• Photoshop for beginners - step-by-step instructions and recommendations. Photoshop lessons for beginners - step-by-step course

    It’s hard to imagine our life today without modern gadgets: smartphones, tablets, digital video cameras. Knowledge of the Photoshop program is a kind of secondary graphic education, which is necessary for any literate person to master.

    Why do we need Photoshop?

    Knowledge of this program:
    helps solve the problem of creating a home photo album. The ability to edit images allows you to make interesting collages and save photos compactly;
    helps create high-quality images for sharing with friends on social networks;
    may become good start for a business selling images online.
    Anything of interest? Do you want to make your photo beautiful? Then let's start working with images.

    Getting to know the Photoshop interface

    Download free version The program is offered on many websites on the Internet. Installing the program is not difficult.
    The most popular English version will be discussed here Adobe Photoshop CS6, but you can also understand the Russian language from the pictures Adobe version Photoshop CS6 however I will translate the commands.
    The working window can be divided into 4 zones: in the center is the workspace, on the left are the tools, on the top is the menu bar and properties panel, on the right are the work palettes (different panels).

    Let's start getting acquainted with the program with the settings.

    Photoshop program settings

    Reset all (CTRL+SHIFT+ALT)

    This command is executed when the program starts to return it to initial state. When you press these keys simultaneously, a window pops up asking you to delete the settings file. Answering YES will reset everything. This combination is rarely useful, only when starting work and if something goes wrong, when the program does not adequately respond to your actions.

    Tool reset

    Right-click on 1 button on the property bar. (Reset Tool).
    The toolbar is located on the left, and at the top the properties panel displays all the characteristics of the selected tool. Having configured the selected tool to certain values ​​once, it saves them for subsequent actions. Therefore, you first need to learn how to reset unnecessary instrument settings.
    This is done using 1 button in the properties panel; clicking on the right mouse button opens a window in which you should select Reset Tool to reset the tool.

    Workspace organization

    Basic panels: Navigator, History, Color, Styles, Swatch, Layers from Windows menu.
    This is a set of procedures that includes the following:

    Panel management

    Basic panels are available on the right side of the window; you can move them, close them, or get new ones. This is done through the Windows menu. The required panel is marked with a checkmark and opens in the workspace. You can drag it to a convenient location by left-clicking on it and moving it to where you want to place it, while holding down the key. You can release the key when the panel is already in the desired place. We take the word navigator with the mouse and drag it to the right, into the panel window.
    If we see that our panel is lit up in blue around the perimeter, this means that we are adding it to the existing panel as a bookmark.
    To make it a separate window, which is recommended, for the Navigator panel, move the panel so that the blue one under the flower goes up, as in the picture

    Now a little about the basic panels. Navigator allows you to conveniently work with an image, enlarging or reducing it. History remembers our actions and gives us the opportunity to go back if necessary. Color, Styles, Swatch work with colors, styles, but the most important panel is Layers.

    Saving workspace

    The workspace is configured accordingly for a specific task; this interface must be saved. Saving is carried out by Windows paths– Workspace – New. A name is set and saved by clicking OK.

    Why did we do this, now we can get the saved workspace

    Resetting a workspace

    In the process of work, various collisions often arise when something is accidentally opened or pressed and you don’t know how to remove it. Resetting the workspace helps put everything back in place. Select Windows – Workspace – Reset.

    Photoshop settings (Ctrl+K) or from the menu Edit – Preference – General

    You should learn this command in order to be friends with Photoshop. It opens a settings window in which everyone will eventually choose the most comfortable ones for themselves. To get started, just do the following:

      • in the Interface tab, select the background of the work area (light gray)

      • in the Performens tab in the History State window, replace the default value of 20 with 100.

    This is the number of actions that will be saved. The maximum number = 1000, but such a history greatly slows down the program.

      • In the General tab, enable the option to scale using scrolling.


    (Zoom with scroll wheel). This will allow you to change the image scale on the workspace using the mouse wheel. It is also convenient to navigate the image using the tab that appears when you press the space bar. (Space (Hand))

    Managing windows (Windows – Arrange)


    Open the file through the File – Open menu or double click in the center of the work area.
    In both cases, a window opens to select an image file. Each file opens in its own tab. But for their organization, ordering and display it is used Windows team– Arrange. It allows you to place files side by side vertically or horizontally. Cancel this action - Consolidate All.
    The magic key F. Accidentally pressed, it removes the tabs; to restore it you need to press it.
    You can save the file from the menu File – Save as...

    Saving formats:

    • film (RAW);
    • flat (no layers) (JPEG, JPG, bmp);
    • multilayer (PSD – Photoshop format, TIF,TIFF,PND).

