Selection in Photoshop CS3 - Part III

The Magic Wand Tool

Photoshop's Magic Wand tool(W) is a powerful tool to create a selection out of odd shaped areas in the image considering there is an acceptable shift or offset in the brightness of the pixels. You don't drag and select with this tool, just a simple click will do the job for you. Where we can apply this? A great example is when you want to change the color of a bright blue sky in the image. And this sky is distinguished with dark forest of trees below. Thus selection of the sky would be a breeze. 'Nuf said, let's start by opening an image in Photoshop.

Using the Magic Wand Tool

Step 1. Select the Magic Wand tool(W) on the toolbox.
Step 2. Use the Preset Tool list arrow, and then select from the available presets.
Step 3. Use the selection options on the Options bar to create a new selection, or add, subtract or intersect an existing selection.
Step 4. Enter a Tolerance value (between 0 to 255). Note: Setting it to a higher value, the more selective information the Magic Wand tool picks out.
Step 5. Click on the Anti-aliased check box if you want to create a smoother selection.
Step 6. Select the Contiguous check box if you want to select adjacent pixels within the active document.
Step 7. Select the "Use All Layers" check box to pick image information from all layers.
Step 8. Click an area to create a selection.
Step 9. Click the "Refine Edge" button in the Options bar above to further enhance your selection.

Tip #: If you want to select multiple areas, just hold the Shift key then click on another section of the image.

The Quick Selection Tool

This tool is a new amazing feature in Photoshop CS3. The Quick Selection tool helps you create selections by painting a selection using an adjustable brush tip. As you "paint", the selection grows outward and automatically finds and follows defined edge in the image. Instead of holding the Shift key to select multiple areas in your image, use Photoshop's quick selection tool instead. I hope you get the idea.

Let's have an exercise.

Step 1. Select the Quick Selection tool(W) on the toolbox. Hold the Shift key then press "W" to shift from Magic Wand tool to Quick Selection Tool.
Step 2. Use the Preset Tool list arrow, and then select from the available presets.
Step 3. Use the selection options on the Options bar to create a new selection, add, or subtract an existing selection.
Step 4. Pick a brush tip by clicking the Brush picker list tool. Note: Setting it to a higher value, the larger the initial selection the Quick Selection tool picks out.
Step 5. Select the "Use All Layers" check box to pick image information from all layers.
Step 6. Select the "Auto-Enhance" check box to automatically enhance the edges of the selection.
Step 7. Click an area and drag to create a selection.
Step 8. Click the "Refine Edge" button in the Options bar above to further enhance your selection.

There you have it. More of selection tools on our next tutorial. Stay tuned.

Selection in Photoshop CS3 - Part II

For today's tutorial, we will learn how to use Photoshop's Single Row and Single Column Marquee tools. Are you ready? Open up your Photoshop applications now.


The Single Row and Single Column Marquee Tools

We have learned on our earlier tutorial that you can use Photoshop's Rulers to create a guide horizontally and vertically just by dragging the ruler to the active window. Remember? Now, if we want to create a 60-degree guide or a 45-degree guide, we can't use these rulers. Instead, we need to create a customized guide using these two amazing Photoshop tools, the single row and single column marquee tools. These tools let you create a 1-pixel wide horizontal or vertical selection.

Let's have a demo.

Step 1. Create a new document. Let's say a 300x300 pixels document. Set background content to white. Then click OK.
Step 1. Create a new layer for the 45-degree guide so as not to damage the image plus we can use the Move tool(V) to relocate it anywhere where it's needed. Name this layer as "45 deg guide" (just double click "Layer 1" layer just above the "Background" layer)
Step 2. Locate and select the Single Row Marquee tool or Single Column Marquee tool on the toolbox.
Step 3. Click on the Tool Preset list arrow, and then select from the available presets.
Step 4. Use the selection options on the Options bar to create a new selection, or add, subtract or intersect an existing selection.
Step 5. Drag the selection area in the active window.

