Photoshop how-to

'Pop Out' picture

2011-08-06T14:39:00.000+01:00

Make your pictures come to life with this simple tutorial

The image I used in this tutorial can be found here: http://www.graphicshunt.com/wallpapers/images/butterfly_with_flowers-7717.htm

I chose this image because the butterfly sat out further than the flower, making it easy to see which bit will ‘pop out’ of the photo.

STEP 1

Make two copies of your background butterfly layer (ctrl + J), then hide the background layer (click the eye beside the layer icon) – this will be kept as a backup in case a mistake is made.

STEP 2

We want to work on the top layer, so hide the second layer. Click the top layer so that it is highlighted.

Select the magnetic lasso tool and use this to select the butterfly and flowers. This only needs to be neat on the left and right – the rest can be done roughly.

NOTE: if the magnetic is not sticking to the section you want, you can place points yourself by clicking where you want it to grab. Also, if you make a mistake, you can remove the last point by hitting delete.

Your image should look something like that above.

STEP 3

We want to delete the bit surrounding the selection – go to select>inverse (or use shortcut shift + ctrl + I). Then hit delete. This will leave your image something similar to that above.

STEP 4

Now we want to work on the second layer, so hide the top layer and show the second, clicking it so it’s highlighted.

Select the rectangular marquee tool from the menu on the left.

Make a selection on your image like seen above.

NOTE: for this, you want to give the impression that it’s a frame around the image. I used this selection as it allowed for 2 different parts of the butterfly to ‘pop out’, as well as a little bit of flower.

STEP 5

We want to delete the ‘frame’, and so need to select the inverse – select>inverse (or use shortcut shift + ctrl + I). Then hit delete.

Your image should look similar to that above.

STEP 6

We want to create a highlighted edge around this layer. Go to Layer>Layer style>stroke. For this, I used a size of 3px with 100% opacity. I chose a yellow colour close to that of the flowers in the image.

STEP 7

Create a new layer using the new layer button at the bottom of the right hand menu, and drag it between the background layer and the second layer.

Select the eye dropper tool, and choose a shade of green from within the picture. Then, using the paint bucket tool, fill the new layer with this colour.

Your image should look similar to that above.

STEP 8

Now that we have created the frame, we want to show all layers again. Your image should look similar to that above.

We want to refine the sections that are outside the frame – to do this, use the rectangular marquee tool. Select the flowers that lie outside the bottom of the frame, but DO NOT select the butterfly wing. Your selection should look a little like that shown above. Hit delete, then ctrl + D to deselect the area.

Use the magnetic lasso tool as before, to delete the section beneath the butterfly wing, keeping the wing over the frame.

After seeing the frame completed, you can choose which sections to delete away from the image – I also removed the flower from the right-hand side as I felt that it didn’t work well!

That is the image completed!

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This image was done in the same way – the original image can be found here: http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=flowers&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1366&bih=634&tbs=isz:l&tbm=isch&tbnid=XlNZCxi4K741XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wallpaperpimper.com/wallpaper/download-wallpaper-Flowers_and_Butterfly-size-1024x768-id-120885.htm&docid=bgQtdi1bCjRlHM&w=1054&h=844&ei=91I8TuCwNcGZ8QOC5KDLDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=733&vpy=213&dur=5&hovh=201&hovw=251&tx=187&ty=86&page=1&tbnh=129&tbnw=161&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0

Creating a typographic image

2011-07-11T15:41:00.000+01:00

Above you can see the original picture and final effect.

The picture I used for this tutorial can be found here:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.papermag.com/freeformimages/2008/bp2008/riley_keogh_main.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.papermag.com/%3Fsection%3Darticle%26parid%3D2550&usg=__pRXeiSMjk_HpRzb1fkePJveTTBg=&h=441&w=610&sz=141&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=Eyc5c2SDzt-BCM:&tbnh=148&tbnw=204&ei=hu0aTsWSJ5K18QOa8-Et&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbeautiful%2Bpeople%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D677%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=308&vpy=397&dur=247&hovh=191&hovw=264&tx=207&ty=141&page=1&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0&biw=1366&bih=677

STEP 1

Make three copies of the background layer (ctrl + J ). We will change the levels of each of these layers so that we have a better finished affect.

