1. Basics of Adobe Photoshop
1. What is Adobe Photoshop?
- Adobe Photoshop is a professional design tool used for:
- Photo editing and retouching.
- Graphic design (logos, posters, etc.).
- Digital art and illustration.
- UI/UX design (creating mockups).
2. Interface Overview
- Menu Bar (Top): File, Edit, Layer, Filter, etc.
- Tool Panel (Left): Tools like Move, Brush, Eraser, Crop, etc.
- Layers Panel (Right): Manage layers, masks, and blending options.
- Canvas: The main workspace where your design appears.
3. Core Tools
- Move Tool (V): Move layers and elements.
- Crop Tool (C): Trim your image or canvas.
- Brush Tool (B): Paint on your canvas.
- Eraser Tool (E): Remove parts of a layer.
- Text Tool (T): Add text to your design.
- Selection Tools:
- Rectangular Marquee Tool (M): Select rectangular areas.
- Lasso Tool (L): Freehand selection.
- Quick Selection Tool (W): Automatically selects areas.
- Zoom Tool (Z): Zoom in and out.
2. Common Photoshop Features
1. Layers
- Layers let you work on individual elements separately.
- Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + N (Create a new layer).
- Example: Keep text, images, and effects on separate layers for easy editing.
2. Blending Modes
- Combine layers in unique ways using blending modes like:
- Multiply: Darkens the image.
- Screen: Lightens the image.
- Overlay: Enhances contrast.
- Shortcut: Change blending modes via the Layers panel dropdown.
3. Masks
- Layer Masks: Hide or reveal parts of a layer without deleting them.
- Use a black brush to hide and a white brush to reveal.
4. Adjustment Layers
- Non-destructive edits to brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, etc.
- Examples:
- Brightness/Contrast
- Hue/Saturation
- Levels
- Curves
5. Filters
- Add effects like blur, sharpen, or distort:
- Example Filters: Gaussian Blur, Motion Blur, Liquify.
- Shortcut: Filters > Filter Gallery.
3. Examples of Photoshop in Action
Example 1: Basic Photo Retouching
Scenario: Remove blemishes from a portrait.
Steps:
1. Open the image in Photoshop.
2. Duplicate the layer (Ctrl + J).
3. Select the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J).
4. Click on blemishes to remove them seamlessly.
5. Use Adjustment Layers to enhance brightness or contrast.
Example 2: Adding Text to an Image
Scenario: Create a promotional banner.
Steps:
1. Open your canvas (e.g., 1920x1080 pixels).
2. Add a background color or image.
3. Select the Text Tool (T) and type your text.
4. Customize font, size, color, and alignment in the Character Panel.
5. Apply effects using Blending Options (e.g., Drop Shadow, Stroke).
Example 3: Removing a Background
Scenario: Remove the background of an image for a product photo.
Steps:
1. Open the image in Photoshop.
2. Use the Select Subject option (Select > Subject).
3. Refine the selection with the Select and Mask tool.
4. Delete the background or replace it with a new one.
Example 4: Creating a Mockup
Scenario: Showcase a logo design on a t-shirt.
Steps:
1. Open a t-shirt image in Photoshop.
2. Drag and drop the logo into the canvas.
3. Use Free Transform (Ctrl + T) to resize and position the logo.
4. Change the logo’s blending mode to Multiply for a realistic look.
4. Photoshop Formulas
While Photoshop doesn’t use "formulas" in a traditional sense, it relies on settings combinations to achieve desired effects. Here are some examples:
Formula 1: Sharpening an Image
- Duplicate the image layer (Ctrl + J).
- Apply High Pass Filter (Filter > Other > High Pass, set Radius to 2–4).
- Set the layer’s blending mode to Overlay or Soft Light.
Formula 2: Dramatic Black and White Effect
- Convert the image to black and white (Image > Adjustments > Black & White).
- Adjust sliders for reds, yellows, and blues to control contrast.
- Add a Curves Adjustment Layer to fine-tune highlights and shadows.
Formula 3: Glow Effect Around Text
- Add text using the Text Tool (T).
- Right-click the text layer and select Blending Options.
- Enable Outer Glow:
- Blend Mode: Screen.
- Opacity: 70%.
- Spread: 10%.
- Size: 50px.
Formula 4: Blurring the Background (Portrait Effect)
- Duplicate the image layer (Ctrl + J).
- Select the subject (Select > Subject).
- Invert the selection (Shift + Ctrl + I) and apply Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur).
5. Situations for Photoshop Use
Scenario 1: Social Media Graphics
Goal: Create engaging posts for Instagram.
Steps:
1. Use a 1080x1080 pixel canvas.
2. Add a background gradient or photo.
3. Overlay text and shapes.
4. Use Smart Objects for reusable designs.
Scenario 2: Product Photography Retouching
Goal: Prepare e-commerce product images.
Steps:
1. Remove the background.
2. Enhance brightness and contrast.
3. Add shadows using Drop Shadow in Blending Options.
Scenario 3: Creating Digital Art
Goal: Design a fantasy scene.
Steps:
1. Start with a blank canvas and use Brush Tool for painting.
2. Add photo elements (e.g., mountains, clouds) and blend them with layer masks.
3. Use Adjustment Layers to unify colors and lighting.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
| Shortcut | Function |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Ctrl + J | Duplicate a layer |
| Ctrl + T | Free Transform |
| Alt + Backspace | Fill layer with foreground color |
| Ctrl + Shift + I | Invert selection |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| [ or ] | Increase/decrease brush size |
| Ctrl + G | Group selected layers |
7. Tools for Learning Photoshop
- Adobe Tutorials: The official Adobe site has free, beginner-friendly tutorials.
- YouTube Channels: Check out creators like PiXimperfect or Photoshop Café.
- Online Courses:
- Skillshare: Great for learning specific projects.
- Coursera/Udemy: Full courses on photo editing and design.
8. Best Practices for Using Photoshop
- Work Non-Destructively:
-
Use Smart Objects, Adjustment Layers, and Layer Masks instead of direct edits.
-
Organize Layers:
-
Name and group your layers for easy navigation.
-
Save Regularly:
-
Save in .PSD format to preserve layers, and export as JPEG/PNG for final output.
-
Leverage Free Resources:
- Download free brushes, textures, and presets from websites like BrushEasy or DeviantArt.