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Photoshop 7 Tutorials
For best results, open browser window at least as wide as the banner graphic (above) before proceeding
Miscellaneous Tutorials
Export Images from iPhoto -- Rename the image before exporting (lower case, no spaces or special characters)
Change Mode to RGB (if necessary) Do not work in CMYK, Lab, or Grayscale
Reset Window Layout to Photoshop defaults (if you're not comfortable in a custom workspace)
Work in Pixels (never in inches)
Setting the Crop to a Specific Size
View Actual Pixels work at 100%
Duplicate Layer or just select and use Command-J to "jump" the layer (Option-Command-J lets you rename the duplicated layer) or Right-Click and select Duplicate Layer
Unsharp Mask to bring your work into focus
Rename Layers to stay organized (double-click to rename)
Adjustment Layers give you image control without destroying pixels
Add Text to your project
Change the Text Color by sampling from the image itself
Note: Command-H hides the selection so you can see the true color
Add Layer Styles to enhance your text
Modify Layer Styles to suit your taste
Warp Text (but don't get carried away with this feature)
Use Blending Modes for unexpected results EXPERIMENT!
Experiment on a New Layer (Option-Command-J is used in this movie to duplicate and rename the layer in one step) Filters are only one example of what you might try
Experiment More with Opacity changes, Blending Modes, and/or new Adjustment Layers
Change Things like text, adjustment layers, etc. EXPERIMENT!
Save for the Web when you want to convert your .psd to a .jpg -- NEVER use "Save As..." to save a .jpg!
Set Desktop with your 1024 x 768 creation
Create a Custom Pattern This one is used to create scan lines. Experiment with your own custom patterns!
Apply the Custom Pattern And set the Blending Mode and Opacity to make the scan lines come to life (experiment with other settings for different effects). This movie also demonstrates proper workflow -- WATCH IT!
Create a Custom Background (This works best with colorful source images) Lots of valuable skills in this one. Note: Hold down Command AND Spacebar to access the Zoom Tool while adjusting your Crop to a one-pixel width. Press Return to apply the transformation.
Enhance Your Custom Background I just show the first step -- you take the next ones! Don't settle for the first result!
Create a Custom Brush This one is used with the custom background. Experiment with your own custom brushes! Note: The 300 x 300 document is just an example. Work at any size (though bigger is not always better).
Use your Custom Brush On its own layer! Watch to see how to adjust the size, spacing, and color of the brush. Experiment with the Brush Palette to find many more options and hidden gems!
Put an Image inside your text Note: Double-Click on the Background Layer to unlock it (by changing its name). Also, hold the Option key when clicking between layers to make the image magically appears within the text.
Add Layer Styles to the Text It's especially beautiful when using this technique
Adjust the Position of the Image See for yourself how cool this one is
Make the text part of the image In one easy step!
Create a Vignette using quick mask mode You'll understand what a vignette is when you see the results
Use selections to draw attention to your focal point Select, transform the selection (hit Return to apply), "jump" the selection to its own layer (Command-J), and add Layer Styles to enhance the focal point. Experiment with this technique!
Use Gaussian Blur and/or Adjustment Layers To take the focal point to another level. EXPERIMENT!
intro to the pen tool Part 1 Make a simple object (a star) with the Pen Tool and refine its shape with the Direct Select Tool. Note: Check the Options Bar at the beginning of the movie to check that your settings are the same as mine.
intro to the pen tool Part 2 Add Layer Styles to the star. Notice that it is still editable with the Direct Selection Tool.
intro to the pen tool Part 3 Use Free Transform to resize (hold the Shift key to constrain the proportions), adjust Layer Styles as necessary, and trim the excess using Image > Trim.
intro to the pen tool Part 4 Resize the canvas and enlarge the image -- WITHOUT PIXELATION! (We're working with vectors, not bitmaps.)
Paint with the art history brush And learn about the Photoshop's new Brush Engine at the same time. See before and after rollover example. Make your own masterpiece!
Paint fine details with a small brush The finishing touches make all the difference (as is knowing when to stop).
Resize the 1024 x 768 image to 800 x 600 or 640 x 480 for use on the Web
Make the Thumbnail from your flattened image
Sharpen the large Web image because downsampling blurs imagery
Sharpen and adjust the thumbnail because extreme downsampling seriously degrades imagery
Make a rollover for your thumbnail using an adjustment layer
Now learn how to use behaviors to make it work!
Older Tutorials
Save for Web | Saving Rollovers (saving for use in Dreamweaver)
Saving as GIF for Flash Animations
QuickTime Tutorials for Photoshop 5.5
Be sure to see Photoshop's help files too!
In the main menu, navigate to Help > Help Files...
The Help Files open in Internet Explorer.
Third-Party Tutorials