STEP 2

Go to image>adjustments>levels to change the levels of the top layer. We want to make this layer lighter. For this, drag the middle pointer slightly to the right, and the right pointer to the left. I used the values shown above.

Rename this layer ‘light’ – double click the layer name.

STEP 3

Hide the first layer (the layer you just worked on) by clicking the eye beside the icon. Then click the second layer.

We want to give this layer a higher contrast. Go to image>adjustments>levels, again dragging the pointers in the same direction.

I used the values shown above.

Rename this layer ‘dark’ – double click the layer name.

Show the light layer again by clicking the eye beside the icon, and hide all other layers.

STEP 4

Rename the third layer ‘normal’ – double click the layer name. We will not change the levels of this layer

STEP 5

Now we want to create the text. For this, you can use the same font/size the whole way through the image, or you can change them – both are effective.

For this tutorial, I will change to font/size.

This can be done in several different ways, but for this tutorial, I will use the method that uses the least amount of layers.

Start by duplicating the ‘light’ layer – to do this click on the layer and use shortcut (ctrl + J). Rename this layer as ‘light2’ and hide it - it will be used as a backup layer.

Click on the text tool, selecting horizontal type tool, then on the image where you want to type. This works better with single words rather than sentences.

Highlight the text and change the font/size on the top tool bar. I chose the font cooper black at size 30pt.

Click the move tool to deselect the text.

STEP 6

Repeat step 5 until you achieve an image similar to that above.

NOTE: Some of the text layers should overlap slightly – this will give a better final image. The whole space does not need to be filled.

NOTE: If you want to keep the font the same, instead of repeating step 5, you can simply duplicate the text layer (ctrl + J) and move to a different position. These layers can be resized using (ctrl + T) (remember to hold shift while resizing to keep the proportions!)

STEP 7

We want to merge all of the text layers, to create one single layer.

Click the top text layer, then hold shift and click the bottom text layer – this will select all of the layers in between too. Right click on one of the selected layers and choose rasterize type.

Again right click on of the selected layers, this time choosing merge layers. This combines all layers into one.

STEP 8

Hold ctrl and click the combined layers image. This will create a dotted line around the text.

Now click the layer ‘light’ so that it is highlighter.

We now want to select and delete the inverse. To do this, use crtl + shift + I, then hit delete. This will remove the background image, but keep the bits covered with text.

Deselect the selection by using (ctrl + D), then hide the text layer by clicking the eye beside the icon.

Your image should look like this so far.

STEP 9

Repeat steps 3-7, this time using the ‘dark’ and ‘normal’ layers.

NOTE: don’t forget to overlap the text layers. It is ok to completely cover some layers!

This is how your image should look.

OPTIONALLY:

if you want your image to look more like a photograph, you can add in a little of the background.

STEP 10
Make a copy of the background layer (ctrl +J).

Select the rubber tool, setting the opacity to around 43%.

You want to create a gradient-like effect using the rubber – fully erase the top left hand corner of the background layer, keeping the bottom right.

My layer looked like this.

Erase the layer to suit your image.

Comic Pop Art

2011-06-28T01:31:00.000+01:00

This tutorial shows you how to turn your photograph into a Roy Lichenstein-style image.

Above is the original and final image.

The photograph I used in this tutorial can be found here:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.celebritydesktopwallpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hayden-Panettiere-009-1600x1200.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.celebritydesktopwallpapers.com/celebrity-wallpapers/hayden-panettiere-portrait/&usg=__JxDtKJwpZnxYnTIojCGXODSPmqE=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=398&hl=en&start=44&zoom=1&tbnid=SPJmE7dzJze_pM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=173&ei=7wIJTsqgDIWUOrjA9LoN&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcelebrity%2Bfemale%2Bportrait%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D677%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=1066&vpy=114&dur=460&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=156&ty=152&page=3&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:44&biw=1366&bih=677

STEP 1

Begin by duplicating your image (ctrl + J).

