane. The selections can then be used to create masks and clippings.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 41

 LAYER STYLES

A layer style is simply one or more-layer effects and blending options applied to a layer. Layer effects are
things like drop shadows, stroke, and color overlays. Here is an example of a layer with three-layer effects
(Drop Shadow, Inner Glow, and Stroke).

You can turn off a layer style by clicking on the eye icon beside Effects so that you can see how the original
layer looks without its layer style.

Applying Layer Styles

To set up a layer style, you will use the Layer Style dialog
s
window. There are various ways to access the Layer Style
dialog window.

A. Right-Clicking on a Layer

By right-clicking on your layer, you can select Blending

Options to open up the Layer Style dialog window.

B. Double-Clicking on a Layer

By double-clicking on your layer’s thumbnail

preview in the Layers Panel, you can open up
the Layer Style window.

C. Application Bar Menu

Like most things in Photoshop, you can access

the Layer Style dialog window through the
Application Bar menu by going to Layer >
Layer Style. ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 42
Photoshop provides a variety of effects such as shadows, glows, and bevels that change the appearance of a
layer's contents in a non-destructive way.

A layer style is one or more effects applied to a layer or layer group. You can apply one of the preset styles
provided with Photoshop or create a custom style using the Layer Style dialog box. The layer effects icon
appears to the right of the layer's name in the Layers panel.

You can expand the style in the Layers panel to view or edit the effects that compose the style.

Layers panel showing layer with multiple effects

You can apply multiple effects in a single layer style. Also, more than one instance of some effects can
applied
comprise a layer style.
A. Layer effects icon B. Click to expand and show
layer effects C. Layer effects

When you save a custom style, it becomes a

preset style. Preset styles appear in the Styles
panel and can be applied to a layer or group with
a single click.

The Layer Style Dialog Window

When you first open the Layer Style
window, you will see the Blending
Options. Here you can adjust the Blend
Mode and layer Opacity, as well as
some more advanced blending effects.

A layer style can have one or more

different layer effects. To apply a layer
effect, check the box beside it.

Be sure to enable the Preview option

so that you can see your changes in
To quickly preview what your layer style looks like,
real-time.
there’s a thumbnail on the right side of the window to
To quickly preview what your layer help remind you.
style looks like, there’s a thumbnail on
the right side of the window to help
remind you.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 43
You can create custom styles using one or more of the following effects:

Drop Shadow: Adds a shadow that falls behind the contents on the layer.

Inner Shadow: Adds a shadow that falls just inside the edges of the layer's content, giving the layer
a recessed appearance.

Outer Glow and Inner Glow: Add glows that emanate from the outside or inside edges of the
layer's content.

Bevel and Emboss: Add various combinations of highlights and shadows to a layer.

Satin: Applies interior shading that creates a satiny finish.

Color, Gradient, and Pattern Overlay: Fills the layer's content with a color, gradient, or pattern.

Stroke: Outlines the object on the current layer using color, a gradient, or a pattern. It is
particularly useful on hard-edged shapes such as type.

Apply or edit a custom layer style

Note:

You cannot apply layer styles to a background layer, a locked layer, or a group. To apply a layer style to a background layer, first convert
it into a regular layer.

Select a single layer from the Layers panel.

Do one of the following:
Double-click the layer, outside the layer name or thumbnail.
Click the Add A Layer Style icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and choose an effect from the list.
Choose an effect from the Layer > Layer Style submenu.
To edit an existing style, double-click an effect displayed below the layer name in the Layers panel. (Click the
triangle next to the Add A Layer Style icon to display the effects contained in the style.)

Set effect options in the Layer Style dialog box. See Layer style options.

Add other effects to the style, if desired. In the Layer Style dialog box, click the check box
to the left of the effect name to add the effect without selecting it.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 44

Layer Styles: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

1. Layer styles cannot be added to locked layers. You may have created a new document,
selected the background layer, and clicked a layer style preset, only to see a whole bunch of
nothing happening. It is because the background layer is locked. You cannot add new layer
styles to locked layers. You can, however, add layer styles to a layer prior to locking it to
prevent editing of that layer. You can then unlock it later if you decide to change the settings
of your layer style later.

2. You can increase the size of the thumbnails in the Styles palette by opening the
Styles palette dropdown menu and toggling the display type between Text Only, Small
Thumbnail, Large Thumbnail, Small List, and Large List.

