Learn

Photoshop
with
Exnihiloo
01 - Introduction to Photoshop
02 - Working with Images
03 - Image Editing Basics
04 - Layers and Layer Masks
05 - Understanding Brushes and Brush Tools
06 - Adding Text to Images
07 - Retouching and Healing
08 - Introduction to Filters and Effects
09 - Working with Shapes and Vector Tools
10 - Introduction to Blending Modes
11- Image Transformation and Distortion
12 - Introduction to Adobe Camera Raw
13 - Exporting and Saving Images
14 - Basic Photo Manipulation
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 Photoshop 01
Introduction to
Photoshop

• Overview of Photoshop and its applications.

• Understanding the Photoshop interface.

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Let’s take a look at
some key applications
of Photoshop:
Photo Editing: Photoshop’s robust editing tools allow you to
enhance, retouch, and manipulate photographs to perfection.
You can adjust brightness, contrast, colors, and apply various
filters to achieve your desired look.

Graphic Design: With Photoshop, you can create stunning

graphics for web, print, and social media. Design eye-catching
posters, banners, logos, and marketing materials with ease.

Digital Art: Photoshop serves as a digital canvas for artists to

bring their creative visions to life. From illustrations to digital
paintings, the possibilities are limitless.

Web Design: Photoshop plays a vital role in the initial design

process of websites. Designers use it to create website
layouts, wireframes, and mockups before moving on to the
development stage.

Image Compositing: Photoshop excels at combining

multiple images into seamless composites. You can remove
backgrounds, add new elements, and create surreal
compositions.

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 As you can see, Photoshop provides unmatched versatility and
precision when it comes to working with images and designs.
Many renowned brands and artists rely on Photoshop to create
impactful visuals that resonate with their audiences.

In conclusion, Adobe Photoshop is an essential tool for

designers, photographers, artists, and anyone looking to
unleash their creativity in the digital realm. Whether you’re
an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional, mastering
Photoshop will open up endless possibilities for your creative
journey.

Thank you for reading this Introduction to Photoshop tutorial.

Be sure to stay tuned for more in-depth guides and tips to
help you make the most of this incredible software. Don’t forget
to like and follow to our channel for future updates. Happy
designing!

Understanding the
Photoshop interface
Menu Bar: Located at the top of the screen, the Menu Bar
contains various drop-down menus like File, Edit, Image, Layer,
etc. Each menu provides access to a wide range of commands
and options for working with images.

Options Bar: Positioned just below the Menu Bar, the Options
Bar displays context-sensitive options related to the selected
tool or action. It allows you to modify settings and properties
for tools, such as brush size, font style, and blending mode.

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Tools Panel: On the left side of the screen, you’ll find the Tools
Panel, which contains a comprehensive array of tools used for
image editing, drawing, selection, and more. Clicking on a tool
reveals additional options and settings in the Options Bar.

Document Workspace: This central area is where your open

image or design document is displayed. You can have multiple
documents open at once, and each appears as a tab within
the workspace.

Panels: To the right of the workspace, you’ll find various Panels,

which provide quick access to essential functionalities and
information. Common panels include Layers, History, Color,
Swatches, and Adjustments.

Navigator Panel: The Navigator Panel is often found in the top

right corner and offers an overview of the entire document.
You can use it to navigate and zoom in or out of specific areas.

Status Bar: Situated at the bottom of the window, the Status Bar
displays useful information, such as document size, resolution,
and color mode. It also indicates the current magnification
percentage.

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 The Photoshop interface may seem overwhelming at first, but
it’s designed to provide you with easy access to a wide range
of tools and functionalities. With practice and exploration, you’ll
become familiar with its layout and optimize your workflow.

Understanding the Photoshop interface is the first step to

harnessing the full potential of this powerful software. As
you delve into the world of image editing and design, you’ll
discover the incredible capabilities that Photoshop offers.
Happy creating!

Thank you for reading this tutorial on understanding the

Photoshop interface. Be sure to check out our other Photoshop
guides and tips to enhance your design skills. Don’t forget to
like and subscribe for more exciting content. Until next time,
happy Photoshopping!

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Overview of Photoshop
and Its Applications
Welcome to this tutorial on an Introduction to Photoshop.
We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of Adobe
Photoshop and its wide-ranging applications in the world of
digital design and image manipulation.

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful and industry-standard

software developed by Adobe Inc. It is primarily used for photo
editing, graphic design, and digital art creation. Photoshop
offers a plethora of tools and features that cater to the needs
of beginners and professional designers alike.

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 Photoshop 02
Working with Images

• Opening, creating, and saving images in Photoshop.

• Understanding different image file formats (JPEG,
PNG, PSD, etc.