STEP 2

Change the levels of your image. To do this, go to image>adjustments>levels. Improve the levels of the image – the values I used can be seen above.

The difference in image can be seen above, with the original image on the left, and new image on the right.

STEP 3

We want to give an aged affect – in order to do this, we will apply a grain. To do this, go to filters>artistic>film grain. For this image I used: Grain – 6, highlight area – 2, Intensity – 6. If using a different image, experiment with these values to suit your image.

STEP 4

Duplicate this layer (ctrl + J), and rename it HALFTONE. To rename your layer, double-click the layer name.

STEP 5

Now, we will add the dots, giving a comic book-feel to the image. To do this, go to filter>pixelate>color halftone.

Change the max radius to 8, leaving all the other values as their defaults. Then set the layer style to darken.

STEP 6

To make it more cartoony, we want to make the colour of the image more vibrant. We will start with the eyes...

Start by creating a new layer – to do this use the new layer button at the bottom of the layers menu (shown above). Rename this layer EYES.

Click the colour selector box (shown by a red box at the bottom left of the image above), and choose a shade of green (as her eyes are green). You don’t want the colour to be too bright, nor too dark. Choose a middle shade. Then click ok.

Click the brush tool. As you can see from the image above, I set the size to 63, keeping the mode on normal and opacity at 100%. I chose 63px as it is close to the size of her iris.

Click over both of her eyes, making sure you are quite accurate.

Change the layer style to hue, and opacity 70%.

STEP 7

Now we want to change the hair.

Create another new layer using the new layer button, and rename it as HAIR.

Using the colour selector box again, choose a shade of yellow. Then click the brush tool. The settings will have remained the same as last time – the size of brush can be changed in order to fit the area. Try to be quite neat along the lines of her face.

Change the layer style to multiply ,with an opacity of 100%. Edges can be tidied up using the rubber tool.

STEP 8

Now we want to change the lips.

Create another new layer using the new layer button, and rename it as LIPS.

Using the colour selector box again, choose a shade of red. Then click the brush tool. I find it is best to use a small brush size for this, as it will give the most accurate finish.

NOTE: zooming in to this area will allow you to be more accurate in your painting.

Change the layer style to soft light,with an opacity of 75%. Again, edges can be tidied up using the rubber tool.

That is the image completed.

Tilt and Shift Effect

2011-06-26T16:51:00.000+01:00

Tilt and shift photography makes the subject of the photo look as if it is miniature. Although this can be done using a special lens, Photoshop can create the same effect.

NOTE: as this effect gives the impression of a miniature model, it is best to use photographs that are taken from above. Buildings, cars and roads work particularly well with this effect.

Above, you can see the original and edited images. Additionally, a larger final image can be see at the end of the tutorial.

The image I used in this tutorial can be found here:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://i.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-2232423109-image/Countries_of_the_World/Europe/United_Kingdom/Northern_Ireland/Belfast_City_Hall-Belfast-Northern_Ireland-Ulster-image.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fotopedia.com/wiki/Belfast_City_Hall&usg=__p9qoxM34Jlkq1exsYS7r9Lhbbtg=&h=533&w=400&sz=118&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=psiOX-bOMRL-SM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=106&ei=YkYHTpjGO8qa8QPP-YzZDQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dlooking%2Bdown%2Bon%2Bbelfast%2Bcity%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D677%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=819&vpy=51&dur=257&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=81&ty=158&page=1&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&biw=1366&bih=677

STEP 1

With your image open on Photoshop, enter the Quick Mask Mode, which can be found at the bottom of the tool palette (as shown above)

STEP 2

Select the gradient tool, choosing the reflective gradient.

STEP 3

With your gradient tool, draw a vertical line... the starting point will be the centre of the in-focus area, and the end point will be the end of the transition to out-of-focus.

As you can see from my image, the line starts just below the white van and ends just above the green spire.

After you release the mouse, a red band will appear across your screen. This shows the area that will be in focus.

STEP 4

Take a look at the red band – the middle of the band will be in focus, gradually becoming out of focus where the red ends.

If this is not where you want it to be, simply draw another line until the area you want is covered.