3. Most layer styles are created to look their best on bolder fonts and/or at larger sizes.
If you apply a style you found online and are unhappy with how it looks, you might want to try
a different font or a larger text size.

4. Layer styles themselves can be resized, so if you find a layer style that looks good at a
certain size but want to shrink your text, you can resize the effect to match any size of text.
Simply right click the list of effects that are applied to the layer in the Layers palette and click
"Scale Effects". You can then scale your effects using a percentage.

5. You can copy and paste styles between layers in the same document as well as
between layers in different documents. Right-click the name of the layer in the Layers palette
and click "Copy Layer Style", and then on another layer, right-click again and select "Paste
Layer Style".

6. You can hide the layer contents while showing only the effects. Select the layer in
the Layers palette and change the Fill, located at the top of the Layers palette, to 0%. You can
then apply effects without the layer itself showing up. This is how many glass and other
advanced effects are created.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 45

 LOGO MAKING

Think of some common logos that you see often and easily recognizable. What makes them good logos?

A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition.
It may be of an abstract or figurative design or include the text of the name it represents as in a wordmark.

Five Characteristics of a Great Logo

1. Simple- Simple logos are the ones people can recognize as soon as they see them. The simplest logos
s
are the ones people remember the most.

2. Scalable- A great logo should be simple enough to be able to be scaled down or up and still look
good.

3. Memorable / Impactful- A great logo should be impactful. You want to capture your viewer’s
attentions and leave an impression (a positive impression, hopefully).

4. Versatile- A great logo should look equally good on any web device and on any kind of print
material.

5. Relevant

A great logo should be relevant to your practice. It has to have meaning that relates to the work you are
doing.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 46
Types of Logo

Tips on how to make a logo

Start with inspiration- Browse some fresh

inspirations from the web.

Remix it to make it your own- Personalize

your logo. Use unique fonts, combine different
colors.

Re-size to make your content go further-

You can easily modify the size of your logo for any
printed need or social network.

Save and share your custom logo- Once your

design is complete, share your creation by
uploading it to your website, posting it to your
social channels, or dropping it into an email.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 47

 PEN TOOL AND PATH

What is the Pen Tool in Photoshop?

The Pen Tool in Photoshop creates paths and shapes which can be duplicated and manipulated to create
complex selections, masks and objects.

Unlike the Brush Tool and Pencil Tools, which “draw” pixels onto your image, the Pen Tool always
creates a vector path when used. These paths appear as either Work Paths or Shape Paths in the Paths
Panel.

What are some common uses for the Pen Tool?

Because you can modify, store and reuse the paths created with the Pen Tool as often as you want, it
could become your go-to tool every time you need to remove a product image from its background or
select a portion of a product image to change its color, for example. You can create multiple paths within

Where is the Pen Tool in Photoshop?

By default, the Pen Tool is located in the lower half of the

s
Toolbar. If you click and hold on the Pen Tool in the Toolbar,
you’ll see six separate Pen Tool options in both Photoshop CC
2018 and 2019 (if you’re using an older version of Photoshop, you
may only see five Pen Tool options).

You can also access the Pen Tool by typing “P” on your keyboard.

Pen Tool settings overview

In Photoshop CC 2019, there are four different
Pen Tools you can use to create a new path:
1. The standard Pen Tool
2. The Curvature Pen Tool
3. The Freeform Pen Tool
4. The Magnetic Pen Tool (only visible by
adjusting the settings of the Freeform Pen
Tool)
The other Pen Tool options are the Add Anchor
Point Tool, the Delete Anchor Point Tool, and the
Convert Point Tool. These tools are used to ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 48
modify an existing path.
 When you access either the standard Pen Tool, the Curvature Pen Tool or the Freeform Pen Tool, you can set
your Pen Tool setting to either Path or Shape in the options bar at the top of the application window.

Drawing with the Pen Tool when Path is selected creates a new Work Path that appears in the Paths Panel.
Drawing with the Pen Tool when Shape is selected creates a new Shape Path that appears in both the Paths
Panel and the Layers Panel.

When you choose Shape, you can also change a few different settings, including stroke color, thickness and fill
color of the shape.

When you choose Path, you’ll see an icon that looks like two small overlapping squares (this icon is also
available when Shape is chosen once you’ve already begun drawing your path). If you’re creating an initial path
to become a selection, set this option to Combine Shapes.