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Working with Images
Opening Images: To open an existing image in Photoshop,
follow these steps:

Launch Adobe Photoshop.

Go to the “File” menu at the top-left corner of the screen.
Select “Open” from the dropdown menu.
Browse to the location of your image file and select it.
Click “Open.”

Creating Images
Photoshop allows you to create new images from scratch.
Here’s how you can do it:

Go to the “File” menu.

Select “New” from the dropdown menu.
A dialog box will appear, where you can specify the dimensions,
resolution, color mode, and other settings for your new image.
Once you’ve set the parameters, click “OK” to create the new
blank canvas.

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 Saving Images
When you’re done editing an image or creating a new one,
you’ll want to save it. Here’s how:

Go to the “File” menu.

Select “Save” if you want to overwrite the existing file or “Save
As” if you want to save it under a different name or format.
Choose the destination folder and enter the desired file name.
Choose the file format (we’ll cover that in the next section).
Click “Save.”
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Understanding Differ-
ent Image File Formats:
Photoshop supports various image file formats, each with its
own characteristics. Here are some common formats:

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group):

File Extension: .jpg or .jpeg

Compression: Lossy compression, which reduces file size by
sacrificing some image quality.
Ideal for: Photographs and images with gradients. Suitable for
web and sharing on social media due to its smaller file size.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics):

File Extension: .png

Compression: Lossless compression, which preserves image
quality but may result in larger file sizes compared to JPEG.
Ideal for: Images with transparency or sharp edges, logos,
icons, and images that require high-quality presentation on
the web.

PSD (Photoshop Document):

File Extension: .psd

Features: Native Photoshop file format that preserves all
layers, masks, adjustment layers, and other elements used in
the design. Ideal for: Saving your work in progress or for future
editing. Not suitable for sharing on the web due to its large size
and compatibility issues with other software.

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 GIF (Graphics Interchange Format):

File Extension: .gif

Features: Supports animation and transparency.
Ideal for: Simple animations, icons, and graphics with a limited
color palette.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format):

File Extension: .tiff or .tif

Features: Supports high-quality and lossless images, multiple
layers, and transparency.
Ideal for: Professional printing and archival purposes, but not
recommended for web use due to larger file sizes.

PDF (Portable Document Format):

File Extension: .pdf

Features: Primarily used for documents but can also include
images.
Ideal for: Saving images in a multipage document or for sharing
high-quality images without losing quality.

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Photoshop 03
Image Editing Basics

• Using the basic selection tools (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand).

• Cropping and resizing images.
• Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance.

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 Basic Selection Tools
Marquee Tool: This tool allows you to make rectangular or
elliptical selections.

To use it, select the Marquee tool from the toolbar (shortcut: M).
Click and drag on the image to create a selection.
To make a perfect square or circle, hold down the Shift key
while dragging

Lasso Tool: This tool lets you draw freehand selections.

Select the Lasso tool from the toolbar (shortcut: L).

Click and hold to draw around the area you want to select.
Release the mouse button to complete the selection.
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Magic Wand Tool: The Magic Wand tool selects pixels based
on their color similarity.

Choose the Magic Wand tool from the toolbar (shortcut: W).
Click on the area of the image you want to select. The tool will
select adjacent pixels with similar colors.

Cropping and Resizing

Images:
Cropping an Image:

Select the Crop tool from the toolbar (shortcut: C).

Click and drag to create a crop box around the area you want
to keep.
Adjust the size and position of the crop box as needed.
Press Enter (or Return) to apply the crop.
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 Resizing an Image:

Go to the “Image” menu at the top of the screen.

Select “Image Size” from the dropdown menu.
In the dialog box that appears, enter the new dimensions for
your image.
Choose the desired unit of measurement (pixels, inches, etc.).
Make sure the “Constrain Proportions” option is checked to
maintain the aspect ratio.
Click “OK” to resize the image.

Adjusting Brightness,
Contrast, and Color
Balance:
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Brightness/Contrast Adjustment:

Go to the “Image” menu and choose “Adjustments.”

Select “Brightness/Contrast” from the submenu.
In the dialog box, you’ll see sliders for adjusting brightness and
contrast. Move the sliders to the left to decrease and to the
right to increase brightness and contrast.
Click “OK” when you’re satisfied with the changes.

Color Balance Adjustment:

Again, go to the “Image” menu and choose “Adjustments.”

Select “Color Balance” from the submenu.
In the dialog box, you’ll see sliders for adjusting the balance of
three primary colors: Cyan/Red, Magenta/Green, and Yellow/Blue.
Move the sliders to add or reduce the presence of each color.
Click “OK” when you’re happy with the color adjustments. 17
 Photoshop 04
Layers and Layer Masks

• Understanding the concept of layers in Photoshop.