NOTE: the out-of-focus is not yet applied. This will be applied in later steps.

STEP 5

Return to standard mode by clicking the quick mask mode button again. The area that will be made out-of-focus will be selected by a rectangular box/boxes.

STEP 6

Go to filter>blur>lens blur

Experiment with the radius and other settings until you achieve the look you want. Once happy with the effect, click OK. This will bring you back to your image.

STEP 7

Use ctrl+D to deselect the selected area.

STEP 8

As miniature models are usually painted bright colours, you may want to increase the saturation of the image to improve the effect. To do this, go to image>adjustments>hue/saturation.

Again, experiment with these values until you achieve the look you want.

This is the finished image.

ADDITIONALLY:

To improve the layout of the image, you can crop it down.

To do this, use the rectangular marquee tool to highlight the section of the area you want to crop. Then go to image>crop.

Art Fragmentation

2011-06-26T15:12:00.001+01:00

This is a simple way of turning any photograph into a beautiful piece of art.

Above, you can see the original image, and the image created in this tutorial. The image used can be found here:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.indiacrossroads.com/celebs/freidapinto/FreidaPinto_main.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.indiacrossroads.com/celebs/freidapinto/&usg=__klvydz4TYvYculad5_FFH_ZkC0Y=&h=398&w=276&sz=44&hl=en&start=150&zoom=1&tbnid=upCx6kS4jfjDOM:&tbnh=151&tbnw=114&ei=gZP6TcS_G87G8QOS3YyqCQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfreida%2Bpinto%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D634%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=526&page=7&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:150&tx=63&ty=74&biw=1366&bih=634

STEP 1

Duplicate the background layer right click on the layer > duplicate layer

(or use shortcut ctrl + J).

STEP 2

Change the layer style to Overlay

The image should look a little something like this...

STEP 3

Duplicate the layer again (ctrl + J), this time changing the style to screen.

STEP 4

Merge these layers together to make one layer.
Right click on a layer > merge visible.

STEP 5

Now it is time to create the blur. Duplicate this new merged layer (ctrl + J). For this you will use a filter called Gaussian Blur : Filter>blur>Gaussian blur.

Change the radius of the pixels to your desired choice. I think it’s good to be blurred enough to be different from the image, but not so much that you can’t tell it’s the same image. For this I used 7px.

STEP 6

Using the rectangular marquee tool, make a selection similar to that shown above.

STEP 7

Hit the delete button, which will remove that part of the image.

To remove the selection go to Select>deselect (or shortcut ctrl + D).

This is how your image should be looking.

STEP 8

The final step is to create the border.

To do this go to Layer>layer style> stroke

To create the frame, we will use these values.

Choose a light colour for the frame

That is your image completed. You can experiment with different layer styles, and the size/shape of the blurred border!

Basic Image Touch-up

2011-06-23T02:03:00.001+01:00

This tutorial will show you how to enhance your photo, removing blemishes, spots, wrinkles.

This shows the original photograph and the end result.

The photo I worked with can be found here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/27/lindsay-lohan-the-big-pic_n_335422.html

Step 1:

Duplicate your image ctrl + J. (This gives you a copy in case you need the original again)

Step 2:

Crop the image. To do this, use the rectangular marquee tool to make a selection, then go to image>crop. Use ctrl + D to deselect the image, then use the zoom tool to fit to screen.

Step 3:

We want to cover up the freckles and wrinkles on her forehead. To do this, use the clone stamp tool. Using the zoom tool, zoom in to the area you wish to retouch – this makes it easier to pin point the exact area. To use the clone stamp tool you first need to choose a point to take the colour replacement from. It is best to choose somewhere close by, to achieve the best effect. To choose this point alt + left click. Then, paint over the area you wish to cover.

NOTE: It is best to work in small sections. You may have to redefine your point as you go along – this will give the most realistic result. Work from the middle out, gradually reducing the opacity as you get further out. I used opacity of 30% on the areas around her hair line.

Step 4:

To lighten the areas under her eyes, use the dodge tool, setting the range to highlights and the exposure to 12%. Left click and drag over the darker area.