Now you have two ways to fill this selection with any color we want. Instinctively, you'll do this way: Use the Zoom In tool("Ctrl"+"plus" keys) repeatedly until you can see clearly the area of the marquee. Then use Photoshop's Paint Bucket tool(G) and click on the area. Then Zoom Out("Ctrl"+"minus" keys). But here's an easy way, read carefully.

Step 6. Press "Alt"+"Backspace" keys to fill the selection with the chosen color. No more zooming in and out.

Pretty neat huh?! Tee-hee. Let's continue.

Step 7. Go to Edit menu. Then select Transform then choose Rotate.
Step 8. Enter a value of 45 in the Angle options in the Options bar above. Press Ctrl+D keys to deselect the marquee selection.

You should now have like this one. Give yourself a pat on the back. Well done.

That's it for today. On our next tutorial, we'll tackle how to use The Magic Wand Tool plus a new feature in CS3, the Quick Selection tool. Stay tuned.

Selection in Photoshop CS3 - Part I

Hi there. Happy Easter to all! Easter symbolizes a new beginning so we'll start with a very interesting topic in Photoshop CS3 - The Art of Selection.

Many times you want to edit a certain area of an image - to enhance an old photo, to get rid of dust and scratches, or even to apply a gradient or solid color. Photoshop offers you so many ways to create your desired selection.

The Marquee tools are considered Photoshop's "good old" selection tools. In fact, they've been part of Photoshop since the early days. Marquee tools let you select areas of an image in a structured way (squares, circles, lines). While the Lasso tools add a bit of free form selection to the mix. Lasso tools require a steady hand and a steady hand. When you create a certain area in the image, the selection becomes now your working area - filters, brushes, and adjustments will only work within the selection boundary.

Let's jump to our first topic or tool which is the Rectangular Marquee tool.

Rectangular Marquee Tool(M)

As the name implies, the rectangular marquee tool lets you create rectangular and square selection marquees.

Let's try an exercise.

Step 1. Click the Rectangular Marquee tool on the toolbox. (or press the "M" key)
Step 2. Find the Tool Preset list arrow in the Options toolbar, then click on it. Choose from the available tool presets, if any.
Step 3. Use the selection tools on the Options bar to produce a new selection, or add, subtract or intersect an existing selection.
Step 4. Supply a numerical value (between 0 to 250) in the Feather box to create a feathered selection edge.
Step 5. Click the Style list arrow, and then select from the available styles:
- Normal. Lets you create freeform rectangular, or square marquee selections.
- Fixed Aspect Ratio. Lets you create selections using a specific ratio, such as 2 to 1 ratio. Enter the Fixed Aspect Ratio values in the width and height boxes.
- Fixed size. Lets you create selections based on an absolute size such as 30 pixels by 90 pixels. Enter the Fixed Size values in the width and height boxes.
Step 6. Select an area you want by dragging the cursor. When you release the mouse, the marquee is created.
Step 7. (Advanced Feature in Photoshop CS3) Click the Refine Edge button in the Options toolbar. Change the values depending on your preference. Once done, click OK.

The Refine Edge Dialog Box

Tip #18: To further control the selection, hold the Shift key to produce a perfect square. Normally, the reference points when selecting an area are on its corners. Try selecting an area from left to right, top to bottom, you'll notice that the selection starts at the corner of your selection. But if you press and hold the Alt key, you'll notice that you create a marquee from the center out. You may opt to use both Shift and Alt keys depending on what the task requires. This technique also applies when you're using the next tool, the elliptical marquee tool.


Elliptical Marquee Tool(M)

The elliptical marquee tool lets you create oval, or circular selection marquees. Let's have an exercise.