• Working with multiple layers and layer effects.
• Using layer masks to hide and reveal parts of an image.

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Understanding Layers
in Photoshop
• Layers are like stacked transparent sheets where you can add,
modify, and organize elements of your image independently.

• Each layer can contain different image elements, text, shapes,

adjustments, and effects.

• The layer order determines how elements overlap: the top

layer appears in front, while the bottom layer is at the back.

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 Working with Multiple
Layers and Layer
Effects:
Adding a New Layer:

Click on the “New Layer” button at the bottom of the Layers

panel (or use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + N).
A new blank layer will be added above the currently selected
layer. Changing Layer Order:

Drag and drop the layer in the Layers panel to change its order.
Layer Effects: Double-click on a layer in the Layers panel to
open the Layer Style dialog box. Layer styles allow you to apply
various effects like drop shadows, strokes, glows, and more to
the layer content.

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Using Layer Masks to
Hide and Reveal Parts
of an Image:
Layer Masks: Layer masks allow you to control the transparency
of a layer or hide/reveal parts of the layer without permanently
deleting any pixels.

Adding a Layer Mask:

Make sure the layer you want to add a mask to is selected.

Click the “Add Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the Layers
panel. A white mask thumbnail will appear next to the layer
thumbnail. Hiding Parts of an Image using Layer Masks:

Select the Layer Mask thumbnail.

Choose the Brush tool (shortcut: B) and set the foreground color
to black. Paint over the areas you want to hide. This will reveal
the content of the layers below.
Revealing Parts of an Image using Layer Masks:

Select the Layer Mask thumbnail.

Choose the Brush tool (shortcut: B) and set the foreground color
to white. Paint over the areas you want to reveal. This will show
the content of the current layer.

Adjusting the Layer Mask:

Use different brush sizes and opacity levels to create smooth

transitions and precise masking.
You can also use other tools like the Gradient tool to create
gradient masks.
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 Inverting the Layer Mask:

To quickly switch between hiding and revealing, you can invert

the layer mask.
Right-click on the Layer Mask thumbnail and choose “Invert.”
Disabling and Deleting Layer Masks:

To temporarily disable a Layer Mask, hold down the Shift key

and click on the Layer Mask thumbnail.
To delete a Layer Mask, select the Layer Mask thumbnail and
click the “Delete Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the
Layers panel.

Remember that layer masks offer non-destructive editing,

allowing you to refine your edits later without affecting the
original image. They are an essential tool for creating complex
and professional-level compositions in Photoshop.

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Photoshop 05
Understanding Brushes
and Brush Tools

• Exploring the Brush Tool and its settings.

• Using different brush presets and customizing brushes.’’

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 The Brush Tool and Its
Settings
The Brush Tool (shortcut: B) is located in the toolbar on the left
side of the screen. When selected, the Brush Options bar at the
top of the screen displays various settings for the brush. Brush
settings include Brush Tip Shape, Size, Hardness, Opacity, Flow,
and Blending Modes.

Brush Tip Shape: Adjust the size and shape of the brush tip.

Click on the drop-down arrow to choose from various pre-

defined shapes or click on the small gear icon to create custom
brush shapes.

Size and Hardness: Set the size and softness of the brush tip.

Drag the “Size” slider or use the bracket keys ([ ]) to change

the size. Drag the “Hardness” slider to the left for a soft edge
or to the right for a hard edge.

Opacity and Flow: Control the transparency and build-up of

the brush strokes.

Opacity: Determines how transparent or opaque each brush

stroke will be.

Flow: Controls the rate at which paint is applied with each

stroke. A lower flow creates a gradual buildup.

Blending Modes: Change how the brush interacts with the

underlying layers.

Experiment with different blending modes to achieve various

effects.
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Using Different Brush
Presets
Photoshop comes with a variety of pre-installed brush presets.

To access them, click on the Brush Preset Picker in the Brush

Options bar.

Choose a category from the dropdown menu (e.g., Basic, Dry

Media, Special Effects).

Select a brush preset by clicking on its thumbnail.

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 Customizing Brushes
Brush Settings: Customize various aspects of the brush using
the Brush Settings panel.

Click on the gear icon in the Brush Options bar and select
“Brush Settings.”

Adjust parameters like Shape Dynamics, Scattering, Texture,

and more to create unique brush effects.

Brush Panel: Open the Brush panel (Window > Brush) to

access additional settings and controls.

Here you can modify brush dynamics, dual brush settings, and
texture controls, among others.

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Creating Custom Brushes:

To turn any image or shape into a brush, make a selection

around the desired element.

Go to Edit > Define Brush Preset.

Give your brush a name and click OK. The new brush will appear
at the bottom of the Brush Preset Picker.

Importing Brushes: You can also download and install custom

brushes created by other artists or shared online.