How to use the Pen Tool in Photoshop to create a path?

The standard Pen Tool allows you to create straight and curved paths with amazing accuracy, but
mastering it takes some practice. Don’t get discouraged if it’s difficult at first. You can always adjust a path
after you create it.

To create a path that you can then use as a selection, choose the standard Pen Tool, and then choose Path
in the options bar drop-down menu at the top of the application window.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 49

 How to save your path?
Saving your path is super important here. Without saving, you
could accidentally overwrite your hard work when you create
another path.

To save your path, go to your Paths Panel and look for a new
Work Path. Double click on Work Path to name your path and
save it.

How to modify an existing path with the Pen Tool?

Once you’ve created your path, you can modify any areas that need tweaking. It’s helpful to zoom in on
different areas of your path to ensure the path follows the object exactly.

Shortcuts

Drag anchor point – If you’re not happy with the

placement of an anchor point, hold spacebar and move it
around.
Create an independent curve – When you create
curves, you will have symmetrical handle points that help
ensure a smooth transition between segments. If you
want a completely different curve, hold down Alt/Opt + If you don't see your path in your image,
click on the path’s name in the Paths Panel.
Click to create an independent curve.
Refine handle points – Hold Cmd/Ctrl and move it
around.
Swap between smooth and corner point – You can
change an existing smooth point to a corner point and
vice versa by holding the Alt/Opt key and clicking to alter
the anchor point.
Create independent segments – You can split
direction handles to create independent segments from
connected segments. Hold Alt/Opt key, and you can
adjust the points independently. Use Cmd/Ctrl key, and
they move together.
Start a new path – If you hold Cmd/Ctrl + Click, you
don’t have to switch to a different tool, you can start
drawing a new path, and later on, you can connect them
to become a single path.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 50

 ALTERATION AND ENHANCEMENT TOOL

Digital Enhancement

Digital enhancement is the answer to all image quality problems. ... With digital enhancement, you can
easily increase the attractiveness of images by simply adjusting the brightness, contrast and sharpness of
the image. You are also given the chance to enhance the color balance of the picture.

Alteration & Enhancement Tools

Brush

Draws lines of different thicknesses and colors.

Select the tool. Then click on the selected area, drag to draw
lines. Use the Options bar to change the Brush, Mode, Opacity,
and Flow.

Art History Brush

Paints over an image using the source data from a
specified history state or snapshot.
Select the tool, specify the Brush, Blending Mode,
Opacity, Style, Area, and Tolerance.

Eraser
Removes part of an existing path or stroke. You
can use the Erase tool on paths. Text can
only be erased when rasterized.

Paint Bucket
Applies a color fill to a selected part of the image
Select the tool, click on the part of the image you
or to to
wish an erase.
entire Drag
layer.to erase pixels.
Select a layer you wish to apply the paint bucket
to, click the tool button, click on the
starting point, and click the area you wish to fill.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 51

Blur Tool
Blurs the sharp edges of an image.
Select an area where you wish to apply the tool.
Click the tool button, choose the Brush, Mode,
and Strength. Drag the brush along the edges.

Healing Brush
Corrects small blemishes in scanned photos.
Select the tool, hold down the ALT key and left-
click on the base color you need to heal. Then left-
click over the blemish.

Clone Stamp
Takes a sample of an image and applies over
another image, or a part of the same image.

Select the tool. Hold down the ALT key and left-
click on a certain point of the document where
you want to start your copy point. Then, put your
mouse over whatever part of the new document
you want the picture to go to. Hold down the left
mouse button and drag the mouse across the page
to copy the picture.

The Clone Stamp tool is the oldest and most

widely known of the cloning tools. The basic
concept is that you duplicate certain portions of an
image using a source, destination and brush.

Use the “Option” key (“Alt”) to set the source.

To begin, simply click on the preferred source area

while holding down the “Option” key (“Alt” on a
PC). Then, with no keys held down, begin painting
over the area you want to replace. The image area
from the source will be transferred to the ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 52
destination.
 ALTERATION AND ENHANCEMENT TOOL

Sharpen Tool

The Sharpen Tool tightens up pixels that you select. The tool can be
a little crude so it is worth playing with the options. Again, how much
you sharpen can be controlled with the strength dropdown.