Step 1. Select the Elliptical Marquee tool. If the current selected tool is the Rectangular Marquee tool, hold Shift key then press "M" key.
Step 2. Go to the Options toolbar, then click on the Tool Preset list arrow. Select from the available tool presets, if any.
Step 3. Use the selection tools on the Options bar to create a new selection, or add, subtract or intersect an existing selection.
Step 4. Enter a numerical value (0 to 250) in the Feather box to create a feathered selection edge.
Step 5. Select the Anti-aliased check box to create a softer selection.
Step 6. Click the Style list arrow, and then select from the available styles:
- Normal. Lets you create free form elliptical, or circular marquee selections.
- Fixed Aspect Ratio. Lets you create selections using a specific ratio, such as 1 to 1 ratio (perfect circle). Enter the Fixed Aspect Ratio values in the width and height boxes.
- Fixed size. Lets you create selections based on an absolute size such as 100 pixels by 200 pixels. Enter the Fixed Size values in the width and height boxes.
Step 7. Select an area you want by dragging the cursor. When you release the mouse, the marquee is created.
Step 8. (Advanced Feature in Photoshop CS3) Click the Refine Edge button in the Options toolbar. Change the values depending on your preference. Once done, click OK.

Pretty much alike with the Rectangular Marquee tool. An important thing to note here is the anti-aliasing feature that Photoshop offers us. It allows us to create a much smoother selection.


Continued on next tutorial. Stay tuned.

Navigating inside Photoshop - Part IV

Note before we begin: I'll occasionally write in this following format - Tool(Shortcut key) or Function(Shortcut keys). Just put a comment if you're not comfortable with this. So shall we start? ^^;


We've learned about on how to use the Navigation palettes, different ways to Zoom In and Out of the active window, move images between documents and how Info palette works. Today we'll look on rulers.

Ruler plays an important role in a design. Ruler guides help you correctly align image design elements. As a matter of fact, if you're working on a CRT monitor, chances are you can be deceived by the horizontal and vertical. So by using ruler guides, you give access to precise alignment systems. To use Ruler guides, the ruler bars must first be visible. How? Go to View menu and then click Rulers (Ctrl+R).

Change Ruler Options

Step 1. Go to Edit menu then Preferences then go to Units and Rulers.
Step 2. Select Ruler measurements and Type from the available options.
Step 3. Click OK.

Tip #13: You can choose what type of pica/point size to use. The Postscript (72 points/inch) and the Traditional (72.27 points/inch). Postscript is more widely used, therefore Photoshop defaults to this option.


Using Ruler Guides

Step 1. Place your mouse cursor at the vertical or the horizontal Ruler bar. Now click and drag into the document.
Step 2. Return to the Ruler bar and continue to drag until you have all your guides set properly.
Step 3. Click the View menu and then click Lock Guides to lock the existing guides in place, or click Clear Guides to remove all guides.
Step 4. Click the Move tool(V) on the toolbox to drag existing guides to a new position. (Make sure you don't lock the guides.)
Step 5. Click Edit then go to Preferences. Select Guides, Grid and Slices to modify the color and form of the guides.

Tip #14: There's another way to remove guides but one at a time. First, make sure that Lock Guides isn't selected, and then click the Move tool. Drag the existing guide you want to remove back to the corresponding Ruler bar.



Creating Notes

Notes can be found everywhere - around your cubicle, stuck at your refrigerators, bulletin boards and even your computer monitor (gotcha!!). When you work with Photoshop, the ability to save notes can help you remember an important part of the design, or they can instruct another designer about the how's and why's of your document. Let's create a sample note after the jump.

Step 1. Select the Notes tool(N) on the toolbox.
Step 2. Click on the active document to create a blank note.
Step 3. Enter the text for your note.
Step 4. Click the close button. As simple as that.

Tip #15: You can save time by double clicking the note icon to open and close a note. Plus you can also right-click the note icon or access a shortcut menu with note commands.

Tip #16: You can also change the Author, Font, and even the default color of a Note. Here how you do it: Select a note, go to the Options bar to create a personalized note style; however, if the font you choose is not available on the computer, a default font will be substituted.

Creating an Audio Annotation

In addition to text notes, Photoshop gives you the ability to create audio notes. To create an audio note, your computer must have the ability to record sound. Aside from being able to communicate clearly, audio annotations give a sense of emotion or urgency, that sometimes can't be communicated a written note.

How to create an Audio Annotation

Step 1. Click and hold the Notes tool on the toolbox and then click the Audio Annotation tool. (Alternative: hold Shift key then press N to switch options)
Step 2. Click on the active document to access the Audio Annotation dialog box.
Step 3. Click Start to begin recording.
Step 4. Click Stop to end recording.
Step 5. Double-click on the Audio Annotation button to play the new message.