Step 5:

To remove the blemishes on her skin, use the spot healing brush tool. Set the mode (along the top tool bar) to replace. For this, it is best to use a small brush, tackling each area individually (the size of the brush can also be set along the top tool bar.)

Step 6:

Duplicate Layer 1 (ctrl + J).

Step 7:

We want to change the levels of this new layer. Go to image>adjustments>levels. The values I used can be seen above.

Set the layer style of this layer to soft light with opacity 50%. This enhances the dark and light areas.

Step 8:

Hide the background layer by clicking the eye beside the layer icon. Then right click on layer 1 and choose merge visible.

Shortcuts

2011-06-18T16:59:00.001+01:00

This list of shortcuts makes life a little easier when using Photoshop.

New document - ctrl + N

Save - ctrl + S
Save As - shift + ctrl + S

Cut                       -        ctrl + X
Copy                     -        ctrl + C
Paste   -        ctrl + V
Undo -        ctrl + z
Step backwards -        shift + ctrl + T

Resize -        ctrl + T
Deselect                -        ctrl + D
Select inverse -        shift + ctrl + I

Adjustments

Levels   -        ctrl + I
Invert   -        ctrl
Desaturate -        shift + ctrl + U
Black & white -        alt + shift + ctrl + B

Layers

New layer   -        shift + ctrl + N
Layer via copy   -        ctrl + J
Merge Down -        ctrl + E
Merge visible   -        shift + ctrl + E

Tools and their uses

2011-06-18T16:58:00.000+01:00

This is a rundown of each of the tools and what they are used for. The tool bar can be found (usually) down the left hand side of the screen.

Many of the tools have a small black arrow on the bottom left hand corner of the button – right clicking on these buttons gives more options for the tool.

This is the move tool (shortcut V). The name says it all – this is used to move your images.

When you have finished typing using the type tool, you can click this move tool to continue working.

This is the rectangular marquee tool, which is used to make a selection. If you want to make your selection square, hold in shift – this keeps the proportions.

By right clicking on the rectangular marquee tool, you have the options of;

· elliptical marquee tool (this creates a circular selection – holding shift will also keep these proportions)
· single row marquee tool (this selects a small horizontal line)
· single column marquee tool (this selects a small vertical line)

If you want to deselect any area created by a marquee tool, go to select>deselect (or use shortcut ctrl + D)

This is the lasso tool, which is a freehand way of selecting an area. To use this, click and hold the mouse while surrounding the area you wish to select. When you have your desired area, simply let go of the left-click.

By right clicking on lasso tool, you have the options of;

· Polygonal Lasso Tool (this creates polygon selections. To use this click and release on a point of your desired area. Then move to another section, and once again click and release – this will create a straight line between the two points. Continue until you have selected your whole area, and finish on your starting point)
· Magnetic Lasso tool (this tool clings to edges in the image. Place your first point on an edge, and simply drag your mouse around the line of the image. This tool will automatically select points, but you can also click and place your own points. If one of the points is incorrect, simply hit delete or backspace.

This is the Magic wand tool, yet another way to make a selection. This tool selects areas of the same tone/colour. To use this, simply click on part of the area. If you do not want this selection, press ctrl + D.

By right clicking on magic wand tool, you have the option of;

· Quick selection tool (this will select areas you roll your mouse over. To use this, click and drag. Once again, it you do not want this selection press ctrl + D.

This is the crop tool, which is used to crop (cut a picture down to just the piece you want). To use this tool, click and drag over the image to make your selection. A grid with dotted lines will appear over your selection – this can be resized if needed. Once you have the desired area, hit enter. This will crop your image.

By right clicking on crop tool, you have the options of;

· Slice tool (this lets you create hot spots/select particular pieces of an image on a grid. This is typically used in web design)
· Slice select tool (this lets you make modifications to the slices you created using the slice tool

This is the Eye dropper tool, which is used to select a colour from your image. To use this, simply click on the colour you wish to use.