    Cancel actions

      • Undoing one action (Ctrl+Z) works like back and forth.

    Cancels and returns
    action.

    • Cancel actions within a specified number in the Edit – Step Backward settings.
    • Undo actions from the History panel.

    You can use the camera icon
    on the panel to record the successful state of the object. It is necessary to take a photo so as not to lose an important stage of work.
    Now let's move on to the main characteristics of the image.

    Basic Image Processing

    Main Image Features

    Image size and quality (Image – Image Size)


    For the standard mode, in the window that opens, we work with the 3 lower fields. There, the document size is in cm, the upper fields are filled in more often in Web development mode.

    It is not recommended to uncheck the 3 checkboxes at the bottom; to set custom document sizes, it is better to use the Crop tool.

    Resolution=Quality

    The more pixels per inch, the higher the image quality.

    • For the web, 72 pixels is enough
    • For home printing of a document = 300 pixels.
    • For printing = any
    • For editing: the same for all images, selected by priority object from smallest to largest.

    The Resolution parameter determines the document's weight and size in pixels.

    Canvas Size (Image – Canvas Size)


    Important. The vision of objects in Photoshop is based on the principle of layers.


    This command sets a canvas background (Background) for a color image. In the window that opens, specify the width and height of the space to be added, taking into account the location, which is regulated by the square with arrows. Initially, the object is in the center and the image is framed, like a passport. In this case, the entered values ​​are divided by two. If you need to increase the space in one direction, you need to change the location of the object in the square.

    Setting the mode (Image – Mode)

    For our work we choose color mode RGB and 8 bit resolution. Some may think that 8 bit means 256 million colors.

    Image correction

    Smart correction (Image – 3 Auto)

    Start working on your image with these commands.


    Three commands with Auto allow you to automatically enhance the image.

      • Filter – Noise – Reduce noise – Remove Jpeg Artifact
        Placing a checkmark along the selected path reduces noise and eliminates image defects.


    In the window that appears, check the box and click OK.

    • Image – Adjusments – a single command for color correction includes:
        • Brightness/Contrast (Levels, Curves)

      Adjusts the brightness and contrast of the image.

        • Hue/Saturation (Ctrl+U)

      changes tone, saturation, sets lightening. Colorize sets the shading.

        • Color balance (Ctrl+B)

      Performs light color processing of a document to a specific color range.

        • Invert (Ctrl+I)

      inverts the colors, re-executing the command returns it to its original state.

        • Desaturate (Ctrl+Shift+U)

      removes the color quick way make the photo black and white, but with low quality.

    You may also need to disable the grid in Photoshop, in some cases it gets in the way.

    Important. In Photoshop, any function is applied in a direction that is automatically determined as the dark tones of the picture, medium and light.

    Working with Images

    Crop Tool

    Applicable for:

    • image division;
    • eliminating excess canvas;
    • assignments exact dimensions images;
    • perspective corrections (Crop – Perspective Crop Tool)

    The principle of working with this tool: when the operation is completed, press Enter. Cancel using the Esc key.
    The tool looks like two crossed frames; the image that we leave should be in focus. Trimming is done by pressing Enter.

    Often there is a need to correct an incorrectly scanned photo when you need to trim off the white edges and rotate it. To do this, the cursor must be moved away from the selected object so that the arrow takes on a semicircular appearance. With this arrow you can grab a corner of the image and rotate the image. Then align to the edges of the photo and press Enter.
    To set the exact dimensions of the picture, you should use the settings in the properties panel, simply by setting the desired size in the appropriate fields.
    Correcting the perspective requires right-clicking on Crop – Perspective Crop Tool. This function is relevant when you need to correct something that looks crooked in a photo.
    Using this tool, we move the cropping frame around the corner so that this side of the frame is parallel to the line to be corrected in the photo.
    Checking for correct perspective should be done using the following algorithm:

    View – Ruler (Ctrl+R). Using the Move tool (black arrow), we pull out the guides from the ruler. Your aligned pattern should line up exactly with the guides. Remove guides using Move as well.

    Selecting objects

    The selection is a delimiter for all active operations. There are 3 groups of procedures for selecting objects:

      • tools;
      • functions;
      • modes and actions

    Selection tools

      • Marquee.

    The tool represents a rectangular area in the panel
    tools. Suitable for simple objects in the form of rectangular and oval shapes. The stroke is performed along the contour of the object. For a better outline of an object, use it with functions. (see further).