Save the brush file (usually with a .abr extension) to your computer.

In Photoshop, go to Edit > Presets > Preset Manager.

Choose “Brushes” from the dropdown menu, click “Load,” and

select the .abr file you saved.

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 Brush Shortcuts
Increase/decrease brush size: Use the bracket keys ( [ ] ).
Change brush hardness: Press Shift + [ or Shift + ].
Cycle through brush blending modes: Press Shift + – (minus)
or Shift + + (plus).
Rotate the brush tip: Use the comma (,) and period (.) keys.

Experimenting with different brush settings and presets can

add a creative touch to your artwork and help you achieve
unique effects. Enjoy exploring the versatility of Photoshop
brushes!

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Photoshop 06
Adding Text to Images

• Adding and formatting text in Photoshop.

• Creating text effects and working with text layers.

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 Adding Text to Images
Select the “Horizontal Type Tool” from the toolbar (shortcut: T).
Click on the image where you want to add text. A blinking text
cursor will appear.

Start typing your text. It will appear on a new text layer in the
Layers panel. Use the options in the Character and Paragraph
panels to format the text. If these panels are not visible, go to
Window > Character and Window > Paragraph to open them.

Text Formatting
Options
Font and Size: Select the font family and adjust the font size
from the Character panel.

Text Color: Change the color of the text using the color picker
or the Swatches panel.

Alignment: Use the alignment options in the Paragraph panel

to align the text left, right, center, or justify.
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Line Spacing: Adjust the vertical space between lines of text
(leading) in the Character panel.

Character Spacing: Modify the space between individual

characters (kerning/tracking) in the Character panel.

Creating Text Effects

Stroke: To add a stroke (outline) around the text:

Select the text layer in the Layers panel.

Click on the “fx” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and
choose “Stroke.”
Adjust the stroke size, color, and position in the Layer Style
dialog box.

Drop Shadow: To create a drop shadow effect for the text:

Select the text layer in the Layers panel.

Click on the “fx” icon and choose “Drop Shadow.”
Adjust the shadow settings, including distance, size, opacity,
and angle.

Inner Shadow, Bevel & Emboss, etc.: Explore other layer effects
to add more depth and creativity to your text.

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 Working with Text
Layers
Editing Text: Double-click on the text layer thumbnail in the
Layers panel to edit the text content and formatting.

Moving and Resizing Text: Select the Move Tool (shortcut: V) and
click-drag the text layer to move it. To resize the text, select the
text layer and use the Free Transform tool (shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + T).

Rasterizing Text: If you want to apply certain filters or

transformations that require rasterized layers, right-click on
the text layer and choose “Rasterize Type.”

Grouping Text Layers: Select multiple text layers by holding

down the Ctrl/Cmd key and clicking on the layer thumbnails.
Then, press Ctrl/Cmd + G to group them together.

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Merging Text Layers: To combine multiple text layers into one,
select them and right-click, then choose “Merge Layers.”

Saving and Exporting

Your Work
• Save your Photoshop document as a .PSD file to preserve the
text layers and other editable elements.

• For web use or sharing, you can export the image with text
layers as JPEG, PNG, or other appropriate formats.

Remember to keep a non-text version of your design as a

backup, especially if you plan to apply further edits or changes
later. Adding text in Photoshop opens up endless possibilities
for typography-based designs and creative compositions!
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 Photoshop 07
Retouching and Healing

• Using the Clone Stamp and Healing

Brush tools for retouching.
• Removing blemishes and imperfections
in photos.

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Clone Stamp Tool
The Clone Stamp tool is used to copy pixels from one area
of the image to another, effectively “cloning” one part of the
image onto another area. It’s great for removing larger objects,
distractions, or areas that need to be covered up.

How to Use the Clone Stamp Tool:

Select the Clone Stamp tool from the toolbar (shortcut: S).
Hold the Alt (Option on Mac) key and click on the source area
you want to clone from. Release the Alt key and start painting
over the area you want to cover or retouch. The cloned pixels
from the source area will be copied to the target area as you
paint.

Tips for Using the Clone Stamp Tool:

• Adjust the brush size and hardness for precise cloning.

• Regularly change the source point to avoid noticeable
patterns.
• Use a low opacity setting (e.g., 20-50%) for gradual blending

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 Healing Brush Tool
The Healing Brush tool is designed to correct imperfections
in a more seamless and natural way by blending pixels from
the surrounding area. It’s ideal for removing small blemishes,
wrinkles, and spots.

How to Use the Healing Brush Tool:

Select the Healing Brush tool from the toolbar (shortcut: J).
Hold the Alt (Option on Mac) key and click on a clean area close to
the blemish or imperfection you want to remove. This sets the
source point. Release the Alt key and paint over the area you
want to correct. The Healing Brush will automatically sample
pixels from the source area and blend them with the target
area as you paint.

