Adobe photoshop cs6 instructions for use. Detailed study and independent work

Adobe is known to all users who have even a vague understanding of working with images and photographs. This is due to the fact that this company is the creator legendary program Photoshop. Today, this application is the de facto standard in the world of professional designers and artists.

The capabilities of the person who works in it are limited only by his own skill. However, not all users are real luminaries: how to work in Photoshop CS6? There are special video tutorials for beginners, but not everyone has time to watch them. Well, let's try to shed some light on this issue.

Let us immediately warn you that it is simply impossible to squeeze into this article even a couple of percent of the amount of information that would be appropriate in in this case. Therefore, we will limit ourselves to only the most superficial introduction to the topic and will reveal the basic concepts that will be useful to you when mastering the Photoshop CS6 program.

Layers

Layer is the main constant you'll have to deal with. By the way, what is this? In this case, a layer is understood as a separate image that has its own boundaries, clearly delineated from other parts of the picture.

Why are such layers needed? This is very important question. The fact is that it is thanks to them that it is possible to carry out operations on almost every part of the image, without affecting the entire picture as a whole. In fact, an image in Photoshop can be represented as a giant mosaic, for each puzzle in which transparency, color, and other parameters are separately set.

Since it is impossible to work in Photoshop CS6 (for beginners the program may seem very complicated, but in reality everything is not so scary) without the mentioned tool, we recommend that you master the basics and consolidate the acquired knowledge in practice. Taking the first steps in this matter is very simple. To do this, open any image, go to the “Layer” tab, select “Create a new layer”.

Change something in the image. Then follow the above path again, creating a second layer. Also draw something on it. Then go to the same tab again, select the “Merge Layers” command. This is roughly how all the main work in the program is done.

As for the interface, “Photoshop CS6” in Russian appeared not so long ago. If you are looking for tips on working on the Internet, they often offer instructions on English language. Keep this in mind!

"Hot keys", or Hotkeys

When using Photoshop regularly, it is very important to remember the most frequently used hotkey combinations. It’s almost impossible to keep all of them in your head all the time, but the most commonly used combinations are essential to know. The fact is that the combinations practically do not change in different versions program, so it will take much less time to master the new release.

So let's look at the most simple options. When you press CTRL+N, it opens new document. It is much easier to press a hotkey than to use the main menu with a mouse. In addition, it will be useful to use the CTRL+O combination, as it allows you to open a dialog box with a choice of files to open. The CTRL+K keys are useful, they open the main program settings. Surely many users know that the combination CTRL+Z cancels last action. This works in Photoshop too.

Layer Keys

But in this program, working with layers is much more important, so you should remember at least some of the hotkeys associated with this term. So, to create a new level, press SHIFT+CTRL+N. After this, a dialog box with the settings of the newly created layer will immediately open. The F7 button is also important, as it opens the palette settings. For quick transition on the layer up you need to press ALT+]. To move one layer down, use SHIFT+ALT+].

If you want to go to the lowest level, then you need to use the combination SHIFT+ALT+ [. If you need to set the current layer as the main one, press SHIFT+CTRL+]. Merging layers (which we talked about at the very beginning) is done using the CTRL + E buttons. As you can see, hotkeys are extremely important because they save a lot of time.

Using hotkeys when working with filters

Working with filters is quite complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, using hotkeys in this process is also important. Moreover, there are not so many basic combinations. So, if you want to repeat the last used filter with its default settings, press CTRL+F. If you need the same filter, but with open settings, use the keys CTRL+ALT+F.

Not sure how to reset all dialog box settings? Just press ALT together with the ESC key. The value of this combination is that it works in exactly the same way in all dialog boxes with settings.

Choosing brushes!

None of the masters or novice users of Photoshop can fully work without the most common tool, the Brush. Today we will try to choose it for work, having learned about ways to adjust the parameters. Using one or another option, you can create a shape that is ideal for your work, dynamically change the size, select dispersion, texture, as well as the degree of pressure and transparency.

First you need to activate the “Brushes” tool for “Photoshop CS6” by pressing the “B” key. Click on the icon we need, where you can adjust all the parameters. You need to press the F5 key on your keyboard or use the “Window” menu, where you can go to the “Brushes” item. It must be said that the menu has enough settings, the main ones of which we will consider.

Before choosing a suitable tool, you need to choose the shape of its imprint. It all depends on the type of work you do. The same can be said about the diameter. There are a lot of options! However, when training, it is recommended to choose simple shapes brush and the average diameter of its print. It should be noted that you can quickly change the last parameter using the “[” (decrease the diameter) or “]” (increase it) keys.

Using the slider called “Hardness” you can adjust the center of rigidity of the tool. To put it simply, with the selected indicator “0” you will get a soft brush. The “Opacity” tab, as you might guess from the name, helps you set a parameter that is often used when retouching photos.