Smudge
The smudge tool takes a color that you select and smudges it into
wherever you draw. It can be useful if you want to blur out the edges
of photos, for action shots for example. To do this sample the area you
want to smudge and then use the brush to fade out the edges. As it
smudges it blends the colors around it with the one you have selected.

Spot Healing Brush

The Spot Healing Brush tool quickly removes blemishes and other
imperfections from photos. It paints with sampled pixels from an
image or pattern and matches the texture, lighting, transparency, and
shading of the sampled pixels to the pixels being healed. Unlike the
Clone Stamp tool, the Spot Healing Brush doesn’t require you to
specify a sample spot. It automatically samples from around the
retouched area.

Patch Tool
The Patch Tool belongs to the family of Healing Brush Tools, which
are designed to retouch images. Patch Tool allows you to fix large
areas of an image. For example, you can get rid of people, rocks,
leaves, or any other distracting objects with the Patch Tool.

The "Patch Tool" tool is used to repair a portion of an image with

the pixels or pattern selected from another area.

The most important decision to make before using the Patch tool is
whether to patch from source, or from destination.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 53

 ADJUSTMENT LAYERS

Adjustment Layers

The Adjustment Layers in Photoshop are a group of a super useful, non-destructive image editing tools
that add color and tonal adjustments to your image without permanently changing its pixels.

With the adjustment layers, you can edit and discard your adjustments or restore your original image at
any time. This will make your workflow in Photoshop more flexible and efficient, and is an absolute must-
know.

There are two ways to access Photoshop

Adjustment Layers.

1. To access via the Layers Menu; choose

Layer->New Adjustment Layer, and
choose one of the many adjustment types.

2. To access via the Layers Panel; click on

the half black/half white circle at the
bottom of the Layers Panel, and choose
the adjustment type you want to work
with.

Adjustment Layer Types

Brightness and Contrast

Brightness/Contrast makes adjustments to the

tonal range of your image. The brightness
slider is for adjusting the highlights in your
image and the Contrast slider is for adjusting
the shadows in your image.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 54

Levels

Levels modify the tonal values in an image by adjusting the

levels of the shadows, midtones, and highlights. It’s one of the
most used tools in the adjustment layer panel, and using just a
touch of levels will go a long way in correcting your images.

Curves

Curves let you adjust as many points as you want throughout

the entire tonal range of your image, and is the most powerful
and precise tool for editing the tones in an image. When you
click on the curves adjustment, a diagonal line on a
graph.appears (left) which represents your image’s tonal range.
The x-axis represents the original values in the image, while the
y-axis represents the new adjusted values.

Exposure

Exposure lets you adjust exposure levels with three sliders:

Exposure, Offset and Gamma. Exposure will adjust only the
highlights of the image, Offset adjusts the mid tones and
Gamma will adjust the dark tones only.axis represents the
new adjusted values.

Vibrance

This adjustment layer modifies the vibrance of an image in

two ways. The Saturation slider evenly increases the
saturation of all the colors in the image. The Vibrance
slider modifies the level of saturation of all the colors too
but more selectively, focusing on the least saturated colors
and avoiding over saturation of skin tones.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 55

Hue / Saturation Color Balance
Hue/Saturation lets you adjust the hue, saturation, and The Color Balance adjustment changes the
lightness of your entire image or in a specific range of mixture of colors in an image.
colors in your image.

Black & White Photo Filter

The Black and White adjustment lets you Photo Filter adds different color filters on
make grayscale versions of your images. The top of your image. For both of the
image on the left is the default setting. examples above the “Preserve Luminosity”
box is checked by default and then adjusted
the “Density” slider to intensify the effect
of the filter.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 56

Channel Mixer Color Lookup
Channel Mixer modifies the colors in your image to This adjustment comes with a bunch of pre-
create tinted or grayscale images. On the right we’ve packaged “looks” for you to apply to your
used the red channel to bring out a red tint in the image. Three options (3DLUT File, Abstract,
image. On the left we’ve checked the “Monochrome” and Device Link) that are used to load these
box and adjusted the sliders to ensure a better color different looks. Each “look” remaps the
conversion to grayscale. colors in your image by using a lookup table
(LUT).

Invert

The Invert adjustment layer makes a photo negative effect by

inverting the colors of your image.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 57

Posterize Threshold

Posterize produces a flat, poster-like appearance to a The Threshold tool turns your image into a
photo by reducing the number of brightness values black and white image.
(levels) in the image.