      • Lasso

    It has 3 varieties: Lasso, Magnetic, Polygon.
    Selection is carried out by clicking on the outline of the object. Working with selection tools requires care, patience and precision.
    The last 2 types are in demand for work. Magnetic sticks to the object and is needed for organic, flowing shapes. Polygon is linear function and allows you to select an object of any kind. For a more precise outline, there is an option on the property panel

    • Frequency

    increasing the number of points along the contour.
    Internal – Magic Wand and Quick Selection. The brush tool works like
    wand And quick selection inside the object.
    The amount of selection in the Magic Wand option is controlled by the Tolerance parameter in the properties panel, which is the recommended default.
    The width of the brush in the Quick Selection option can be set from the keyboard: Russian X and Ъ serve as – and +, and in the properties panel there are 3 brushes that also help remove unnecessary parts or increase the brush size.

    Functions used in the operation of selecting an object:

      • Transform Selection

    (Ctrl+T) – Enter – applicable for simple non-relief solutions.
    Helps highlight simple shapes more accurately. It works, there is an object selection.

      • Switch between free transform and warp and warp modes.

    This is the team
    located on the properties panel and represents a mesh on an arc, which divides the object into smaller parts, thereby increasing the mobility of the transformation mesh. Works well with the Marquee team.

      • Deselect

    (Ctrl+D). Removes selection.

      • Inverse.

    We select the background, the object remains.

      • Save Selection/Load Selection.

    To save and later restore
    complex selection.

    • Modify…
    • Refine Edge…

    Selection Modes

    On the properties panel it is easy to find 4 positions, meaning the following:

    • new selection (New) or key 0;
    • add selection (Add) or + or Shift key;
    • subtract from selection (Subtract) or – or Alt key;
    • Intersect.

    With their help you can create complex objects to highlight.

    Actions when selecting:

    • Coloring (Image – Adjusments).
    • Transform (Ctrl+T) or Edit – Free Transform – Enter.
    • Move.
    • Copy (Alt+Move).
    • Deleting (erasing) (Delete) on the keyboard.

    Layers

    Layers in a program are a basic concept. The principle of Photoshop is based on the separation of layers, each element is located on its own layer.

    How layers appear

      • Automatically during installation (Move).
      • When duplicating Layer – New – Layer Via Copy (Ctrl+J).
      • When dividing Layer – New – Layer Via Cut (Ctrl+Shift+J).

    Requires selection.

      • Create an empty layer.

    Layer – New – Layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) or the icon in the mini-panel at the bottom of the Layer palette.

    General provisions about layers

    Every drawing tool needs its own layer. To convert a background with the name Background in the layers palette into a layer, just click 2 on this field and set the name in the window that opens.
    Layers can be made invisible; to do this, you need to turn off the peephole in the layers palette.
    A layer is active when it is visible and selected (highlighted) in the Layer palette on the right side of the interface.
    Every new layer it is advisable to identify it by giving it a thematic name. To do this, click between the letters of the existing name.
    An element located on the active layer is selected by clicking on it.
    Moving layers is also done in the Layers palette by simply dragging the layer above or below the desired location.
    Deleting a layer is done by dragging it to the trash can in the mini-panel below.
    Important. When working, check whether the correct layer is selected.

    Merging layers

    When merging layers, they must all be selected. Select layers from the Layer palette, holding Shift key or Ctrl, clicking the mouse on each visible layer in turn.
    In total, the program can have about 40 layers, so it is necessary to enlarge images, often for joint movement or transformation.

      • Grouping

    (Ctrl+G) or Layer – Group Layers/Ungroup (Ctrl+Shift+G)

      • Binding

    (Link chain). It is enough to select layers without a chain.

      • Merger

    (Ctrl+E) or Layer – Merge Layer. There are different types of merge modes,

    You can merge only visible ones; for home printing, they merge into a flat model. This action cannot be undone once the file has been saved and closed.
    In addition to these functions, layers can:

    • move (Move);
    • color (Ctrl+U), (Ctrl+B);
    • transform (Ctrl+T).

    Blending Layers

    This allows you to create various interesting effects with your images. To perform these actions, you use the operations available in the Layer palette, which are found in the Normal and Opacity fields. The Opacity setting helps make the layer less visible, and operations in Normal should distinguish between color tones, which start with dark, then light, then color with soft effect, creepy and vibrant colors. The interaction of colors will be discussed in the example below. You can change the color in these operations using the mouse wheel.

