Photoshop is one of the most popular and powerful image editing software used by professionals and amateurs alike. With a wide range of tools and features, Photoshop can seem daunting for beginners. However, by starting with the basics, anyone can learn how to use Photoshop effectively.
Getting Familiar with the Interface
The first thing to learn as a beginner is how to navigate the Photoshop interface. This includes learning what each of the tools, panels and menus do. Some key things to know are:
- The toolbar – This contains common tools like the selection, cropping, healing and type tools.
- Panels – Panels contain things like layers, adjustments and brushes. They can be moved around.
- Menus – The menus at the top contain options to open, save, print documents etc.
- Options bar – This shows options for whichever tool is selected.
Taking time to familiarize yourself with the location of everything will make using Photoshop much easier.
Learning Basic Photo Editing
Once you know your way around, some of the first things to learn are basic photo editing techniques like:
- Cropping – Removing unwanted areas from a photo.
- Straightening – Fixing crooked angles and perspective.
- Color correction – Adjusting brightness, contrast and saturation.
- Cloning – Removing blemishes and objects by sampling other areas.
- Red eye removal – Removing red eye in flash photos.
These are techniques you’ll use in almost every photo edit. Learn the tools associated with them like the Crop Tool, Clone Stamp and Red Eye tool.
Working with Layers
Layers form the backbone of Photoshop. Each layer can contain a different part of the image, with layers stacked on top of each other. Learning layers is crucial.
Some key layer skills include:
- Creating new layers
- Selecting layers
- Duplicating layers
- Changing layer order
- Applying layer effects like drop shadows
- Using adjustment layers
- Grouping layers
- Flattening layers
These skills give you tremendous flexibility when retouching photos. You can easily re-edit elements without harming other parts of the image.
Making Selections
Selections allow you to isolate part of an image to edit it separately. Photoshop has several selection tools:
- Marquee tools – Make rectangle, ellipse and single row/column selections
- Lasso tool – Draw freehand selections
- Magic Wand – Select areas of similar color
- Quick Selection – “Paint” a selection
Learning how and when to use each of these tools takes practice. The more precise your selections, the better the results.
Working with Type
Adding text is important for image edits and design work. With Photoshop you can:
- Add paragraph and artistic text
- Format text with different colors, sizes and fonts
- Transform and warp text into shapes
- Add effects like drop shadows and textures
Understanding how to work with text expands the possibilities for your Photoshop work immensely.
Using Brushes
Brushes in Photoshop allow you to paint and draw on images. Learning to use brushes opens up options like:
- Painting fine details or touch ups
- Creating illustrations and artwork
- Applying textures and effects
- Simulating materials like charcoal and paint
Photoshop has dozens of brush tips to choose from, all fully customizable.
Working with Shape Layers
Along with text and brushes, shape layers give you vectors to work with. Shapes are resolution independent, making them extremely flexible.
You can learn to:
- Create pre-defined shapes
- Draw custom shapes
- Resize, rotate and skew shapes
- Apply colors, gradients and effects
- Group and combine shapes
Shapes are great for logos, diagrams, floorplans and more.
Using Filters
Filters provide pre-defined effects to instantly transform your images. Some useful filters include:
- Blur – Soften sharp edges
- Sharpen – Increase focus
- Distort – Stretch, pinch and manipulate
- Pixelate – Mosaic and fragment
- Camera Raw – Color correct photos
Filters are a great way to quickly enhance photos. Learning how and when to apply them will expand your expertise.
Importing Other Files
While you’ll mostly be working with photos in Photoshop, you can also import other files like:
- Illustrator vector graphics
- CAD drawings
- PDF documents
- Text files
This makes Photoshop extremely versatile. Learn to export your work to other formats as well.
Using Smart Objects
Smart Objects allow you to bring in files in a way that keeps them editable. Any filter or edit applied to a Smart Object is non-destructive. This means you can re-edit them anytime without damaging the original.
Some key uses for Smart Objects include:
- Importing vector logos
- Opening photos from Lightroom
- Placing Illustrator graphics
- Editing filter effects later
Smart Objects increase flexibility and preserve image quality.
Improving Workflow
Beyond features, learning shortcuts and ways to speed up your workflow is extremely beneficial. Things to learn include:
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Action automation
- Recording tasks
- Scripting
- Using presets
- Customizing menus
Improving workflow helps you edit faster and more efficiently over time.
Conclusion
While this covers the core basics, Photoshop offers many more advanced tools to master. Things like compositing, 3D, video editing, painting and color management take more time to learn. However, equipping yourself with a strong foundation goes a long way. With regular practice, these essential skills will help you become proficient in Photoshop and expand your creative abilities.