The Most Essential Beginner Photoshop Tips

To begin with, it is important to note that Photoshop, at its core, is used for photo retouching and photo editing. If you find your picture too dark, Photoshop's filters can fix that problem! If you love your picture but are annoyed that there is an object or person ruining the picture, Photoshop can be used to edit these out. These beginner tips will help you navigate Photoshop's interface more easily! 

1. Keep an eye on your layers!   

When working with Photoshop, it is essential to keep an eye on your layers. Before you click the next tool that you want to use, make it a habit to veriy that you have selected the right layer.  

2. Name your layers!

It is very helpful to name the layers that you are working with! This is especially true when you are working with many layers. If you are strict about keeping your layers named and about keeping them seperated by folders when necessary, using Photoshop will be a lot easier. 

3. Familiarize yourself with the tools!

The more you practice using the tools at your disposal, the better you will get at using them. Grab a photo that you would like to experiment with and try the different tools available. Some of the essential tools include the magic wand which selects parts of the image that are similar to what you clicked. The rectangle tool allows you select a certain area. In different circumstances, one might be more convenient than the other.

4. Take advantage of the keyboard shortcuts

Using shortcuts such as Ctrl S to save and Ctrl A to select everything may seem like they only save you seconds, however it saves a lot of time in the long run. Here are a few shortcuts that are important to master:

• Ctrl D to delect
• Ctrl A to select all
• Ctrl S to save
• Ctrl T to manually transform the image
• Ctrl P to print
• W for the magic wand
• L to use the lasso tool
• Ctrl Z to undo
• Ctrl + Alt + Z for multiple undos

 

5. Use high quality images

Working with high quality images will ensure higher quality results. If you work with very pixelized pictures, Photoshop will not do much to save that. 

6. Take advantages of resources on the Internet

The Internet is filled to the brim with free resources. Before starting to edit your photos from scratch, take a look at what the Internet has to offer. There are tutorials, templates and so much more out there. 

If you are willing to pay, the options are endless. Always ensure however that you are following copyright guidelines. If you are planning to use the image commercially, it is imperative that you ensure that you have the right to do so. 

 

7. Take advantage of the layer blend modes!

The layer blend mode is a very useful tool. You can use this to blend photos together in different ways. For example, the multiply mode allows to pictures with primarily white backgrounds together seamlessly. Other modes allow your picture to be darker, lighter or different colors.  

8. Filter gallery

If you want to experience with many different filters, that filter gallery is ideal for this. Hover over the Filter option at the top and click filter gallery to see the layer that you have selected with different filters. There are many filter options available so be creative!

I hope these Photoshop tips will help you navigate Photoshop better. Feel free to comment if you have more questions or if you want to share more helpful tips!