    Text layers

    1. Activate the letter T (Type) in the toolbar.
    2. Click/Drag on the image. Enough for a short text
    click, for large text - drag with the mouse, highlighting the area.
    3. Enter highlight text. (selection – 2 mouse clicks on the layer icon).
    4. In the properties panel, select the font, size, color and shape.
    5. DOPES: if an unusual font is installed, you should create a
    another file that can be sent to the user. In order for any font to be read on another computer, you need to convert this text into a raster format using the command Layer – Rasterise – Type.
    The Move command moves the text and exits the mode. The text can be transformed (Ctrl+T). To work with text, use the Window – Paragraph and Window – Character panels.
    To enter text: click on T, click on the image (a new layer is created). Entering text directly. We perform formatting in the properties panel and select colors in the Colors palette.
    In the program, color selection can be done in three ways:

    • Palette Colors
    • Swath palette

    In the tools at the bottom there is an icon in the form of two squares; when you click on the top one
    square, a universal window for choosing a color opens, in which a color is selected using a narrow color bar, and a tone is selected using a wide square.

    Styles

    Scope of application: for inorganics (for text, buttons, banners)
    There are various sets of effects: shadows, glow, reliefs, light overlaps.
    It is possible to use ready-made styles and create your own, as well as download styles from external sources. The Styles panel has a control button that can be used to add or replace files using the Appended command. Loading also occurs using the Load command.

    Drawing

    There are two groups of tools for drawing:

    Fill tools

      • Paint Backet.

    The tool looks like a paint bucket. Does not require isolation during operation. Filling is done by clicking on a closed contour. Has modes: Foreground and Pattern.
    The first gives the canvas color, which is selected in the toolbar using the icon of two intersecting rectangles. The second allows you to diversify the fill, making it patterned. You can create and upload your own version of the pattern. Two more important parameters:

    • Tolerance and All layer

    regulates the area of ​​filling and gives x-ray vision to the layer, shining through the bottom.

    • Gradient.

    It has shapes: linear, radial, angular, etc. Types - full color and translucent. The tool requires selection. The coloring of the object is carried out by smooth drawing. This tool provides ample opportunities to create interesting effects in the image. It is possible to create your own Gradient or load an external one.

    Drawing tools (Brush)

    Drawing must be done on a new layer.
    The family of drawing tools is represented by a variety of brushes, they are activated by the B key on the keyboard. Each brush has parameters: Size (size) and Hardness (Hardness) and Flow (force (pressure)), displayed in %. The Opacity parameter characterizes the opacity.
    Brushes can be round, decorative, hair, or imitators.
    Varying the parameter values ​​gives multiple effects when drawing.
    For example, Flow=5% makes the figures decay if the brush is selected as a decorative one in the form of some image.

    Create your own brush option

    Press the D key on your keyboard. She resets the color palette to black and white. Create new document with parameters 10x10 cm and Resolution=100. Load the image that you want to use as a brush and select Edit – Define Brush Preset. The newly created brush appears in the list of available images.
    To control brush selection, use the Edit – Preset – Preset Manager command.
    Thus, the brush can take on absolutely any shape. The program provides a single tool for loading external additional elements. This applies to styles, gradients, brushes, palettes. The loader is located along the Edit – Preset path.

    Retouch

    An important function of Photoshop is the ability to retouch images. The program has a family of tools for this purpose. These are simple operations that have virtually no tincture and work with clicks. The tool is located on the panel between the brush and the pipette.

    Simple tools

      • Red Eye.

    Removes red eye effect. When clicked on the eye, it darkens areas of red color.

      • Spot Healing Brush.

    Removes moles and other skin imperfections in photos. You need to work with a click, you cannot move the tool so as not to lose the texture of the skin. This is not a universal tool and only works well on flat areas.

      • Patch (patch).

    The patch is applied either from below or from above the image. This operation is controlled by the Source/Destination properties in the properties panel. We circle the flaw and drag it to a healthy place, or vice versa, cover the flaw with a healthy piece.

    Doesn't work well with bright colors, but can't be replaced with black and white photo and is especially good for chaotic structures.

    Complex instruments

    • Clone Stamp (stamp, signet). The tool does not belong to the retouching family; it is located between two brushes. It is versatile and is used not only for retouching. The versatility is that it takes texture from where it goes. Command Alt+ click on the healthy spot, then click on the flaw. It has a brush shape and size that can be adjusted. It works well in conjunction with the History brush, allowing you to first move the retouch outside the image, and then restore the edge of the image.
    • Healing brush. This is a tool from the retouching family. Works like Clone and Patch combined. Used for delicate operations. With its help, for example, excess wrinkles are removed from the face. The operating algorithm is as follows:
      • a) first remove what is unnecessary;
      • b) then we perform muting using the History brush with a very small value of the Flow parameter = 5. Proper use gives good results.
      • There is also an interesting filter with which you can do facial plastic surgery:
        Filter – Liquify, which allows you to thicken, thin and adjust the edges of the image.