What else should you pay attention to before working in Photoshop CS6? For beginners, it would be a good idea to look at the work of experienced artists and photographers: you can clearly see how and under what conditions it is best to use basic techniques, such as retouching or aging a photograph.

Often, when choosing a brush, its color plays an important role. There is a button on the toolbar (at the very bottom) that allows you to adjust this parameter. It should be noted that when selecting, the active color is the one in which the top square is painted.

Other principles for choosing a brush

However, the choice of brush for Photoshop CS6 is not limited to these parameters. For example, quite often there is a need to change the angle of inclination, which is achieved by adjusting the settings in the dialog box of the same name (if you remember, it is called up by pressing the F5 key). Here you can increase the size of the tool and also change its inclination.

It should be noted that when choosing brushes of an unusual shape (butterfly, star, leaves), it is necessary to set a sufficient interval, since otherwise the image may turn into a graphic “porridge”. Experimenting with various parameters, over time you will learn to set the optimal ones for each type of work, using hundreds of parameters available in the program.

Naturally, you won’t be able to master Photoshop right away, in one sitting. Program in Russian - best option for beginners, since you can always read help by pressing F1.

Plugins

Plugins (also called external modules) are additional filters that plug into Photoshop. However, this can also be called some additional software modules, expanding the functionality of the application. At their core, plugins for Photoshop CS6 are small additional programs, running inside the main software package.

In Photoshop, they are most often used for advanced imitation of drawing methods; they are often used to reduce noise and improve sharpness; with their help, you can automatically set the focus on some object located in the photograph.

Plugins are most often developed only for a specific Photoshop version, which often creates a lot of difficulties when migrating to a new release. However, they are very good in that each user will be able to create a unique set of tools suitable specifically for their purposes. In general, Photoshop CS6 is the most suitable option for beginners, since it is more visual and contains more tools by default.

Thus, it is better to focus on the “advanced filters” option. They are also capable of changing the processed image, they can distort it or remove noise and adjust the sharpness correctly.

To install the plugin, you need to download its file from the Internet and then move it to the “Photoshop/Plug-Ins” directory. However, some “serious” applications often have own file installations. In this case, their installation is extremely simplified: you just need to start the process and follow the instructions. When the installation is complete, the new filters will appear in the program (you may need to restart it).

So, we looked at how to work in Photoshop CS6. For beginners, the information presented is still enough; you need to consolidate your knowledge in practice, and then comprehend all the intricacies of the process.

Some plugins for Photoshop

Let's take a closer look at the purpose of some “helpers” for Adobe Photoshop. For example, the very popular ICOFormat add-on is specially created for saving especially small images up to 200x200 px using the standard .ico extension.

Genuine Fractals Pro can enlarge an image without losing quality. The Blow Up and AKVIS Magnifier add-ons can be used for the same purpose.

The AKVIS Chameleon plugin is ideal for: It allows you to automatically adjust inserted fragments to the color of the main image. In addition, it somewhat blurs the sharp edges, making the collages more “alive.”

In conclusion…

It should be noted that plugins can be distributed not only separately, but also in the form of large thematic packages. Most processes can be significantly accelerated with their help. However, you need to remember that success in using plugins will only come to those who understand the principle of their operation and can do all these operations manually!

These are the short lessons of Photoshop CS6. Master the program in practice, by trial and error - this is the best option.

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• Cancel: Go back one step, in other words, cancel the last action.
• Run again: Move one step forward, undo the undone step.
• To help you work with undoing/redoing actions, there is a “Log” tab in the right corner of the window; by clicking on the lines with actions in this tab, you can move or return several actions forward and back, up to the initial state of the image.
• Cut Copy Clear Paste: These actions are understandable to any computer user. If there is a selected area in the image, then actions are applied specifically to it.

• Image Size: Allows you to change the dimensions of the edited image in pixels in width and height. Moreover, the size can be changed either with or without maintaining the original proportions, this depends on the checkbox next to the “Maintain proportions” parameter.
• Canvas Size: The canvas is the area on which you can draw or edit an image. With this function you can zoom in and out. When you zoom out, part of the image will be cut off.
• Items Rotate 180 degrees, Rotate 90 degrees clockwise And Rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise understandable without comment.
• Flip Vertical And Flip horizontally: Mirror the image.
• Crop: Cropping the image, the cropping field is set using the mouse.

First, let's figure out what layers are in Photoshop?
The concept of "layer" in Photoshop has exactly the same physical meaning as in life - this is a layer or layer that is integral part something whole.
In Photoshop, as in other graphic editors, this is an extremely useful and irreplaceable thing; to some extent, layers are the main working tools in online photoshop. They allow you to work with each of the image elements separately, without affecting the rest of the image. They can be thought of as a stack of transparencies or tracings; you can draw on each of them, and if there is no image on the film, you can see through it the layers that lie underneath.