Tip #17: You can delete an audio annotation by simply clicking the speaker symbol, and then press Backspace key.


That's all I have to share regarding on how to Navigate inside Photoshop. Next week, I'll teach you how to master the art of selection. :)

Navigating inside Photoshop - Part III

Move Layers Between Two Open Documents

Supposedly, you have a group picture with your family and you don't like the background, so you erase it. You open a new document where your new background is then you copy and paste it to your active window. Simple, isn't it? But you know that there is a simpler way to do this. Photoshop has the ability to move layers between open documents. Here's how:

Step 1. Open two or more documents.
Step 2. Click on the document that contains the layer you want to move.
Step 3. Select the Move tool on the toolbox. (or just press the "V" shortcut key)
Step 4. Drag the layer you want to move from the open window to the second document. Note: If the document you're moving a layer into contains more than one layer, Photoshop replaces the layer you're moving directly above the active layer in the second document. If the layer is in the wrong stacking order, drag it up and down in the Layers palette until it is correctly positioned.

Tip #9: So as not to be confused on what layer you are moving when working with multiple layers, simply go to the Layers palette then drag the layer thumbnail to the document window of the second document. Aight!?


Using the Info Palette

Photoshop's Info palette tells you so many information about your image such as the color values in RGB, as well as CMYK, the x & y position of your mouse cursor, the width and the height of the image. In Photoshop CS3, they added a note in the footer section of the Info palette which tells us on how to use the current selected tool. Anyway, one of the elements of good design is through color. By creating color markers, you help identify the location of specific color points within an image.

Let's try these exercises.

Creating a Specific Size Object

Step 1. Select the Info palette. If you're using a default workspace, Info palette usually goes with Navigator and Histogram palette. Just click on the Info palette tab.
Step 2. Next, select a drawing tool on the toolbox, such as a Rectangle tool (or simply press "U" shortcut key).
Step 3. Drag in the document window to create a rectangular shape.
Step 4. Release the mouse when the Info palette displays the correct dimensions.


Creating a Color Marker

Step 1. Select the Info palette.
Step 2. Select the Eyedropper tool on the toolbox (or simply press "I" shortcut key).
Step 3. Move the Eyedropper tool into the document, hold down the Shift key, and then click once to create a color marker. Notice the mark sign with a number below it.

Tip #10: Photoshop allows you to create up to 4 color markers. Simply hold down again the Shift key then click somewhere on the image.

Tip #11: If you want to move a color marker, hold down the Shift key then place your mouse cursor above the color marker. Your mouse cursor should change to an arrowhead. Click on the color marker and you can start dragging it anywhere inside the image.

Tip #12: If you want to delete these color markers, simply hold down Shift+Alt keys (notice that your mouse cursor changes into a scissor), then click a color marker.

Have fun with this tutorial. The last part of this tutorial is about creating ruler guides and putting notes in your document and will be released next week.

Navigating inside Photoshop - Part II

Changing the Screen Display Mode

Question: Why do we need to do this after all? I'm satisfied now with my current window.
Answer: If you're working on an image, you can see all Photoshop palette's colors and changing the Screen mode gives you a chance to see your image against a solid color background. Some discrepancies are being noticed when switching display modes.

Here's how you do it.

Step 1. Click one of the Screen Mode buttons at the bottom of the toolbox (This is in Photoshop CS. But you can just press "F" key in Photoshop CS3):

Standard Screen Mode. This display the image against a gray background. All menus and palettes are visible.

Full Screen Mode with Menu Bar. This centers the image, and displays it against a gray background.

Full Screen Mode. This centers the image, and displays it against a black background.


Tip #4: You can temporarily hide all of Photoshop's palettes and toolbox by pressing "Tab" key. Try pressing the Tab key in every screen mode and notice what happens in your window.

Tip #5: If you just want to hide Photoshop's palettes, simply hold the Shift key and then press Tab key.