By right clicking on eye dropper tool, you have the options of;

· Colour sampler tool (this is used in the same way as the eye dropper tool. However, this tool generates the RGB numbers for each colour. Up to 4 samples can be taken at one time using this tool.)
· Ruler tool (this is used to measure the length of a line. To use this, click at one end of your line, and then at the point you wish to measure to – the measurements of your line can be found along the top tool bar)
· Note tool (this is used to make notes on your image. To use this, click the area you want to make a note on and type into the box. A note can be made visible/hidden by clicking on the note icon created)
· Count tool (this is used to individually count objects within your image. To use this, click on each object you wish to be counted and Photoshop will automatically keep count of your clicks – these can be viewed along the top tool bar)

This is the Spot healing brush, which is used to correct blemishes. To use this, left click on the mouse and drag over the blemish. Photoshop will retouch this area to its closest proximity. NOTE: this works best on small areas.

By right clicking on spot healing brush tool, you have the options of;

· Healing brush tool (this is used to correct blemishes too, with more control. This uses a pre-defined area to replace the blemish. To use this, first alt + click on the area you wish to replicate [it is best to use an area close to the blemish to achieve the best effect]. Then click the blemish and drag over the area until it is corrected.
· Patch tool (this is used to ‘patch’ an area with something different. To use this, click and hold the mouse while dragging around the area you wish to patch. You can then insert a pattern using the tool bar at the top. To do this, select your pattern from the options, then click use pattern.
· Red eye tool (this is used to remove red eyes from photographs. To use this, click the red eye. The pupil size and darken amount can be set along the top toolbar to suit your needs.

This is the brush tool, which is used to draw with. The thickness of the brush etc can be set along the top tool bar, and the colour down the bottom left. To draw a straight line with this tool, hold shift and click while dragging in the direction you want the line to go.

By right clicking on brush tool, you have the options of;

· Pencil tool (this is used to draw thinner lines. This is used in the same way as the brush tool)
· Colour replacement tool (this is used to replace the colour of areas. To use this, alt +left click on the area of colour you wish to use, then left click and paint the area you wish to cover)
· Mixer brush tool (This allows you to blend colours on the image in a painterly way. To use this, first select your painting option on the top tool bar [for example, wet, light mix]. Then simply left click and paint over the photograph you are using)

This is the clone stamp tool, which is used to clone areas of your image. To use this you must first select the area you wish to clone from. To do this, alt + left click the area. Then you go to the area you wish to clone into, and left click to paint. You may need to redefine your points as you paint to achieve the best effect [simply alt + click on a different area])

By right clicking on clone stamp tool, you have the option of;

· Pattern stamp tool (this is used to paint in sections of pattern. To do this, first select the pattern you wish to use from the top tool bar. Then simply left click and paint over the section you wish to cover)

This is the history brush tool, which is used to erase any marks to reveal the original image. To use this, hold down a left click and drag over the area you wish to erase.

By right clicking on history brush tool, you have the option of;

· Art history brush tool (this works much the same as the history brush tool, but as well as erasing the mark, it applies a painterly style effect to the original image)

This is the eraser tool, which is used to erase areas of the image/object. To use this, left click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to erase.

By right clicking on eraser tool, you have the options of;

· Background eraser tool (this is used in the same way as the eraser tool)
· Magic eraser tool (this eraser tool erases areas that Photoshop picks up. It’s tolerance can be set along the top tool bar)

This is the paint bucket tool, which is used to paint areas/sections of your image/object. The colour can be set down at the bottom left of the side tool bar.

By right clicking on paint bucket tool, you have the option of;

· Gradient tool (this is used to create a gradient. To use this, select your gradient from the top tool bar. Then left click where you want your gradient to start, followed by another left click where you want it to end. You can change the colour of any of the gradients by clicking on the coloured part of the gradient button on the top tool bar)

This is the blur tool, which is used to blur parts of your image. This is used the same as the paint brush tool – click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to blur. Size and hardness can be set on the top tool bar.

By right clicking on blur tool, you have the options of;

· Sharpen tool (this is used to sharpen sections of your image. Click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to sharpen. Size and hardness can be set on the top tool bar)
· Smudge tool (this is used to smudge sections of your image. Click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to smudge)

This is the Dodge tool, which is used to lighten the areas you ‘paint’. To use this, click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to lighten.