Selective Color

The Selective Color adjustment layer

selectively modifies the amount of a

Gradient Map primary color without modifying the other

primary colors in your image. Since there’s
This tool converts the grayscale range of an a lot of reds in the flower photo, We’ve
image to a custom gradient fill. The Gradient selected red from the “Color” drop down
Map tool comes with a bunch of different menu as the color in the photo that we
gradients, all of which you can adjust to your want to select and change. By default the
liking in the gradient editor window. “Absolute” box is checked in CS6, which
Checking the “Reverse” box inverts the adjusts the color in absolute values.
colors of your gradient.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 58
 FILTERS

Filters and Smart Filters

In Adobe Photoshop, filters are individual algorithms (or behind the scenes calculations) that alter the
appearance of an image. You can use filters to clean up or retouch your photos, apply special art effects
that give your image the appearance of a sketch or impressionistic painting, or create unique
transformations using distortions and lighting effects. The filters provided by Adobe appear in the Filter
menu. Some filters provided by third-party developers are available as plug-ins. Once installed, these plug-
in filters appear at the bottom of the Filter menu.

Smart Filters, applied to Smart Objects, let you use filters non-destructively. Smart Filters are stored
as layer effects in the Layers panel and can be readjusted at any time, working from the original image
data contained in the Smart Object. For more information on Smart Filter Effects and nondestructive
editing, see Nondestructive editing.

Available Submenu in Filter Menu

Convert for Smart Filters

Use this feature to convert a regular layer to a Smart

Object so you can use Smart Filters

Filter Gallery

Choose this option to see a preview of how your

image will look if you apply various filters. It’s
available for several filter categories, and it’s a good
way to learn how those filters affect you.

Lens Correction

In Photoshop CS5, this filter leapt from within the

Distort category to live at the top of the Filter menu.
Not only does it let you add a beautifully darkened
edge vignette, it can also correct all manner of lens
distortion, plus you can download camera-specific
instructions that improve other tools such as Auto-
Align Layers, panorama stitching with Photomerge,
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 59
and the new “Merge to HDR Pro” option.
 Liquify

Use this feature to convert a regular layer to a Smart Object so you can use Smart Filters

Vanishing Point

This filter helps you maintain your image’s perspective while you paint, clone, or add other images to it.

Filters Filters
Artistic Sharpen
This category includes filters that make your images
You can use filters in this category to make blurry or
look like a painting or drawing.
out-of-focus images clearer.
Blur
Stylize
These filters change the focus in all or part of an
image. These filters do things like turn your images into
Brush Strokes collections of blocks or dots, or add a wind-blown

The filters in this category make your image look like look.
it was painted, penciled, or spray-painted, among
other effects. Texture

Distort These filters make your image look like it’s on a

These filters create geometric patterns based on your textured surface such as tiles or stained glass.
image, including ripple, twirl, and zigzag effects.
Video
Noise
These filters let you deinterlace (smooth) images that
This category includes filters that can help smooth
you’ve grabbed from videos and restrict images to
areas of your image that don’t blend well, fix dust and
scratches in photos, and remove graininess (page colors that display properly on TVs in the United
644). You can also use these filters to add grain to
States (NTSC-safe colors).
give your image more texture and depth.

Pixelate Other

These filters convert images or selections into groups This catch-all category includes options that let you

of geometric shapes and patterns. build your own custom filters and adjust a layer
mask’s size, among other things.
Render
Digimarc
These filters let you add cloud patterns, fiber
patterns, and lens flares, and adjust your image’s These filters let you add a watermark and copyright

lighting. info to your images.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 60

 CROPPING

Cropping is one of the most basic editing techniques that can improve your images. Cropping helps to bring out
the most important features in your image and focus the viewers’ attention on these features. Cropping also
allows you to make your image a standard photo size.

There are several ways to crop images in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Cropping with the Crop Tool
2. Cropping to a specific size
3. Cropping with the Marquee Tool

Cropping with the Crop Tool

The Crop Tool allows you to make a precise selection of an image you wish to edit. To crop with the Crop Tool,
follow these steps:
1. Open the image you wish to crop (see Getting Started for detailed instructions).
2. Select the Crop Tool from the Toolbox (see Selection Tools for location and description).
3. It will automatically select your entire image. Drag the edges to fit the dimensions you desire. (See
Figure 11).