    Solving specific problems

    In the basic Photoshop course, they learn how to make montages and collages, and interesting aspects of working with photographs.

    Fast photo processing

    Exists in Photoshop automatic possibility improve the quality of the photo, all you need to do is apply 3 smart adjustment commands and a filter:

    • Image – Auto Tone (Shift + Ctrl+ L)
    • Image – Auto Contrast (Shift + Alt + Ctrl + L)
    • Image – Auto Color (Ctrl +Shift + B)

    Filter – Noise – Reduce Noise To remove Jpg defects, you need to check the Remove Jpeg Artifact checkbox in this window and OK.

    Simple collage

    You can create a new image from three photos with elements by performing the following algorithm.

    • Create new file, specifying its dimensions and Resolution (quality). Choose quality
      by priority image.
    • Open all three files with the Open command from the File menu. Check the quality of Image – Size.
    • Apply the Window – Arrange command, choosing a vertical layout.
    • Make a short click and then drag and drop the images onto blank slate for each of the three files.
    • Close the sources, leaving a new file with three images. To close them, click on the file to be closed and select File – Close from the menu.
    • Next, we work with the moved images; to do this, you need to activate the layer in the Layer palette, then the image can be moved, resized, and rotated. Just to maintain the proportions of the picture, you need to hold down the Shift key and drag the corner.
    • While placing figures, you can group already exposed layers and save your work.

    Background Removal Algorithm

    • Uploading the image.
    • Converting the background to a layer. To do this, in the Layer palette, double-click on the Background background.
    • Selecting a tool: Magic Wand. Click on background - key
    • Delete, click again, Del again. Until the entire background takes on a checkerboard shape, this means it has become transparent.
    • Reset selection(Ctrl+D)

    This is a rough background removal procedure.

    Montage “Background Replacement”

    For this procedure, images must have the same parameters and the same type of characteristics (size, grain, color).

    • Stage I. Removing the background
      We carry out the background removal algorithm given above.
    • Stage II. Organization.
      • 1. Protect the layer from displacement.
        After roughly removing the background, you need to fix the remaining image. To do this, use the Lock line in the Layer palette, selecting the cross-shaped arrows. They protect against movement.
      • 2. Creating an additional layer. You can use the icon on the mini-panel to create a new layer. Then apply the fill command Edit – Fill (Shift+F5) to it. We need this layer to contrast the remaining object, so it’s better to choose bright green or bright blue. They are easier to remove during installation. Select the fill color in Color.
      • 3. Lock the background. Having colored the new layer for contrast, move it below the image layer in the Layer palette, and click the lock icon in the Lock line. Now the image clearly shows the flaws that remain after roughly removing the original background. We do visual analysis new picture to understand which pieces should be restored.
    • III Stage. Edge processing.
      • 1. Restoring to the original image. Select the tool with the History brush arrow and lightly go over the contour that is damaged. Since we did not move the image, the deleted pieces of the edge are restored.
      • 2. Removing excess. By bringing the object closer to you, you can observe the white pieces that appeared after restoration. We remove them with the Eraser, adjusting its thickness using the X and B keys. You need to work with the eraser tangentially, slightly touching the outline with the edge. Too small pixels can be removed automatically.
      • 3. Quality control. Needed to identify small traces invisible to the eye and
        garbage.
        It includes 2 procedures:
        • a) turn on the stroke Layer – Layers Style – Stroke – OK. All defects stood out in the form of black spots, dots, and lines. Take the eraser again and erase all the debris, do not touch the stroke itself.
        • b) remove the stroke Layer – Layer Style – Clear…
      • 4. Removing pixels along the edge. Automatic edge cleaning, but it does not replace the eraser, it only works with 1-2 pixels, the operation Layer – Matting – Defringe is called. If the result is not satisfactory, it means that the previous edge processing was performed poorly. You should use the eraser again.
      • 5. Blurring the outline. No matter how hard we try to straighten everything out with an eraser, the edges of the outline of the figure, upon closer inspection, look like sharp squares. It is necessary to perform a smoothing operation.
        To do this, select the object along the contour (Ctrl+click on the layer icon).
        Select – Modify – Border (2 px) – OK. After its execution, a double border appears along the edge of the object, in the area of ​​​​which we will work.
        Calls a filter to blur the border: Filter – Blur – Gaussian blur (with a value of 1) – OK.
        There are many blur filters, but this one is universal.
        Deselect Ctrl + D.
        The edge blur operation can be done manually using the Blue droplet tool, but it requires some skill. Processing of the image for which we are changing the background is now complete.
      • 6. Save the file in two formats: jpg and psd.
        Open the file with the new background, it should be the same type as the original one, place them side by side with the Window – Arrange command, make a short click (say hello to the new background), then place it on top of the edited image and move it under the image, dragging this layer below the layer with the object. Place a lock on the new background layer, which we select in the Lock line.
        Now we remove the restriction on movement from the layer with the object by again selecting the crossed arrows in the Lock line and position our object as needed. It can be transformed (Ctrl+T), flipped, reduced by taking it by the corner and changing the size, while being sure to hold down the Shift key so as not to change the proportions of the figure. When processing is complete, do not forget to press Enter.
      • If necessary, you can cut – Crop – Enter – Enter.
      • You can save the aligned shape with the new background.

