Photoshop 6 Tips and Tricks
From Adviceopedia
Use these Photoshop 6 tips and tricks to improve your images. Photoshop is a very deep program and the more you learn, the easier it is to use.
Contents |
Photoshop 6 Tips and Tricks: Palettes
Upgrade your Computer
Even if you are a Photoshop expert, a slow computer will prevent you from working efficiently and really enjoying Photoshop. If your computer is several years old, look into buying a new one. If you have recently bought a new computer, consider saving for a second monitor. The extra screen space will allow you to put all the palettes on the second screen, freeing up the main screen for your images.
Make Palettes Disappear
If you don’t have the luxury of a second monitor, the best way to hide palettes is to learn a few keyboard shortcuts. Press Tab to make the palettes disappear (or appear). If you press Shift-Tab, all palettes except the Tool palette will disappear (or appear).
Default Palette Locations
Sometimes your palettes will end up scattered all over the screen — occasionally even lost off-screen. Fortunately, Photoshop 6 makes it much easier to reset the palettes to their default positions. Simply click the “Reset Palette Positions” button, which is located at the bottom of the Window menu. This feature used to be buried in previous versions of Photoshop.
Layers
Create New Layers Shortcut
Photoshop is all about creating layers, and you are likely creating new ones all the time. This allows you to move sections of your photos, like text or colors, without having to start over. To make a new layer, hit Control-Shift-N on a PC, or Command-Shift-N on a Mac.
Rename Layers
Layers by default have generic names like Layer 1 and Layer 2. Rename them to something more descriptive to keep your work organized. Previous to Photoshop 6, you could double-click on a layer to rename it. Adobe has added an extra step, you now have to hold down the Alt or Option key while double-clicking.
Duplicate Layer Styles
To quickly duplicate your styles to multiple layers, start by clicking the Effects sub-layer. Then drag your selection to the desired layers. Finish by releasing your mouse when it appears the layer is underlined. All the styles that you drag will be applied to the layer above the underline.
Text and Typography Tips
One good thing about Photoshop 6 is that text and typography has been greatly improved. While Photoshop won’t be replacing your desktop publishing program, you can create some decent looking text now. Use these Photoshop 6 tips and tricks to manipulate text.
Text Blocks
Normally to type in Photoshop, most people click and start typing. This is fine for a few words, but there is a better way if you want to type sentences. Use the text tool to drag a frame before you start typing. Photoshop will automatically fit your text to the shape of the frame. To reshape the frame, simply drag the corners.
Multi-Colored Text
Another new text feature is the ability to use multiple colors in your text. Use the text tool to select the word or character that you want to change. With your selection still highlighted, pick a new color from the color well in the options bar. Now click away or do something else to de-select the text and you will see the new color.
Warp Text
You don’t need Adobe Illustrator to warp text. Type your text into Photoshop, and then select the Warp Text icon from the Options bar. Use the styles menu to try different warping effects.
Web Work
Most people who work with graphics need to create web graphics. Photoshop has a “Save for Web” feature that addresses all of your web needs so that you don’t have to leave Photoshop. From the main menu, select File and then Save for Web. You will then be able to select many different settings, such as compression, palette choice, colors and transparency settings.