Figure 11. Cropping border

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 61

 4. Resize the border by dragging the squares at the sides and corners untill you are satisfied with the
way your image looks.
5. Once you are completely satisfied with your cropped image, press Enter.

Note: You can also rotate your cropping border. Move the cursor outside the border, you will see how it turns
into a double-headed arrow (Figure 12). Drag the arrows in the directions you wish to rotate your selection.

Figure 12. Rotating the cropping border

Cropping to a specific size

If you wish to print your digital photos or other images on standard size photo paper, you will have to crop your
images to a specific size, such as 8x10. To crop an image to a specific size, do the following:

1. Open the image you wish to crop.

2. Select the Crop Tool from the Toolbox.
3. In the Options bar, specify the values for Width and Height (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Crop Tool Options bar

4. Click in your image and drag the cropping border. Notice that the border is constrained. You cannot
make it wider or longer than the specified values (Figure 14). For example, if you entered 8 for Width
and 10 for Height, whatever size you make the border, the area within it will fit on an 8x10 photo.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 62

 Figure 14. Cropping to a specific size

5. Once you are completely satisfied with your cropped image, press Enter.

Cropping with the Marquee Tool

If you are in a hurry and need just a simple crop, you can use the Marquee Tool and a menu command. To crop with
the Marquee Tool, follow the steps below:

1. Open the image you wish to crop.

2. Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool from the Toolbox (see Selection Tools).
3. Click and drag the mouse to draw a marquee around the area you wish to crop (Figure 15).

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 63

 Figure 15. Drawing a marquee

4. In the main menu, go to Image > Crop (Figure 16). The image will be immediately cropped.

Figure 16. Image > Crop

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 64

 RESIZING
Resizing in Photoshop can help you print your images in standard photo sizes, resize and preserve the high
quality of digital photos, and enlarge small images to a poster size.

Resizing to a specific size

To resize your image to a preset size, follow the steps below:

1. In the main menu, go to File > New.

2. In the New dialog box, click on the Preset dropdown menu. You will see several preset sizes, such as 2x3,
4x6 and 5x7. Remember that 72 ppi is fine for online images, but a ppi of 150-300 is better for printed
images. (Figure 17).

Figure 17. Preset size in the New dialog box

3. Choose the size that you wish and click OK.

Note: All the preset sizes are in portrait orientation. If you wish to resize an image with the landscape orientation,
you need to create your own preset. To create your own size, do the following:

1. Type in the values for Width and Height, for example 7x5.
2. Type in your desired resolution (150 ppi for high quality prints, and 72 ppi is good for web images).
3. Click the Save Preset button

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 65

Resizing digital photos

Digital photos usually have large dimensions but low resolution, 72 ppi, which affects their quality when their size is
decreased or increased. When printed, the photos with the changed size will look pixilated. To resize the digital
photos without loosing the quality, follow these steps:

1. Open the digital photo you wish to resize.

2. In the main menu, go to View > Rulers. You will see the dimension of your photo (Figure 18).

Figure 18. Dimensions of a digital photo

3. In the main menu, go to Image > Image Size.

4. In the Image Size dialog box, check the Resample Image box off (Figure 19). Type in your desired
resolution (anything between 150 and 300 ppi). The photo is now 3.208 x 3.083 inches.

Figure 19. Changing resolution

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 66

Enlarging
If you want to make your digital photo into a poster size image, you can do it in the Image Size dialog box.
However, just increasing the dimensions will make the image appear blurry and pixilated. To enlarge the image
without losing the quality, follow these steps:

1. Open the digital image you wish to enlarge.

2. In the main menu, go to Image > Image Size.
3. In the Image Size dialog box, make sure the Resample Image box is checked off and choose Bicubic
Smoother from the dropdown box (Figure 20).

Figure 20. Increasing the size by 10 percent

4. Change the Document Size measurements to Percent. Type in 110. This will increase the size of the
image by 10 percent (Figure 20).
5. Continue enlarging by 10 percent untill you are satisfied with the size.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 67

 CORRECTING
Digital cameras tend to cause various problems, such as “red eye” or “hot spots”, if you use flash, or
underexposure, if you don’t. In Photoshop, you can correct these problems, as well as adjust the overall color of
your digital photo.
Red Eye Removal
The digital camera flash is located right above the lens, which causes the “red-eye”; however, you can fix your
photos easily in Photoshop. To remove the “red eye”, follow the steps below:

1. Open a photo you wish to correct.

2. Select the Zoom Tool from the Toolbox. Click and drag a rectangle around the eye (Figure 21).

Figure 21. Red eye zoomed in

3. Make sure your default Foreground and Background colors are black and white.

4. Click and hold on the little black triangle of the Healing Brush Tool button and select the Red Eye
Tool (Figure 22).

Figure 22. Red Eye Tool

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 68
 5. Click on the red part of the eye and paint, holding down the mouse button. You will see how the red will
disappear (Figure 23).