Changing the View with the Zoom Tool

Another way to gain more control in your image is by using the Zoom tool. Just like the Navigator palette discussed in our previous tutorials, the Zoom tool does not alter the active image but it only lets you view the image at different magnifications. The maximum magnification of a Photoshop document is 1600 percent, and the minimum magnification is less than 1 percent of the original image size.

Here's how you do it.

Zoom In the View of an Image

Step 1. Select the Zoom tool on the toolbox.

Step 2. Use one of the following methods:
- Click on the document. The increases in magnification centered on where you clicked.

- Drag to define an area with the Zoom tool. The image increases in magnification based on the boundaries of the area you dragged.


Zoom Out the View of an Image

Step 1. Select the Zoom tool on the toolbox.

Step 2. Hold down the Alt key, and then click on the screen to reduce the zoom of the active document. The zoom reduction centers on where you click on the active document.


Tip #6: Another way to zoom in or out is by using shortcut keys. To zoom in, press Ctrl+Spacebar keys then click or drag to define an area. To zoom out, press Ctrl+Spacebar+Alt keys and click or drag to define an area. Pretty nifty huh?!

Tip #7: Having difficulties in pressing the above buttons? Okay, here's a quick alternative. It's possible to change the zoom of a document without ever leaving the keyboard. Just press and hold the Ctrl key, and then press the plus "+", or minus "-" keys to zoom in or zoom out respectively.

Tip #8: If you have more than one open document and you want to Zoom In or Out on all those open documents, simply click the Zoom tool(one that looks like a magnifying glass) on the toolbox (or just simply press "Z"). Look in the Options menu at the top of the window, and you'll see the "Zoom All Windows" option. Just click on the check box to enable this option. Then you can now Zoom In or Out in all of your documents.


That's it for today. Hope you enjoyed today's lesson. More of Photoshop navigation in our next tutorial. Stay tuned.

Navigating inside Photoshop - Part I

When you're going for a road-trip, what are the necessary things you must have? First, is a map. Second, is knowledge on how to measure distances using a map, right? It's the same with Photoshop. Photoshop lets you choose a measurement system to fit your project.

Having difficulty looking at the intricate details of an image? Using the Zoom tool is a great way to gain control over a document. Zooming into a section of a document makes touching-up fine details just that much easier. In addition, the Info palette gives you up-to-date information on the exact position of the cursor inside the document, as well as detailed color information that cna be indispensable in color-correcting an image.

The ability to create text, and even audio annotations, gives you the capability to record document information that might be vital to the processing of the image, and pass it on to anyone who opens the document. Photoshop's navigation and measurement systems are more than just information, they're control of the document and control of the creative process.


Changing the View Size with the Navigator Palette

Photoshop's Navigation palette gives you the overall view of the image and the ability to navigate through the document. It gives you the ability to work on small elements of the design. Once small areas are enlarged, it's easier for you to make minute changes. Zooming in (enlarging the image) lets you work on fine details while zooming out (reducing the image) lets you view how the changes affects the entire image. In the Navigator palette contains a thumbnail view and underneath it are the controls that lets you adjust the zoom of the image. Changes made within this palette are immediately reflected in the active document window.

Let's give it a quick run through by following these steps:

Step 1. Select the Navigator palette.
Step 2. Use one of the following methods to change the view size:
- Drag the triangular slider to the right to increase the zoom or to the left to decrease the zoom.
- Click the small and large mountain icons, located at the left and right of the triangular slider, to decrease or increase the zoom.
- Enter a value from .33 to 1600 percent into the Zoom box.

Tip #1: There are additional ways to zoom in using the Navigator Palette. Inside the view box (where you see the thumbnail of your image), hold down the Ctrl key, and then drag to resize the active document.

Tip #2: You can constrain the view box to drag horizontally or vertically. To do this, hold down the Shift key, and then drag the view box horizontally or vertically.

Exercise #1: Navigation Palette Shortcut. You can control the view of the document through a great shortcut. Simply click once in the Zoom input box on the Navigator palette, and then use the Up/Downarrow keys to increase or decrease the zoom value of the document by 1 percentage at a time. Not fast enough for you? Then hold down the Shift key, and use the Up or Down arrow keys to change the zoom by 10 percentage at a time. Then press Enter key to see your changes reflected in the active document window.