    List of common operating errors

    Everyone makes such mistakes, and then I start to worry that something is wrong and why the further algorithm of necessary actions does not work.

    • Working on the wrong layer - go to the desired layer.
    • Undeselected selection – do Ctrl+D.
    • Unfinished operation - press Enter.
    • It’s not clear what’s going on – resetting program parameters Ctrl+Shift+Alt.

    I hope your questions about the Photoshop program, your comments and likes are answered.

    Today we will consider the question: “How to use Photoshop?” After all, it is this graphic editor that allows you to solve the most complex problems associated with images. It should be said right away that precise instructions will not be provided here, but only recommendations that allow you to study on your own. So, next you will learn how to use Photoshop.

    Preparation

    First, let's look at the program itself. The most latest version this editor: Adobe Photoshop CS6. But you don't have to download latest update. The program interface and most of the tools have remained virtually unchanged since the release of the first version. Of course, the first update goes a long way back from CS6. But on initial stage Any version of this program is suitable for learning. By the way, the interface of this editor contains 27 different languages. There is also a Russian translation.

    Basic Tools

    To answer the question: “How to use Photoshop CS6,” you must first consider the main tools of the program. Since without them you will not be able to carry out even the simplest operations. In total, 4 groups of instruments can be distinguished. Below we will briefly look at each of them.

    • Selection tools. A huge number of operations carried out in Photoshop program, occur precisely with the help of this group of means. Selection can be done in different ways. For example, in any way using the lasso tool ( hotkey L) A small area can be separated. For more precise selections, it is recommended to use the “pen” (P). The choice of tools should be made depending on the situation.
    • Drawing tools. You've probably already come across similar tools in other graphic editors. To draw a picture in any way, you can use a “pencil” or “brush”. Here it is possible to adjust the size and precision of the tools. If you made a little mistake or just want to erase a fragment you don’t need, you can use the eraser. To restore a lost background image, use the “archive brush”.
    • Tools for correction. This group includes various tools for blurring, sharpening, reducing brightness, etc. These tools allow you to perform a wide variety of operations and effects.
    • Additional tools. This category can include tools for filling, spot restoration, color selection, typing, etc.

    More information

    To understand how to learn to use Photoshop, you first need to familiarize yourself with all the tools. As you've probably already noticed, there are plenty of tools for image editing. But don’t think that it will take you a lot of time to familiarize yourself with all the tools. This process is always fun and fast.

    Conclusion

    The question “How to use Photoshop?” very often asked on specialized forums. And sometimes it remains without due attention, since it is impossible to explain to every beginner the basic things associated with this editor every time. It is recommended that you first try experimenting with the tools, filters, and other tools yourself. And after that, approach this issue more seriously. And after some time, you yourself will be able to advise others on how to use Photoshop.

    is one of the most successful programs created for high-quality processing photographs. She can do almost everything, even what was previously considered impossible. Adding pictures, a new background, correcting imperfections and much more, which allows you to create real masterpieces.

    Where to start?

    First you need to open the photo, for which you should use the combination File – Open. If you saved the photo in JPEG or TIFF format, it opens immediately. When a photo is created in RAW format, that is, it is an analogue of a film negative; it must first be corrected. To do this, change brightness, contrast and other indicators. If the image is going to be posted on the Internet, then it is better to make changes to the images after, at the last stage of processing.

    1. Shadow-Highlight

    2.Brightness/Contrast

    3.Selective Color

    7. Hue/Saturation

    Shadow-Highlight

    This function allows you to make a photo lighter without compromising the quality of the image. As a rule, in Shadows Amount you simply select from 10 to 20 percent, and move the Tonal Width and Raduis sliders a little. You can also work with Color Adjustment, where the indicators change from 20 to 30, and in Midtone Contrast the indicators are raised a little. After this, the photo will become better for perception, but if necessary, the background is slightly darkened. However, such changes are only necessary if the sky turns out to be light.