Figure 23. Red eye corrected

Hot Spot Removal

Using a flash can also cause shiny areas on peoples’ faces or the flash to reflect on shiny surfaces. To correct this
problem, follow the steps below:

1. Open the photo you wish to correct.

2. Select the Clone Stamp Tool from the Toolbox.
3. In the Options bar, change the Blend Mode from Normal to Darken (Figure 24).

Figure 24. Setting the options for the Clone Stamp Tool

4. Set the Opacity to 50 percent.

5. Choose a soft-edged brush, set the diameter to 40 or 50.
6. Hold down the Shift key and click in the clean area (without “hot spots”) to get a sample of color
(Figure 25).

Figure 25. Clone Stamp selection

7. Paint over the “hot spot”, the light area will gradually darken (Figure 26).

Figure 26. Corrected image

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 69

Adding Flash

If you took pictures indoors without a flash, they will turn out underexposed and dark. To fix underexposed
photos, follow these steps:

1. Open a digital photo you wish to correct (Figure 27).

Figure 27. Underexposed photo

2. In the main menu, go to Layers > Duplicate. In the next window, name the layer Layer 1.
3. Make sure Layer 1 is selected in the Layers palette. Select Image from the menu, select Adjustments and
select Exposure (Figure 28). Select the amount of exposure. The whole image will lighten.

Figure 28. Changing the Blending Mode

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 70

 4. Keep duplicating Layer 1 untill you are satisfied with the your image (Figure 29).

Figure 29. Corrected photo

Color Adjustment

Color adjustment options in Photoshop CS6 can help you to make your digital photos look more natural. To
color correct your images, follow these steps:

1. Open the image you wish to correct.

2. In the main menu, go to Image > Adjustments > Levels. You will see a dialog box displaying a diagram
of the colors in your image (Figure 30). The black triangle is for shadows, the gray is for midtones, the
white is for highlights. In the Channels dropdown menu, you can choose between RGB. These indicate
whether your changes effect all the colors, or just one (red, green, or blue).

Figure 30. Levels dialog box

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 71

3. Make sure the Preview box is checked off. Choose the channel you wish to change and drag the
triangles. Dragging the black triangle to the right will make the shadows in your photo darker.
Dragging the white triangle to the left will make the highlights in your photo lighter, and dragging it to the
right will make the midtones darker. You will be able to see the changes in your image. Figure 31 shows an
underexposed photo. By correcting the highlights and making the image lighter, we are able to make the
photo appear much brighter (Figure 32).

Figure 31. Underexposed photo

Figure 32. Corrected photo

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 72

 SAVING
Remember to save your work often. Saving frequently lessens the risk of losing the work you have been doing. To
save your Photoshop document, do the following:

1. Click File > Save As.

2. Navigate to the place you would like your document to be saved by using the drop down menu and the
navigation window.
3. Enter the name of your document in the Save As text field.
4. Choose a format to save your project in from the Format drop-down menu (Figure 33)

Figure 33. Saving a document

5. Click the Save button in the bottom right corner of the dialogue box.
6. Check to make sure that your document is saved in the place you intended.

Note: If you save your file as PSD (default Photoshop saving format) your layers will be preserved, but the file size
will be large. If you save your file as JPEG (a common image format) your layers will be flattened and
become one layer, and the file size will be significantly smaller.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP-ESSENTIAL PRACTICE PAGE 73

 Understanding HTM5
PAGE REFERENCES / SOURCES

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

GRADE 7

REFERENCES
DIGITAL IMAGING – ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

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https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/photoshopbasics/

https://www.instructables.com/id/Basics-of-Photoshop/

https://www.oberlo.com/blog/how-to-use-photoshop

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-use-photoshop

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https://www.agitraining.com/adobe/photoshop/classes/what-is-photoshop

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KHRISTIAN S. GATUZ PAGE 74