Tips for Using the Healing Brush Tool:

• Use a small brush size for precise retouching.

• Avoid sampling from areas with drastically different textures
or lighting.
• Zoom in on the image for more accurate retouching.
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Additional Tips
Frequency Separation: For more advanced retouching,
consider using Frequency Separation. It separates the image
into texture and color layers, allowing you to retouch the texture
without affecting the overall colors.

Non-Destructive Editing: Work on a duplicate layer or use

adjustment layers to preserve the original image. This way,
you can always go back and make changes if needed.

Save Versions: Save different versions of your retouched

image at different stages of the editing process. This helps you
revert to previous versions if required.

Remember to use these retouching tools subtly and aim for

a natural-looking result. Overdoing retouching can make
the image appear unnatural and unrealistic. Practice and
experimentation will help you master these retouching
techniques in Photoshop.

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 Photoshop 08
Introduction to Filters
and Effects

• Applying filters for various creative effects.

• Using the Filter Gallery and Smart Filters.

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Applying Filters for
Creative Effects
Open your image in Photoshop.
Go to the “Filter” menu at the top of the screen.
Choose a filter category (e.g., Artistic, Blur, Distort, Stylize, etc.).
Select a specific filter from the list.
Adjust the filter settings in the dialog box that appears.
Click “OK” to apply the filter to your image.

Examples of Filters and Their Effects:

Gaussian Blur: Softens the image by blurring it, useful for

creating a dreamy or out-of-focus effect.

Oil Paint: Renders the image in a painterly style, simulating an

oil painting.

Poster Edges: Creates a posterized effect with defined edges,

reducing the image to simplified colors and lines.

Distort Filters (e.g., Spherize, Twirl): Distort or warp the image for
creative and surreal effects.

Watercolor: Emulates a watercolor painting, adding texture

and blending colors. 39
 Using the Filter Gallery
The Filter Gallery in Photoshop allows you to apply multiple
filters to your image and see a live preview of the effects.
Go to the “Filter” menu and choose “Filter Gallery.”
In the Filter Gallery dialog box, select a filter category from the
left panel.

Double-click on a specific filter or drag it onto the preview area.

Adjust the settings of the selected filter on the right panel.
You can add multiple filters by selecting different categories
or filters and applying them sequentially.

Working with Smart

Filters
Smart Filters in Photoshop are non-destructive filters that can
be applied to Smart Objects. They allow you to make changes
to the filters later without losing image quality.
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Convert your layer into a Smart Object by right-clicking on the
layer and choosing “Convert to Smart Object.”

Go to the “Filter” menu and apply the desired filters to the

Smart Object layer. The filters will appear as Smart Filters in
the Layers panel. To adjust the filter settings, double-click on
the filter name in the Layers panel. The Filter dialog box will
open, where you can modify the filter’s settings. Any changes
made to the filter settings will be applied non-destructively to
the Smart Object.

Experiment and
Combine Effects
Photoshop’s filters and effects offer a wide range of creative
possibilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different filters,
adjust their settings, and combine multiple effects to achieve
unique results.
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 Remember to work on a duplicate layer or use Smart Objects
when applying filters to maintain the flexibility to make changes
later. Filters and effects can add artistic flair to your images
and open up endless opportunities for creative expression in
Photoshop!
42
Photoshop 09
Working with Shapes
and Vector Tools

• Creating and editing shapes in Photoshop.

• Understanding the Pen Tool and its functions

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 Creating and Editing
Shapes
To create a shape, select the “Shape Tool” from the toolbar
(shortcut: U). Click on the desired shape type in the options bar
(e.g., Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, etc.).

Click and drag on the canvas to draw the shape. Hold the Shift
key to maintain proportions (e.g., perfect circle or square).
You can customize the shape’s color, stroke, and other
attributes in the options bar or the Properties panel.

Editing Shapes:

To edit a shape, select the shape layer in the Layers panel.

Choose the “Path Selection Tool” (black arrow) from the toolbar
(shortcut: A).

Click on the shape to select it. You can now move, resize, or
transform the shape using the bounding box handles. To
modify specific anchor points or path segments, select the
“Direct Selection Tool” (white arrow) from the toolbar (shortcut:A).
Click and drag the anchor points or path segments to adjust
the shape.
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Understanding the Pen
Tool and Its Functions
The Pen Tool (shortcut: P) is a powerful vector tool used to create
and edit complex shapes and paths in Photoshop.

Creating Paths with the Pen Tool:

Click on the canvas to set the first anchor point.