By right clicking on dodge tool, you have the options of;

· Burn tool (this is used to darken areas of your image. To use, click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to darken.
· Sponge tool (this is used to either saturate or desaturate a colour, which can be selected on the top tool bar. To use, click and hold while dragging over the area you wish to saturate/desaturate)

This is the pen tool, which is used to draw lines using points. To use, place your first point by left clicking. Then, move to another place, and create another point. The lines can be bent by holding one of the dots on the line and dragging into your desired position. Also, extra point can be created on one of your lines to create an extra bend.

By right clicking on pen tool, you have the options of;

· Freedom pen tool (this allows you to draw a free-hand line. To use, click and hold while drawing your line)
· Add anchor point tool (this tool allows you to add points to a line, which in turn can be used to change the shape of the line)
· Delete anchor point tool (this tool removes anchor points you have previously created. To use, click the anchor point you wish to remove)
· Convert point tool (this is used to change the shape of your line. To use, click an anchor point, hold and drag to your desired position)

This is the horizontal type tool, which is used to add text. To use, click where you want the text to go, then type. When you have finished typing, click the move tool. Alternatively, if you want text to be confined to a certain space, after clicking the type tool, click and hold, and drag into the shape you want the text to fill – this will create a text box, and your type will automatically conform to this shape. Font and text size can be controlled at the top tool bar. You can also resize your text by using ctrl + T (if using this, don’t forget to hold shift to keep the proportions!)

By right clicking on type tool, you have the options of;

· Vertical type tool (this is used to create vertical text, and is used in the same way as the horizontal type tool)
· Horizontal type mask tool (this creates a horizontal type mask, which can then be used to ‘cut out’ your words from an image/object. NOTE: this will be covered in a tutorial)
· Vertical type mask tool (this creates a vertical type mask, which can then be used to ‘cut out’ your words from an image/object. NOTE: this will be covered in a tutorial)

This is the path selection tool, which is used to select any path component. To use, select the path by clicking anywhere inside the path component you want.

By right clicking on path selection tool, you have the option of;

· Direct selection tool (this is used for moving and reshaping segments in a path. To use, click an anchor point to select it, and drag to reshape/move)

This is the rectangle tool, which is used to create rectangular objects. To use, click and hold, while dragging into your desired rectangle shape. To create a square, hold shift while clicking and dragging – this will keep the proportions.

By right clicking on rectangle tool, you have the option of;

· Rounded rectangle tool (this creates a rectangle with rounded corners, and is used in the same way as the rectangle tool)
· Ellipse tool (this creates circular objects, and is used in the same way as the rectangle tool)
· Polygon tool (this creates a polygonal shape. The number of sides can be set on the top tool bar. This is used in the same way as the rectangle tool)
· Line tool (this creates a line. To use, left click where you want the line to start, and hold and drag to where you want the line to end. Holding shift will create a straight line)
· Custom shape tool (this creates a shape, as selected on the top tool bar. More shapes can be seen by clicking the small arrow on the right hand side of the shape drop down box. This is used in the same way as the rectangle tool.)

This is the 3d object rotate tool, which rotates 3d objects. To use, hold down a left click and drag up or down, which rotates the object on its x-axis, or side to side, which rotates the object on its y-axis.

By right clicking on 3d object rotate tool, you have the options of;

· 3d object roll tool (this is used to roll the model around its z-axis. To use, click and hold while dragging side to side)
· 3d object pan tool (this moves the model. Click and drag side to side to move the model horizontally, or up and down to move vertically)
· 3d object slide tool (this moves the model sideways and closer/further away. Click and drag side to side to move horizontally, or up and down to move closer/further away)
· 3d object scale tool (this changes the scale of the model. Click and drag up and down to make the model larger or smaller.)

This is the camera rotate tool, which is used to change the view of the 3d camera. To use, click and drag to orbit the camera on its x or y axis.

By right clicking on 3d camera rotate tool, you have the options of;

· 3d camera roll tool (click and drag to roll the camera)
· 3d camera pan tool (click and drag to pan the camera horizontally or vertically)
· 3d camera walk tool (click and drag to walk the camera)
· 3d camera zoom tool (click and drag to change the field of view)

This is the hand tool, which is used to move objects etc. To use, click and hold while dragging to your desired position.

