Name: ______Period: ______
Layout + DesignPhotoshop Notes
**Take comprehensive notes for every item discussed. Turn in your notes for a completion grade. Upon return from grading, retain this sheet as a job aid for the remainder of the semester**
PHOTOSHOP CS6
GETTING STARTED
Workspace: ______Screen Mode: ______
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Working with Multiple Images: ______
Opening Files: ______
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Saving Files: ______
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File Types: ______
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THE INTERFACE
Identify and label: (1) IMAGE WORKSPACE, (2) TABS, (3) DROPDOWN MENU, (4) TOOLBAR, (5) PALETTE
TOOLBAR: Draw and Arrow to the Tool IconDescribe Function:
Selection: ______
Marquee: ______
Lasso: ______
Quick Selection: ______
Crop: ______
Eye Dropper: ______
Spot Healing Tool: ______
Paint Brush Tool: ______
Clone Stamp: ______
Eraser: ______
Gradient & Paint Bucket Tools: ______
Smudge & Blur Tools: ______
Dodge & Burn Tools: ______
Text Tool: ______
Custom Shape Tool: ______
The triangle in the lower right of the tool icon means there are hidden tools within that icon. Click and hold down on mouse to reveal those tools:
LAYERS PALETTE:
Identify & Describe the Following:
The Layers: ______
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The Locked Layer: ______
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How to Unlock a Layer: ______
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The Eyeball: ______
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The Opacity Control: ______
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DROP DOWN MENU part I:
List the important sub-menu options we discuss so you know what drop down they are located within:
File Drop Down Menu Options:Edit Drop Down Menu Options:Image Drop Down Menu Options:
New: ______Undo: ______Mode: ______
______Step Forward/Back: ______
Open: ______Cut: ______Adjustments: ______
______Copy: ______
Save: ______Paste: ______Auto Tone: ______
______Image Size: ______
Save As: ______Canvas Size: ______
______Image Rotation: ______
DROP DOWN MENU part II:
List the important sub-menu options we discuss so you know what drop down they are located within:
Layer Drop Down Menu Options:Select Drop Down Menu Options:Filter Drop Down Menu Options:
New: ______Inverse: ______Liquify: ______
Duplicate:______Similar: ______Others: ______
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Create Clipping Mask: ______
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Merge Layers: ______
Flatten Image: ______
MENU “CHEAT SHEET:”
BRUSH CONTROLS:
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TRANSFORM CONTROLS:
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“DANCING ANTS:”
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PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUE NOTES
- Saving Images: Go to File > Save As (I always recommend a “save as” after editing so you don’t lose your original photo)
- .PSD vs. .JPG File Formats: A .PSD is a Photoshop file. This type of file retains all layers and you can edit it again later. A .JPG is a flattened final image that can be read by all software, but can no longer be edited. You define what kind of image you want when saving in the save dialogue box.
- Cropping Images: This allows you to redefine the edges of your image. Click on the crop tool, then drag it around the area of the photo you want to retain. It will shade the parts of the photo you want to delete. Click the “check mark” below the drop down menus to commit to the crop.
- Brush Size: This controls the size of the tool that you are using. It can be found in the upper left above the toolbar.
- Soft vs. Hard Brushes: Found in the same location, this allows you to have a hard edge or soft edge on your brush. Soft edges provide smoother, less noticeable edits.
- Removing Blemishes: Use a soft edge brush and simply click on the blemish and the program will fix it.
- Cloning: This allows you to make a copy of an area of a photograph. You need to define the spot you want to clone by holding down the “option” key, then clicking on the area clone from with the target icon. Then, click again on the area that you want to add your clone to.
- Merging Whole Images: Open two photos at once in Photoshop, then drag one image on to the other using the selection tool.
- Masking Images: Like masking tape, this allows you to define areas of the photo for editing, while leaving other unedited. I recommend the quick selection tool to mask your areas. Drag your cursor around the areas you want to mask. The program will guess based on tone and light. This will create “dancing ants.” You can add or subtract from the dancing ants mask using the + and – button above the toolbar. To remove the dancing ants, hit command+d.
- Merging Masks: Use the selection tool and drag and drop your masked area to the other area or photo where you want it.
- Resizing Image: Allows you to make the data size of your image file larger or smaller.
- Resizing Image Canvas: Allows you to make the canvas you are working with your image on larger or smaller.
- Transforming: Allows you to flip and rotate images. You can also skew images, etc.
- Changing Image to Grayscale: Go to the Image Menu > Mode. Grayscale is what is considered black and white.
- Taking the Color to Away/Leaving Selective Color: You first have to mask the part of the image that you want to change. Go to the Image Menu > Adjustments > Black & White.
- Color and Contrast Correction: Try either of the following under the Image Menu > Color Balance and Hue & Saturation.
- Adjusting Levels (Brightness) to Lighten Images: Try any of the following under the Image Menu > Exposure, Curves, Levels and Brightness & Contrast.
- Background Removal– Adding Color: Mask your image and click delete to make the background a color. Change the color based on the color swatch in the toolbar.
- Background Removal– Transparency: Unlock the image in the layers palette. Mask your image and click delete to make the background transparent (it will appear as a checkerboard).
- Rotating and Straightening Images: This allows you to level your images. I recommend cropping a photo after straightening it.
- Filters (Liquify/Blurs/Others): Access filters from the Filter Drop Down Menu. You can preview any filter and make further adjustments to each individual filter before committing it to your image. These are for artistic effect.
- HDR: Open all your images in Photoshop. File > Automate > Merge to HDR. Select “Add Open Files.” Click “attempt to align images box.” Click “ok” and it will create your HDR image. Select 16 bit image to convert into a .JPG.
- Tiny Planet: Put your files in a folder. In Photoshop, go to File > Automate > Photomerge. Click “auto” and find the folder with the images you want to use. Flatten the newly created image and unlock your layer. With the crop tool, crop out the parts of the photo that you want get rid of. Use the Clone Stamp tool to repair your image. Go to Image > Rotation > 180 degrees. Go to Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates (select “rectangular to polar” and click “ok”). Go to Image > Canvas Size and make your canvas larger. Go to Edit > Transform > Scale (and drag your image so it looks like a planet). Use the Clone Stamp to fix any seams.
PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES
Read below. I have outlines the techniques you will need to perform in this class. Do you understand the following? If there are any techniques that require further explanation, please ask now.
Saving Images; .PSD vs. .JPG File Formats; Resizing Image/Resolution;Rotating and Straightening Images; RGB vs. CMYK Color; Color and Contrast Correction; Changing Image to Grayscale;Adjusting Levels (Brightness) to Lighten Images; Cropping Images;Merging Images; Masking Images; Soft vs. Hard Brushes; Brush Size; Selective Color; Eraser Tool;Resizing/Transforming/Distorting; Rearranging Layers;Creating Duplicate or New Layers; Image in Shape; Filters (Liquify/Blurs/Others); Partial COB; COB (Color Background) Photo; COB (Transparent Background) Photo; COB Photo with Clipping Path.