Click and drag to create curved segments or hold the Alt
(Option on Mac) key to create corner points. Continue clicking
and dragging to add more anchor points and form the desired
shape. To close the path, either click on the first anchor point
or hover over it until a small circle appears next to the Pen
cursor and then click.

Editing Paths with the Pen Tool:

To move an anchor point, select the Pen Tool and click-drag

the anchor point to a new position.
To adjust the curvature of a segment, select the “Convert Point
Tool” (pen with a minus sign) from the toolbar (shortcut: Shift + C).
Click and drag on an anchor point to adjust the direction
handles and curvature.

Working with Shape Layers and Paths:

When using the Pen Tool, you have the option to create a Shape
layer or a Path. For Shape layers, make sure the “Shape” option
is selected in the options bar. For Paths, make sure the “Path”
option is selected in the options bar.
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 Saving Paths and
Using Custom Shapes
After creating a path with the Pen Tool, you can save it for
future use or for creating custom shapes.

To save a path, go to the Paths panel (Window > Paths) and click
the “New Path” icon at the bottom. Name the path and click
“OK.” To use a custom shape, right-click on the path in the
Paths panel and choose “Define Custom Shape.”

Vector shapes and paths are resolution-independent, allowing

you to scale and edit them without losing quality. The Pen Tool
may take some practice to master, but it’s a versatile tool for
creating precise and intricate designs in Photoshop.
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Photoshop 10
Introduction to Blending
Modes

• Understanding blending modes and

their effects on layers.
• Applying blending modes to create
unique visuals.

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 Blending modes in Photoshop are a powerful feature that allows
you to control how layers interact with each other, resulting
in various creative and visual effects. Let’s explore blending
modes and how to apply them to create unique visuals

Understanding
Blending Modes
Blending modes determine how the pixels on one layer interact
with the pixels on the layers below it.

Each blending mode performs a specific calculation that

blends the colors, tones, and brightness of the layers to produce
a new result.

There are different blending modes for different scenarios,

such as creating contrasts, adding highlights, or enhancing
colors.
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Applying Blending
Modes
To apply a blending mode, first, make sure you have multiple
layers in your document.

Select the layer you want to change the blending mode for
(the layer you want to blend with the layers below).

In the Layers panel, locate the blending mode dropdown menu

(it usually says “Normal” by default) and click on it.

Choose the desired blending mode from the list. As you hover
over each blending mode, you’ll see a live preview of the effect
on your image.

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 Common Blending
Modes and
Their Effects
Normal: The default blending mode that shows the layer
without any blending with the layers below.
Multiply: Darkens the colors, creating a blending effect as if
you placed a transparent sheet of color over the underlying
layers.
Screen: Lightens the colors, producing a similar effect as if you
projected light through the layers.
Overlay: Combines both Multiply and Screen blending modes,
resulting in a contrasty and saturated look.
Color Dodge: Lightens the image, producing vibrant and bright
colors.
Color Burn: Darkens the image, creating intense and rich
colors.
Soft Light: Softens the image, adding a subtle glow or haze.
Hard Light: Intensifies the contrast, often producing dramatic
results.
Difference: Subtracts pixel values, resulting in an inverted
effect with both negative and positive colors.
Exclusion: Similar to the Difference mode but less intense.
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Creating Unique
Visuals with Blending
Modes
• Experiment with different blending modes to see how they
interact with your layers.
• Combine images, textures, and colors using blending modes
to create interesting compositions.
• Use blending modes to add textures, patterns, or overlays to
your photos.
• Apply gradient overlays with blending modes to add creative
effects to your designs.
• Combine different elements to create double exposures or
surreal visuals.

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 Non-Destructive
Editing with Blending
Modes
Blending modes are non-destructive, meaning they don’t
permanently alter the original pixels. You can always switch
back to “Normal” blending mode or adjust the opacity of the
layer to control the intensity of the blending effect.

Remember that blending modes work differently depending

on the content and colors of the layers you’re working with. Be
sure to experiment and combine various blending modes to
find the best results for your specific project. Blending modes
offer a fantastic way to add depth, creativity, and uniqueness
to your Photoshop compositions!
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Photoshop 11
Image Transformation
and Distortion

• Scaling, rotating, and flipping images.

• Applying perspective and warp transformations

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 Scaling, Rotating, and
Flipping Images
Scaling (Resizing): Select the layer you want to scale in the
Layers panel. Press Ctrl/Cmd + T (Free Transform) or go to Edit >
Free Transform. Drag any of the corner handles while holding
the Shift key to maintain the aspect ratio. Press Enter (or Return)
to apply the transformation.

Rotating: Follow the same steps as scaling to enter Free

Transform mode. Hover your cursor outside the bounding
box until you see a curved arrow. Click and drag to rotate the
image as desired. Hold Shift while rotating to constrain rotation
angles.