    Brightness/Contrast

    This function is a tool for working with brightness and contrast. To find this function, you need to follow the following path: Image – Adjustments – Brightness/Contrast. Indicators are set depending on personal preferences, which can vary greatly. However, practice shows that it is enough to increase the contrast to 20 (to do this, carefully move the lower slider to the right). When it is necessary to preserve all the details in a photograph, the contrast is left at the standard level. In this case, moving the brightness has a beneficial effect on image quality.

    Selective Color

    Photoshop offers various techniques for changing color, but they differ in their effectiveness. The most primitive features are provided by Color Balance (Image – Adjustments – Color Balance), but the results of its work are not always inspiring. The image just looks too crude, since only the shadows, highlights and midtones are changed. To make the result more interesting, it is better to use Selective Color (Image – Adjustments – Selective Color). It allows you to work with color saturation, which will be appreciated by many users who love to experiment with their pictures.

    Unsharp mask

    To work with the sharpness of the image, select Filter – Sharpen – Unsharp mask. Some users prefer to use Sharpen or Sharpen more for these purposes, but it is better to work with Unsharp mask. So, to correct pictures from the Internet, set Amount to approximately 70 percent, Radius to 0.7 pixels, and Threshold to 0. If you are going to print photos, be sure to set Amount to 100%, Radius to 1.0. You can change the values ​​according to your needs, but you shouldn’t get too carried away.

    This function is considered the main one, as it reflects the balance of dark and light in the photo. The user can see what a normal photo looks like, so that they can then adjust the rest of the photos to match the necessary indicators. If you know for sure that an area needs to be darker, you make changes using eyedroppers. However, when working with this feature, you should be extremely careful, as you can easily ruin the picture. If you haven’t changed your mind about working with this function, just go to Image – Adjustments – Levels.

    This function is sometimes called curves, which is a little alarming. You can find them as follows - Image-Adjustments-Curves. They are considered a complex tool that not every photographer can handle. However, once tamed, you will be able to work with shadows, color saturation and other indicators.

    Hue/Saturation

    To get to the right place, select Image – Adjustments – Hue/Saturation. Lightness can also be used, but Saturation is considered the most useful. As you move this slider to the left, the photo is desaturated until it turns black and white. When the slider is moved to the right, the photo becomes colorful. So, you can easily turn an ordinary person into a green alien who will simply surprise everyone with its realism.

    Chanel Mixer

    If you are just starting to work with Photoshop, you will suddenly learn that there are not only levels, but also channels. You can find them at Image – Adjustments – Chanel Mixer, which will allow you to darken or whiten the picture. To make changes, check the box next to Monochrome and work with the Red - Green - Blue sliders. They are moved to different sides, making sure that their scores are one hundred percent overall (so that the images maintain their normality).

    Variations

    When the user gets tired of the abundance of Photoshop options, it’s worth going to Image – Adjustments – Variations. In this case, Variations display side by side the original image and possible options from which the user can choose the appropriate one.

    Photoshop opens up endless possibilities that surprise and delight. You can easily travel to tropical islands, try on new outfits and change your hairstyles without spending time or money.


    • Many photographers are so keen on macro photography that they don’t shoot anything else except bugs and flowers. This passion can be understood, because when you shoot a microworld, you are completely immersed in its atmosphere, which you had never even seen before...


    • I bring to your attention an excellent tutorial on Photoshop - "Official training course in Russian on Adobe Photoshop CS6".
      This is the official training course for the program, part of the famous "Classroom in a Book" series.
      The book will be useful for both beginners and experienced users who want to get the most out of Adobe Photoshop CS6.
      The entire course is a series of simple, well-chosen step-by-step instructions, which are combined into 14 sections. Each section is a lesson on a specific topic, allowing you to practice the tools of Adobe Photoshop CS6 and learn how to work with hot keys.
      Everything is covered here - from starting to work with photos and working with layers, to using mix brushes and creating three-dimensional images, as well as working with video material in a video editor.

      What is in the text file:
      Getting started
      1. Getting to know your workspace
      2. Basics of photo correction
      3. Working with selected areas
      4. Working with layers
      5. Correction and enhancement of digital photos
      6. Masks and channels
      7. Text formatting
      8. Vector drawing technique
      9. Creating compositions
      10. Video editing
      11. Painting with a mix brush
      12. Working with three-dimensional objects
      13. Preparing files for the World Wide Web
      14. Printing and color management
      Subject index

      Name: Adobe Photoshop CS6. Official training course
      Author: Adobe Creative Team
      Publisher: M.: Eksmo
      Year: 2013
      Format: PDF
      Pages: 432
      Genre: Tutorial
      Language: Russian
      Size: 144.47 Mb

      But since this manual contains step-by-step lessons, equipped with theoretical references, for those who want to repeat these lessons in practice, additional material will be needed. Links to download additional material are provided below. Each section has a corresponding link to the material with the corresponding number.
      So, for example, if you decide to study section 10 - "VIDEO EDITING" -
      you need to download the file Lesson10.zip, unzip it, open it text document in section 10, and also run Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended (since only the extended version has the ability to work with video).

