2.4. Image Editing

 

Certainly! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the topics related to image editing in Adobe Photoshop, including shortcuts and functions for each subtopic.

2.4. Image Editing

Image editing in Photoshop encompasses a variety of techniques and tools that allow users to manipulate and enhance images. Below are the key components:

2.4.1. Transform

Transforming an image allows you to resize, rotate, skew, distort, or flip it.

• Functions:

  • Free Transform: Allows you to scale, rotate, skew, and distort an image.
  • Scale: Change the size of the image.
  • Rotate: Turn the image around a fixed point.
  • Skew: Slant the image along the horizontal or vertical axis.
  • Distort: Change the shape of the image in a more freeform manner.
  • Flip Horizontal/Vertical: Mirror the image along the horizontal or vertical axis.

• Shortcuts:

  • Free Transform: Ctrl + T (Windows) / Cmd + T (Mac)
  • Scale: Hold Shift while dragging a corner handle to maintain aspect ratio.
  • Rotate: Move the cursor outside a corner handle until it turns into a curved double arrow, then drag.

2.4.2. Transparency

Transparency in Photoshop allows you to control the visibility of layers and elements within an image.

• Functions:

  • Opacity: Adjusts the transparency level of a layer (0% is fully transparent, 100% is fully opaque).
  • Layer Masks: Allows for non-destructive editing by hiding parts of a layer.
  • Blending Modes: Change how a layer interacts with layers beneath it, affecting transparency and color.

• Shortcuts:

  • Opacity Adjustment: Select a layer and press 1-0 to set opacity (e.g., 5 for 50% opacity).
  • Layer Mask: Ctrl + Alt + G (Windows) / Cmd + Option + G (Mac) to create a clipping mask.

2.4.3. Gradients

Gradients are used to create smooth transitions between colors.

• Functions:

  • Gradient Tool: Fills an area with a gradient.
  • Gradient Editor: Customize gradients by selecting colors and adjusting the gradient type (linear, radial, angle, reflected, diamond).
  • Gradient Maps: Apply a gradient based on the luminance of the image.

• Shortcuts:

  • Gradient Tool: G
  • Open Gradient Editor: Double-click the gradient bar in the options bar when the Gradient Tool is selected.

2.4.4. Strokes

Strokes are outlines applied to shapes or text.

• Functions:

  • Layer Styles: Add strokes to layers through the Layer Style dialog.
  • Stroke Options: Adjust size, position (inside, center, outside), and color of the stroke.
  • Path Strokes: Use the Brush Tool to stroke a path created with the Pen Tool.

• Shortcuts:

  • Layer Style Dialog: Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + E (Mac) to open the Layer Style dialog.
  • Brush Tool: B (to stroke paths with a brush).

2.4.5. Crop

Cropping allows you to remove unwanted areas from an image.

• Functions:

  • Crop Tool: Select and remove parts of an image.
  • Aspect Ratio: Maintain a specific aspect ratio while cropping.
  • Content-Aware Crop: Automatically fills in the background when cropping.

• Shortcuts:

  • Crop Tool: C
  • Confirm Crop: Press Enter to apply the crop.
  • Reset Crop: Double-click the Crop Tool icon in the options bar.

Summary

These topics cover essential image editing techniques in Photoshop, each with specific functions and shortcuts that enhance workflow efficiency. Mastering these tools will significantly improve your image editing skills.