Changing the View Area with the Navigator Palette

We've learned that there are many ways on how to change the view size of our image in the active document window. But it's pretty hassle that everytime you want to edit another area of the image you'll always drag horizontally or vertically and adjust the sliders. Good thing is, you can change the view area of your active document window using the Navigator palette. Here's how:

Step 1. Select the Navigator palette.
Step 2. Drag the view box in the thumbnail of the active image.
Step 3. Click within the thumbnail and try to move it around the thumbnail. The position of the view box changes, which also changes the viewable area of the image in the document window.

Tip #3: If the Navigator palette is not visible, click the Window menu, and then click Navigator.

Getting Started with Photoshop CS3 - Part II

Using Shortcut Keys


One of Photoshop's key features is that almost everything can be done using keyboard shortcuts. Shortcut keys, as the name implies, let you perform tasks in a shorter time. Using shortcut keys reduces the use of mouse and speeds up your tasks. Here are the most common shortcut keys: Marquee Tool (M), Lasso Tool (L), Eraser Tool (E), Move Tool (V), Magic Wand Tool (W), Type Tool (T), New Document (Ctrl+N), Open Document (Ctrl+O), Save Document (Ctrl+S), and the list goes on. For the rest of shortcut keys, you can find them here: Photoshop Shortcut Keys.

Manage your Libraries with the Preset Manager


The Preset Manager gives you the ability to manage your library sets such as brushes, swatches, gradients, styles, patterns, contours, custom shapes and preset tools. Once a library is loaded in the Preset Manager, you can access the library's items in all locations where the preset is available. Modifications done in the Preset Manager is global, which means these are loaded everytime you open Photoshop.

Let's create a new Preset library.


Step 1. Go to Edit then Preset Manager.
Step 2. Click the Preset Type list arrow, and then select the options.
Step 3. Click the Options list arrow, and then select from the available presets then append them to your current item list.
Step 4. Click an image thumbnail then press Delete to remove any items that you don't want to include in the new preset.
Step 5. Organize their order by clicking and dragging each thumbnails to new positions inside the window.
Step 6. If you want to rename an item, click a thumbnail, click Rename and change the thumbnail name then click OK.
Step 7. Let's save our new preset by clicking Save Set button.
Step 8. Enter a file name and select a location you want to store the set.
Step 9. Once completed, click Save and then click Done.

Controlling your Workspace

A cluttered desk means a cluttered mind. Imagine that your workspace is your desk and its full of objects. You need some of it for a specific task, and the rest are not. Therefore, when you need a tool, you end up searching inside the pile of materials. So, in order to save time, keep those tools that you won't be needing at the moment. Same thing with Photoshop. Photoshop consists of a document surrounded by an options bar, toolbox, and floating palettes. Depending on how you work, your workspace may exhibit any combination of the above. For example, working with text, you'll need the Character and Paragraph palettes but not much of the Styles or Histogram palettes. In order for you to work efficiently, you need to organize your workspace. And to avoid redesigning your workspace everytime you start a new task, Photoshop allows you to create and save your own customized workspaces. Here's how it's done.

Step 1. Arrange the palettes according to your preferences.
Step 2. Go to Window then Workspace then Save Workspace.
Step 3. Type a name for your workspace then click Save.


Consequently, if you want to delete a customized workspace, simply do the following:

Step 1. Go to Window then Workspace then Delete Workspace.
Step 2. Click the Workspace list arrow, and then click the workspace you want to delete.
Step 3. Click Delete. Then confirm deletion by clicking Yes.

If at any time you want to reset all palettes back to their original configuration, simply go to Window menu then Workspace option then Reset Palette Locations.

Getting Started with Photoshop CS3 - Part I

Introduction


Adobe Photoshop, or simply Photoshop, is a graphics design and image enhancement program developed and published by Adobe Systems that runs seamlessly on the Windows and Macintosh platforms. Major designers, as well as casual users turn to Photoshop for its proven ability to create special effects and image composites; however, Photoshop's ability to manipulate digital images, restore old photographs, as well as create digital artwork from scratch, has made Photoshop the undisputed leader in the digital industry and the industry standard for graphics professionals.