      Additional materials are image files, PSD files, video files, etc. necessary to complete the lesson.

      Now about the Adobe program Photoshop CS6 Extended.
      Further, using the links according to the bit capacity of your system, you can download a portable full version Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Extended) with almost the latest updates.

      I highly recommend downloading this guide and trying to study it. I assure you that you will definitely find interesting points in this manual. The capabilities of Adobe Photoshop CS6 are very great, learn as much as you can about them.
      I had great pleasure working with lesson 12 "WORKING WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS"
      Using the materials for the lesson and standard 3-D shapes that are available in Photoshop, as well as the ability to create 3-D text and, following all the instructions from the manual step by step, I made this 3-D composition. During the lesson, I learned how to position objects on the stage, change the camera angle, move objects using the 3D Axis widget, apply materials to -3-d objects, and work with scene lighting. Here is my result for lesson 12

      Quite often, PC users strive to learn new programs in order to be able to design images to their taste and even earn income. One of the most sophisticated and powerful graphics tools is Adobe Photoshop. How to use it, where to start - all this will be described below.

      Interface, tools and menus

      First you need to run installed program. It is recommended for a beginner to go through the menu (horizontal at the top) and study the tools located on the left. To find out what the icon is and what it does, you need to move the cursor. A tooltip should appear. If you left-click on a tool, for example, “Fill”, it will be active. At the same time, settings will appear under the horizontal menu at the top of the screen. Experienced users almost always install required parameters tool.

      You should pay attention to the triangle in the lower right corner of some tools. If you right-click on the mouse, additional options will open.

      Now we should talk about the menu in Adobe Photoshop, how to use it when working with photographs and drawings. First, you need to go to the "File" menu to open an existing image for editing, or create a new document. In the same menu there is a function for saving the work done.

      The remaining items located after “File” and before “Help” relate directly to working on the image.

      First steps in work

      It's worth starting to learn the program using an existing photograph. To do this, go to the “File” menu, click “Open” and find the desired picture. Once it is added, you can start working.

      A small window with tabs will appear to the right of the image. When working, you almost always need the “Layers” tab, since all actions on the image take place there.

      At this moment, every beginner asks the question:

      • how to use Photoshop (Adobe Photoshop);
      • why I can’t work with the picture;
      • Is it possible to correct errors if they appear during work?

      You should immediately answer the second question: by default, the open image is locked, that is, it has To turn it into a layer (that is, unlock it), you need to double-click in the window on the right on the image and the “Background” inscription in the “Layers” tab. Now you can work.

      Why are layers needed?

      To understand how to use Adobe Photoshop, it's worth understanding layers. The fact is that they can serve both as a backup image (“create a duplicate layer”) in case of unsuccessful actions with the photo, and as an area for applying new effects. For example, you need to make an inscription to wedding photography and an image of translucent doves and hearts. In this case, you need to create a new layer above the main photo and activate it. Next, you can either insert a new image with doves, or draw using the Brush and Pencil tools located on the left side of the toolbar.

      Layers can be made transparent or translucent. To explain their meaning, you should imagine a real photograph lying on the table. Next, translucent or transparent paper with a print is applied to it. So the main photo is Layer 1, and the transparent paper with the design is Layer 2.

      Effects and colors

      Working with color and effects should be done using horizontal menu or in the right window (Layers and Properties tab). It should be noted that for a beginner there is no difference in how to use Adobe Photoshop CS6 or other versions. Almost any generation of Photoshop is suitable for learning the program. The same applies to color modes, filter galleries, and actions with images (for example, mirroring, rotating, moving).

      Is Adobe Photoshop difficult?

      Beginners often ask: is it difficult to master the program? It is impossible to answer unequivocally. You need to understand why a person needs this tool. Let's say you often need to make minor adjustments, for example:

      • trim,
      • mirror,
      • make an inscription
      • discolor.

      IN in this case It is enough to understand how to use Adobe Photoshop. But if you want to become a professional, learn how to make fabulous pictures from ordinary photographs, then you will need perseverance, a lot of time for training, including studying color theory.

      Nuances often arise on forums, when watching training videos, where participants ask how to use Adobe Photoshop CC, how it differs from SC6. Don't let anyone be confused by the last two characters, which indicate the version of Photoshop. Both versions have everything for applying simple operations with pictures necessary tools, they are located in the same places.

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