Flipping: Enter Free Transform mode (Ctrl/Cmd + T). Right-click

inside the bounding box and choose “Flip Horizontal” or “Flip
Vertical.”
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Applying Perspective
and Warp
Transformations
Perspective Transformation:

Select the layer you want to apply perspective to.

Go to Edit > Transform > Perspective. Drag the corner handles
inward or outward to adjust the perspective.

Warp Transformation:

Go to Edit > Transform > Warp.

Drag the control points or the grid lines to distort the image as
desired. Use the options in the options bar to switch between
different warp modes.

Tips for Using

Transformations
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 Hold the Shift key to maintain proportions while scaling or
constraining angles while rotating. Hold the Alt (Option on Mac)
key while transforming to apply the transformation from the
center point. Use the guides and rulers to align objects precisely
during transformations.

Non-Destructive
Transformations
To maintain the original image and make non-destructive
transformations, use Smart Objects: Right-click on the layer
and choose “Convert to Smart Object” before applying
any transformations. This way, you can edit or remove the
transformations later without losing image quality.

Content-Aware
Transform
When using Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T), you can enable
“Content-Aware” in the options bar. This feature automatically
fills in the empty areas when you resize or rotate the image.
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Using Perspective
Warp
For more advanced perspective corrections, try using
Perspective Warp (Edit > Perspective Warp).

It allows you to adjust the perspective of specific objects or

areas in your image. Image transformation and distortion open
up a world of possibilities for creative image manipulation in
Photoshop.

Practice and experimentation will help you master these

techniques and take your design and photo editing skills to
the next level!

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 Photoshop 12
Introduction to Adobe
Camera Raw

Processing raw image files in Adobe Camera Raw.

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Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is a powerful tool for processing
raw image files from digital cameras. It provides advanced
controls for adjusting and enhancing various aspects of your
raw images before they are converted to standard image
formats like JPEG or TIFF. Let’s explore how to process raw
image files in Adobe Camera Raw:

Opening Raw Files in

Adobe Camera Raw
In Photoshop, go to File > Open As.
Browse and select the raw image file you want to open.
Choose “Camera Raw” from the Format dropdown menu.
Click “Open” to open the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw.

Understanding the
Adobe Camera Raw
Interface
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 The Adobe Camera Raw interface has several panels and
tools for making adjustments to your raw image.

Basic Panel: Contains controls for adjusting Exposure, Contrast,

Highlights, Shadows, Whites, and Blacks.

Tone Curve Panel: Allows for fine-tuning the tonal range of the
image using curves.

HSL/Grayscale Panel: Controls Hue, Saturation, and Luminance

for individual colors in the image.

Detail Panel: Adjusts Sharpening and Noise Reduction settings.

Lens Corrections Panel: Corrects lens distortion, chromatic

aberration, and vignetting.

Effects Panel: Provides controls for applying vignettes and

grain to the image.

Camera Calibration Panel: Allows you to apply camera-

specific color profiles.
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Processing Raw
Images
White Balance: Start by adjusting the White Balance to correct
color temperature issues. You can use the White Balance Tool
(eyedropper) to click on a neutral area in the image.

Exposure and Tone: Use the sliders in the Basic panel to adjust
the Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, and Blacks
to balance the overall tonal range of the image.

Color Adjustments: Use the HSL/Grayscale panel to fine-tune

the individual color tones by adjusting Hue, Saturation, and
Luminance.

Sharpening and Noise Reduction: Apply sharpening to

enhance details using the Detail panel. Reduce noise using
the Noise Reduction sliders.

Lens Corrections: Use the Lens Corrections panel to remove

lens distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting.

Effects and Camera Calibration: Add vignettes or grain using

the Effects panel. Adjust color profiles and calibration settings
in the Camera Calibration panel.
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 Navigating and
Zooming
Use the Navigator panel to zoom in and out of the image and
navigate around it. You can also use the Zoom tool (shortcut: Z)
to click and drag over the image to zoom in.

Saving the Changes

Once you’ve made all the adjustments, click “Open Image” to
open the processed image in Photoshop as a regular layer.

Non-Destructive
Editing
Adobe Camera Raw edits are non-destructive, meaning they
don’t alter the original raw file. To save your edits and retain
the flexibility to re-edit later, click “Done” in the Camera Raw
interface.
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Photoshop 13
Exporting and Saving
Images

• Saving images for different purposes (web, print, etc.).

• Exporting images with the appropriate settings.

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 Knowing how to export and save images correctly in Photoshop
is essential for delivering your work in various formats and
for different purposes. Let’s explore how to save images for
different scenarios:

Saving Images for Web

For web use, you want to balance image quality with file size to
ensure fast loading times.

Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). In the Save for Web
dialog box, choose the desired file format (JPEG, PNG, or GIF).

Adjust the quality or color settings based on the format you

selected. Preview the image in different browsers using the
preview options. Once you’re satisfied, click “Save” to save the
optimized image for the web.
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Saving Images for Print
For print, you’ll want the best possible image quality, so use
lossless formats like TIFF.

Go to File > Save As.

Choose TIFF as the file format. Select appropriate color mode

(RGB for color images, CMYK for print-ready images).
Choose the resolution (usually 300 pixels/inch for high-quality prints).
Click “Save” to save the image in TIFF format.

Exporting Images with

Transparency
If you have images with transparent backgrounds (e.g., logos,
icons), use PNG format.
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 Go to File > Export > Export As.

Choose PNG as the file format. Ensure the “Transparency”

option is checked. Adjust other settings as needed.

Click “Export” to save the image with transparency.

Saving Images with

Layers
To preserve layers and editability, save your work in Photoshop’s
native format (.PSD).

Go to File > Save As.

Choose Photoshop (.PSD) as the file format. This will save all
layers, adjustments, and other elements of your composition.
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Batch Processing
If you need to export multiple images with the same settings,
consider using Batch processing.

Go to File > Automate > Batch.

Choose the folder containing the images to process. Set the

destination folder and choose the desired file format and
settings.

Click “OK” to start the batch processing.

Color Profiles and

Embedding
For accurate color representation, use the appropriate color
profile for your target output (e.g., sRGB for web, CMYK for print).

When saving images, consider embedding the color profile for

consistent color reproduction across different devices.
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 Optimizing JPEG
Images
For web use, optimize JPEG images to balance quality and file
size. Reduce image dimensions, use “Save for Web” to adjust
quality, and choose an appropriate level of compression.

Remember that different platforms and devices may have

specific requirements for images, so always check the
recommended guidelines for the best results. Properly saving
and exporting images will ensure your work looks its best,
whether it’s for web, print, or other purposes.
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Photoshop 14
Basic Photo
Manipulation

• Combining multiple images into a composite.

• Creating simple photo manipulations.

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 Creating a Composite
Open the main image in Photoshop, the one you want to use
as the background. Drag and drop or open the secondary
image(s) you want to add to the composite as separate layers.
Use the Move Tool (shortcut: V) to position the secondary images
on top of the main image.

Blending Images
To blend the secondary images seamlessly, adjust their opacity
and apply blending modes.

Select the secondary image layer in the Layers panel.

Reduce the opacity (in the top-right corner of the Layers panel) to
control the transparency of the layer.

Experiment with different blending modes (in the dropdown menu

at the top of the Layers panel) to find the best look.
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Layer Masks
Use layer masks to hide or reveal parts of the secondary image
and blend it more naturally. Select the secondary image layer
and click the “Add Layer Mask” icon at the bottom of the Layers
panel to add a mask. Use the Brush Tool (shortcut: B) with black
or white color to paint on the mask to hide or reveal parts of
the image.

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 Adjustment Layers
Adjustment layers help in making global changes to the
entire composite without affecting the original images. Click
the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel
(e.g., Curves, Levels, Hue/Saturation). Adjust the settings in
the properties panel that appears.

Transform and Warp

Use Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T) to resize, rotate, and position
the secondary images. For more complex adjustments, try Edit
> Transform > Warp to reshape and fit objects into the scene.
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Shadows and Lighting
Create realistic shadows and lighting to blend the objects into
the scene. Duplicate the secondary image layer and place it
below the original layer. Transform and adjust the duplicate
layer to create a shadow effect. Apply a Gaussian Blur to
the shadow layer and adjust its opacity to achieve a subtle,
realistic shadow.

Final Touches
Make any necessary adjustments to color balance, saturation,
and sharpness for a cohesive look.
Add filters, textures, or gradients to enhance the overall
atmosphere if desired.

Saving the Composite

Once you’re satisfied with your photo manipulation, go to File >
Save As to save the image in the desired format.
Photo manipulation in Photoshop is a creative process that
allows you to transform ordinary images into extraordinary
compositions. Experiment with various techniques, blending
modes, and layer adjustments to create unique and visually
appealing composites.
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 Read Online Links
01 - Introduction to Photoshop

02 - Working with Images

03 - Image Editing Basics

04 - Layers and Layer Masks

05 - Understanding Brushes and Brush Tools

06 - Adding Text to Images

07 - Retouching and Healing

08 - Introduction to Filters and Effects

09 - Working with Shapes and Vector Tools

10 - Introduction to Blending Modes

11- Image Transformation and Distortion

12 - Introduction to Adobe Camera Raw

13 - Exporting and Saving Images

14 - Basic Photo Manipulation

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