Photoshop works primarily with raster documents which means images are composed of pixels. A pixel is a unit of image information. Imagine there's a wall made of bricks. Each brick represents a pixel in an image. Documents opened in Photoshop have a specific resolution.. The resolution of the image represents how many pixels the image contains. Since pixels (like the bricks in a wall) represents information, the more pixels a document contains, the more information Photoshop has to manipulate or enhance the image.

Once the image is opened in Photoshop, the designer can manipulate the image thousands of ways, everything from color correction, reducing dust and scratches in an old image, to removing a tree, or adding a missing friend.


The Photoshop CS3 window

Optimizing Photoshop CS3


Assuming you have successfully installed Photoshop in your computer, it means your desktop passed the program's physical requirements. Now we need to configure Photoshop to run it more efficient.

Photoshop requires a tremendous amount of your computer resources. If you'll be working on large documents, a poorly optimized Photoshop is equal to long wait times and it can trigger you computer to crash. That's the bad news. The good news is, Photoshop can be configured to run more efficiently. Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance tab. The Preferences dialog box should pop up and Performance category is highlighted in left. For older versions of Photoshop, go to Edit > Preferences tab. Of all the preferences, General, Plug-ins and Scratch Disks, and Memory & Image Cache, contain options that help increase the performance of Photoshop.

First, History states control the number of undos available. You can set it from 0 to 1000. Increasing this number also allows Photoshop to increase it's RAM memory usage and can decrease the overall performance of the program. You should lower the number of history states when you're experiencing slow performance problems.

Second, add scratch disks. If your hard drive has large available space on it, utilize this preference. Scratch disks are additional hard drives assigned to Photoshop. Assigning additional scratch disks allows Photoshop to divide the processing load and increase its performance.

Last, Photoshop operates in RAM memory. In order to run it efficiently, Photoshop needs five times the size of the opened document in the available memory. Therefore, the more RAM memory you can assign, the more efficient Photoshop will operate especially on large documents.



Familiarize yourself with Photoshop Tools

Photoshop has a lot of editing tools to offer which gives you tremendous control over any designing problems that may occur. There are many ways to accomplish a task, you can choose what suits best for you and your current project. For example, you need to create a selection on an image. A very popular way is to use the Lasso tools but you can still use the Quick Selection tool, Magic Wand tool, and Quick Mask Mode tool to name a few.

When you work on a document, it's important to know what tools are available, and how they will help you in achieving your design goals. Photoshop has consolidated similar tools under one button. To access multiple tools, click and hold on any toolbar button that has a small black triangle, located in the lower-right corner of the tool button. Accessing a tool doesn't necessary mean to click on that tool. All of Photoshop's tools can be accessed through a shortcut key. For example, to access the Selection tool, press "V" key. Pressing "W" key will switch to Magic Wand tool. If a tool has more than one option, such as Lasso tool, holding the "Shift" key along with the tool's shortcut lets you cycle through the tool's other options. Pretty neat eh~?! We'll have more of this shortcuts on other tutorials.

What's In Here For You

Thank you for visiting my personal weblog. This site's main purpose is to help young graphic artists and hobbyists to build a strong background in using the industry's standard program for image editing, Adobe Photoshop.

So why Photoshop? For me, it's because it offers versatility plus you can produce professional results while having fun.

Do you require to have atleast a background in image editing? Definitely, NO. We'll start with the basics until we unleash that burning passion within you.

Just a heads up, for all of my tutorials here, we'll be using Photoshop CS3 as I have it installed in my desktop. If you don't have CS3 installed in your desktop, don't worry because you can apply all you have learned here to older versions like Photoshop CS. Another thing to note is that you don't have to read my tutorials in any particular order. You can just jump in, get the information you need, then jump out. However, we'll be following a structured lessons from simple tasks to a more complex one. Let's have fun with Photoshop! ^__^