Getting Started with Adobe Photoshop

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Create a new document

   Launch Photoshop and select New File from the home screen. Choose a preset resolution based on your output, such as 1920x1080 pixels for screen displays or 300 PPI for print projects, and click Create.

   Note: Use CMYK mode for print and RGB for screen-based projects.
2. 2 min

   Master the Layer Panel

   Open the Layers panel by navigating to Window > Layers. Click the plus icon at the bottom of the panel to create a new layer, ensuring you never edit your original background image directly.

   Note: Rename layers by double-clicking the text to maintain an organized workspace.
3. 2 min

   Utilize Selection Tools

   Select the Object Selection Tool from the toolbar on the left. Hover over an object in your image and click to automatically detect and select its edges for targeted adjustments.

   Note: Hold Shift to add to an existing selection or Option to subtract from it.
4. 1 min

   Apply Adjustment Layers

   Navigate to the bottom of the Layers panel and click the half-filled circle icon. Select Levels or Curves to modify the exposure and contrast of your image without permanently altering the original pixel data.

   Note: Non-destructive editing allows you to adjust these settings at any time.
5. 1 min

   Resize and Transform elements

   Select a layer and press the Free Transform command. Click and drag the corner handles to resize the object, holding the Shift key to maintain the original aspect ratio.

   Note: Press Enter to commit your changes or Esc to cancel.
6. 1 min

   Export your project

   Go to File > Export > Export As. Choose your file format, such as JPEG for photographs or PNG for web assets, and specify the output folder to save your final work.

   Note: Always save a native PSD file separately to keep your layers intact for future revisions.