By right clicking on hand tool, you have the option of;

· Rotate view tool (this is used to rotate the canvas non-destructively – this means that only the canvas rotates.

This is the zoom tool, which is used to zoom in/out of your image. To zoom, simply click the image. Zoom in/out and be chosen at the top tool bar. This also gives the option to zoom to actual pixels, fit to screen, fill screen and print size.

This is used to choose colours. The top colour (black) is the foreground colour, and the bottom colour (white) is the background colour.

To chose a colour, click one of the coloured boxes.

The rounded arrow can be used to reverse these colours quickly.

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These icons are found at the bottom of the layers menu (usually situated down the right hand side of the screen)

This is used to link layers. This can only be used when two or more layers are selected. Multiple layers can be selected by holding ctrl while clicking the layer names.
This is used to add a layer style. A drop down menu appears with style options.
This is used to add a layer mask.
This is used to create a new filler adjustment layer.
This is used to create a new group. Rather than merging layers, this is a good way to group layers. Select the layers you want to make into a group and drag onto this icon.
When clicked, this creates a new layer. If you want to duplicate a layer, you can drag it onto this icon, and a duplicate will be made.
This is used to delete a layer. You can either click this icon while the layer you want to delete is highlighted, or you can drag the layer/layers onto this icon.

Converting an image to black & white

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There are several ways to convert an image into black and white, depending on how much control of the finished image you want. Some methods work better for different photographs.

Method 1 - Grayscale Document

Open a new page on photoshop – file>new

Choose the Colour mode to be Grayscale.

Open the image you want to convert, and drag onto this blank document.

This is not a great method to use as you first have to figure out the size of your image. You also have no control over the depth of your image.

Method 2 - Grayscale

One of the easiest ways to convert your image to black & white is to use 'Grayscale'. To do this, go to image>mode>grayscale. This, however, does not give you any control over the final image.

Method 3 - Desaturation

The simplest way to convert your image to black and white is to desaturate. To do this, go to Image>adjustments> desaturate (or shortcut shift + ctrl + U). This method does not allow any control over the final outcome.

However, you can change the contrast of the image using the levels. Image>adjustments>levels

Method 4 - 'Black & White'

This method allows full control over the different tones within your image. Go to Image>adjustments>black and white

Method 5 - Photo Filter

By using a photo filter, you can convert your image to black and white. Go to image>adjustments>photo filter

Using black as the filter colour enables your image to become grey scale.

Method 6 - Gradient Map

A gradient map is a simple way of making your image black and white. Once again, you do not have much control over the tonal variations.

Go to image>adjustments>gradient map

Changing the gradient to black>white, gives a greyscale image.

Method 7 - Threshold

Image>adjustments>threshold

This method gives a cartoon feel image, with bold black lines against a white background. This does not work for all images.

Photoshop Basics

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Resizing an image

To resize an image, go to Edit>free transform (or use short cut Ctrl + T). When resizing images/objects, be sure to hold down shift at the same time – this will keep your image to scale. Also, make sure you let go of the mouse before you let go of shift. When you have finished resizing your image, hit enter.

Rotating an image

To rotate an image, go to Image>image rotation. This will give you many options for rotation.

Alternatively, after using ctrl + T to resize your image, if you hover over one of the corners until a curved arrow appears, you can click and rotate freely.

Cropping an image

To crop an image, simply use the rectangular marquee tool to select the bit you want to crop, then go to Image>crop.

Undoing/stepping back
To undo a move, go to edit>undo (or use shortcut ctrl + Z). However, this only takes one step back.
If you need to undo more than one step, go to edit>step backwards (or use shortcut ctrl + alt + z).

Merging layers
To merge layers (combining several layers into a single layer), go to layer>merge visible, or use shortcut shift + ctrl + E.
NOTE: make sure you hide any layers that you do not want to be merged.
NOTE: do not merge layers unless you are sure you have finished with them - once merged you cannot go back