Photoshop is a very powerful software which allows user to
accomplish same tasks in endless number of ways. It is difficult to
understand which technique is best to accomplish a task when you have so
many ways to achieve the same result. This is a short article in which
we will cover the best practices and artist should follow while working
in Adobe Photoshop.
- Working on a Separate Layers
When you work in Photoshop, it is always advisable to work in a
separate layers instead of applying all the changes to the background
layer. When you work in separate layer it gives you the flexibility to
go back and make changes later. Always create new layers and name them
accordingly for new modification and new effect you apply to your
background
- Masking instead of Deleting
Most artists delete or erase the content in the layer. This is one of
the destructive way of editing. Artists should use masking techniques
to avoid losing image content. Masking temporarily hides the selected
part of the layer which can be made visible again by deleting the mask.
Use masking instead of deleting parts of your layers
- Use Shortcuts
A real Photoshop artist should have one hand on mouse or a pen and other on keyboard. Here are the lists of default shortcut
- Cmd/Ctrl + T – Free Transform
- Cmd/Ctrl + Enter – Accept typing
- Cmd/Ctrl + S – Save document
- Cmd/Ctrl + A – Select all
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Deselect
- Cmd/Ctrl + I – Invert colors
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I – Invert selection
- Cmd/Ctrl + click on layer’s thumbnail – Selection based on Layer’s content
- Cmd/Ctrl + Option/Alt + A – Select All Layers
- Option/Alt + click between two layers – Clipping Mask
- Cmd/Ctrl + G – Group Layers
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G – Ungroup Layers
- Clean up Unused Layers
We create to many layers when we use different filters to get the
desired effect. Deleting unused layers will not only keep the layer tab
clean but also reduce the PSD size.
- Use Adjustment Layers
Using adjustments from the image menu is again a destructive method
of editing. The changes will be applied to the selected layer and it
will be difficult to make changes later on. If you use Adjustment layer
it will create a new layer which will allow you to control the opacity
and fill of the layer. It will also allow you to change the blending
mode and layer settings.
- Be Organized
As an artist it is important to be organized. Name and arrange layers
appropriately. It is tedious job but it will save time in a long run
especially if you are working in a team.
- Use Filters wisely
You can apply filters to your image layers as a Smart Filters. You
can activate or deactivate and also change settings and blending modes
of Smart filters. You can add multiple filters in same Filter itself.
- Learn to Navigate
- Space – Hand tool
- Z + drag right and left – Zoom in and out
- Hold down H + click – Bird’s eye view
- Cmd/Control + 0 – Fit to Screen
- Cmd/Control + 1 – Actual Size
- Use Adobe Bridge
Adobe bridge is Photoshop’s native file management application. It is used to organize and find files , projects and images
- Save PSD’s
PSD is a file format you save from Photoshop. An artist should always
save PSD file. PSD is your working file which you will need to make
amendment when necessary. Not saving a PSD file is like losing a big
part of your work when your computer freezes or stops responding.
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