I. Introduction to the Software Interface
Once you open the Photoshop (PS for short) software, a feature-rich operating interface comes into view. At the top is the menu bar, which includes various commands such as File, Edit, Image, and Layers. Below the menu bar is the options bar, whose content changes according to the currently used tool.
On the left side of the interface is the toolbar, where there are numerous useful tools. For example, the Marquee Tools (used to select regular shaped areas such as rectangles and ellipses), the Lasso Tools (suitable for freely drawing selection areas), and the Magic Wand Tool (which can quickly select areas with similar colors). The Move Tool is used to move layer or selection contents on the canvas, and the Crop Tool can crop the image size. The Brush Tool can create various brushstroke effects, and the Eraser Tool is used to erase unwanted parts.
On the right side is the panel area, including the Layers, Channels, and Paths panels. The Layers panel is the most crucial one. It’s like multiple transparent sheets stacked together. Each layer can hold different image elements, making it convenient for us to edit individual elements without affecting the other parts.
II. Basic Operations
Opening and Saving Images
Click on the “File” menu and select “Open” to find the image file you want to process. When saving an image, if you want to keep the original file format, you can choose “Save”. If you want to save it as another format (such as PSD, JPEG, PNG, etc.), then choose “Save As”. The PSD format can retain all layer and editing information. The JPEG format is commonly used for web images, and the PNG format supports a transparent background.
Image Adjustment
Use the commands under the “Image” menu to adjust the image. “Image Size” can change the dimensions of the image. Pay attention to maintaining an appropriate resolution to avoid image distortion. “Brightness/Contrast” can adjust the overall brightness and contrast of the image, making it clearer or creating a special atmosphere. “Color Balance” can change the color tendency of the image, such as making the picture warmer or cooler.
III. Layer Operations
Creating and Deleting Layers
Click on the “New Layer” button at the bottom of the Layers panel to create a new layer. If a certain layer is no longer needed, simply drag it onto the “Delete Layer” button.
Layer Styles
Double-click on the blank area next to the layer thumbnail to add layer styles, such as Drop Shadow, Outer Glow, and Bevel and Emboss effects. These styles can add a three-dimensional and textured look to the image elements.
IV. Selection Operations
Creating Selections
After creating a selection using the Marquee Tools, Lasso Tools, or Magic Wand Tool, you can perform operations such as copying, moving, deleting, or adjusting the image within the selection.
Adjusting Selections
Through the commands in the Selection menu, you can feather the selection (to make the edge of the selection transition naturally) and transform (scale, rotate, distort the contents of the selection) the selection.
V. Filter Effects
There are a large number of preset effects in the Filter menu. For example, the “Blur” filter can simulate depth-of-field effects or motion blur effects. The “Sharpen” filter can make the image clearer. The “Styleize” filter can create various unique artistic effects, such as Emboss and Wind effects.
Through these basic operations, you can start exploring the infinite possibilities of Photoshop and process satisfactory images. Keep practicing and trying new functions, and you’ll become a PS expert.
