Scribd
Upload
37 views5 pages

Untitled Document

This document provides an overview of tools and techniques for selecting pixels and editing images in Photoshop. It describes selection tools like the Quick Selection Tool and Magic Wand Tool and how to refine selections. Layer masks and the Select and Mask workspace are also covered as ways to blend and edit composite images precisely.

Uploaded by

Aquino, Maricar A.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
37 views5 pages

Untitled Document

This document provides an overview of tools and techniques for selecting pixels and editing images in Photoshop. It describes selection tools like the Quick Selection Tool and Magic Wand Tool and how to refine selections. Layer masks and the Select and Mask workspace are also covered as ways to blend and edit composite images precisely.

Uploaded by

Aquino, Maricar A.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Photoshop Reviewer

I. Toolbar Overview

Understanding the Photoshop toolbar is fundamental for navigating and utilizing the various
tools available in Photoshop. The toolbar can appear as a single or double column, and it is
organized into sections based on functionality:

1. Move and Selection Tools: These tools are at the top of the toolbar and include the
Move Tool and various selection tools like the Marquee and Lasso tools.
2. Crop and Slice Tools: These tools are used for cropping and slicing images.
3. Measurement Tools: Include tools like the Ruler and the Eyedropper.
4. Retouching and Painting Tools: Used for editing and painting, such as the Brush Tool
and Clone Stamp Tool.
5. Drawing and Type Tools: Include tools for drawing shapes and adding text.
6. Navigation Tools: Found at the bottom, these tools help navigate the canvas, like the
Hand Tool and Zoom Tool.

Hidden tools can be accessed by clicking and holding on the visible tool icons, which will display
additional tools in a fly-out menu.

---

II. Photoshop Basics: Levels, Curves, and Color

Digital images often require adjustments to enhance their appearance. Key adjustments in
Photoshop include:

1. Levels:
- Adjusting Tonal Range: Levels adjustments help modify shadows, highlights, and midtones
to improve image exposure.
- Using Histograms: Histograms in the Levels panel indicate the distribution of tonal values.
Adjust the Input Levels sliders to enhance the image.
- Avoid Clipping: Be cautious not to move sliders too far, as this can result in loss of detail
(clipping).

2. Curves:
- Fine-Tuning Tonal Adjustments: Curves allow more precise adjustments than levels,
enabling control over shadows, midtones, and highlights separately.
- Increasing/Decreasing Contrast: Adjust the curve to enhance or reduce contrast by
manipulating specific points on the curve.

3. Color Adjustments:
- Saturation: Increases or decreases the vividness of colors. Adjusting saturation can make
colors more vibrant or mute them for a more subdued look.
- Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer: Allows fine control over color adjustments, including the
option to change hues or create black-and-white images.

---

III. Understanding Image Resolution

Image resolution is crucial for both digital and print quality:

1. Definition and Measurement:


- Pixels Per Inch (PPI): Refers to the number of pixels per inch on a digital display.
- Dots Per Inch (DPI): Measures the ink dots per inch on printed material. PPI and DPI are
often used interchangeably but refer to different contexts.

2. Optimal Resolution for Printing:


- 300 PPI Standard: For high-quality prints, images should be at 300 PPI to avoid pixelation
and ensure clarity.
- Calculating Resolution: For an 8.5” x 11” image at 300 PPI, the dimensions would be 2550 x
3300 pixels.

3. Checking and Fixing Resolution:


- Photoshop Tools: Use Photoshop to check and adjust image resolution by accessing Image
> Image Size.
- Upscaling: If the resolution is too low, use image editing software to add more pixels and
enhance clarity.
- Maintaining Aspect Ratio: Ensure the aspect ratio is consistent to prevent distortion when
resizing images.

---

IV. Compositing Images

Definition:
- Combining two or more photos or images to create a new photo or image using imaging
editing software.

Steps to Create a Composite Image:


1. Plan Your Composition:
- Determine the overall idea and layout.
2. Gather Your Images:
- Collect all the photos you need for your composite.
3. Choose a Software:
- Select appropriate image editing software (e.g., Photoshop).
4. Create a New Document:
- Set up your workspace in the software.
5. Import Your Images:
- Load the images into the software.
6. Arrange Your Layers:
- Place and organize the images in layers.
7. Blend and Composite:
- Use tools like layer masks, opacity, and blending modes to combine images seamlessly.
8. Refine and Adjust:
- Make detailed adjustments to improve the composition.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
- Include final edits like color correction and additional effects.
10. Save and Export:
- Save your work in the desired format and share it.

Different Ways to Use Compositing:


- Combine Images:
- Merge multiple images to form a new one.
- Add a Central Element:
- Focus on a key subject.
- Add Dreamlike Elements:
- Create surreal or fantasy elements.
- Add Depth:
- Introduce elements that create a sense of depth.
- Add Color:
- Enhance the image with color adjustments.

Creating a Composite Image in Photoshop:


1. Select subject and background images.
2. Cut out the subject.
3. Move the subject onto the background.
4. Resize and position the subject image.
5. Create a layer mask to match color tones.
6. Add extra effects for a compelling scene.

V. Pixel Selection and Editing

Quick Selection Tool:


- Function:
- Allows for creating complex selections easily by painting over the desired area.
- Usage:
- Click or drag the brush over the area to select pixels based on color similarity.
- Adjustments:
- Brush size determines the selection size.

Quick Mask Mode:


- Activation:
- Press 'Q' or click the Quick Mask button.
- Usage:
- Use the Brush tool to add to (white) or subtract from (black) the selection.
- Soft Edges:
- Paint with gray to create semi-transparent areas.

Pixel Selection Techniques:


- Move, Hide, or Invert Selection:
- Use the Move tool to reposition selections.
- Invert selection via Select > Inverse.
- Adjust Selection Edges:
- Anti-Aliasing:
- Smooths jagged edges.
- Feathering:
- Creates soft edges by blurring.

Using the Magic Wand Tool:


- Function:
- Selects areas with similar color.
- Adjustments:
- Tolerance settings control the range of colors selected.
- Anti-aliased option smooths selection edges.
- Contiguous option selects adjacent pixels.

Refining Selections:
- Select and Mask:
- Enhances the precision of selection edges and refines layer masks.
- Remove Fringe Pixels:
- Commands like Color Decontaminate and Defringe adjust unwanted edge pixels.

Object Selection Tool:


- Function:
- Automatically detects and selects objects within an image.
- Usage:
- Draw a rectangle or lasso around the object to select.

Select Subject:
- Function:
- Identifies and selects prominent subjects in an image with a single click.
- Enhanced for Portraits:
- Improved algorithms for hair detail in portrait images.

Practical Tips:
- Always work with layers to maintain flexibility.
- Regularly save your progress to prevent data loss.
- Use non-destructive editing techniques to preserve original image quality.

Tools Overview:
- Quick Selection Tool:
- Ideal for areas with high contrast.
- Magic Wand Tool:
- Best for selecting large areas of similar color.
- Select and Mask Workspace:
- Refines and enhances selections.
- Layer Masks:
- Allows for precise blending and editing of images.

You might also like