To make it easier to work with layers, there is a “Layers” tab on the right side of the program’s working window; it is shown in the figure on the right. The active layer in this tab is highlighted in blue. The visibility of a layer is regulated by the presence of a checkbox on the right; to turn off visibility, you need to uncheck the checkbox. Layers can be dragged up and down using the mouse. The purpose of the buttons at the bottom of the panel, from left to right: changing opacity, turning on a layer mask, adding layer styles (outer shadow, inner shadow, bevel, external glow, inner glow), new layer, delete active layer.

For now, let's move on to the "Layers" menu items.

• New layer: Creates a new layer.
• Duplicate layer: Duplicates the active layer and places it above the active layer.
• Delete layer: Deletes a layer.
• Open image as layer: Opens an image from your computer and displays it as a layer, placing it above the active one on this moment layer.
• Open Image URL like a layer And Open from library as layer performs the same actions as the previous paragraph, only the image is taken from a third-party site or online library.
• Merge Layers: Merges the active layer with the layer below it.
• Merge Visible Layers Merges visible ones this moment layers of the document, in the layers tab they are marked with a checkmark.
• Move Layer Up, Move Layer Down Moves the layer's position in the layers tab.
• Layer Styles Allows you to add decorations for the layer, such as:
  • Cast a shadow
  • Inner shadow
  • External glow
  • Inner glow
• Rasterize layer Converts vector objects, such as text, into a regular image made of dots.
• Add Layer Mask, Remove Layer Mask, Apply Layer Mask Working with masks is similar to layer masks in Photochop.

With other points Rotate layer..., Reflect... everything seems clear.

● Correction

This tool gives us the opportunity to change the brightness and contrast of the image, its color saturation, tonality, and also change each color level of the 3 primary colors separately.

Another one useful feature, which is called Automatic levels will allow you to make automatic image correction.

Below in the menu there are a number of options with pre-configured and changeable parameters. For example, they allow you to turn a photo into a negative or apply a sepia filter to the image so that the photo looks like old photograph in light or dark brown tones.
An interesting option called Cross process. It gives digital photography the look of an 80's photo, i.e. taken with a film camera.

● Filter

IN this menu There is a rich set of various filters for processing and applying them to an image or photo. Moreover, the very names of all these filters will eloquently tell us what will happen to the image if we apply them.

● View

• Zoom in, zoom out Increase/decrease the image display scale.
• Actual pixels Display the drawing in real size.
• Show all Display the image scaled to fit the window.
• Navigator Show/hide the navigator tab located on the right top corner window.
• Layers, Journal Show/hide tabs And Magazine located on the right side of the window.
• Tool Options Show/hide the tool options tab located at the top of the window, below the main menu.
• Full screen mode Very useful option. Allows you to position the editor's working window across the entire monitor window.
• Change the location of the palette The option is still under development.

There is a toolbar on the left side of the editor window.
It is on it that all the most basic and frequently used tools for working in online Photoshop are located.
The functions of the tools are similar to those in regular Photoshop.

Today we will consider the question: “How to use Photoshop?” After all, it is this graphic editor that allows you to solve the most complex problems associated with images. It should be said right away that exact instructions will not be provided here, but only recommendations that allow you to study on your own. So, next you will learn how to use Photoshop.

Preparation

First, let's look at the program itself. The most latest version this editor: Adobe Photoshop CS6. But you don't have to download Last update. The program interface and most of the tools have remained virtually unchanged since the release of the first version. Of course, the first update goes a long way back from CS6. But at the initial stage of learning this program, any version is suitable. By the way, the interface this editor contains 27 various languages. There is also a Russian translation.

Basic Tools

To answer the question: “How to use Photoshop CS6,” you must first consider the main tools of the program. Since without them you will not be able to carry out even the simplest operations. In total, 4 groups of instruments can be distinguished. Below we will briefly look at each of them.

• Selection tools. Great amount operations carried out in Photoshop occur precisely with the help of this group of tools. Selection can be done in different ways. For example, in any way using the lasso tool ( hotkey L) A small area can be separated. For more precise selections, it is recommended to use the “pen” (P). The choice of tools should be made depending on the situation.
• Drawing tools. Surely, you have already come across similar tools in other graphic editors. To draw a picture in any way, you can use a “pencil” or “brush”. Here it is possible to adjust the size and precision of the tools. If you made a little mistake or just want to erase a fragment you don’t need, you can use the eraser. To restore what was lost background image the “archive brush” is used.
• Tools for correction. This group includes various tools for blurring, sharpening, reducing brightness, etc. These tools allow you to perform a wide variety of operations and effects.
• Additional tools. This category can include tools for filling, spot restoration, color selection, typing, etc.

additional information

To understand how to learn to use Photoshop, you first need to familiarize yourself with all the tools. As you've probably already noticed, there are plenty of tools for image editing. But don’t think that it will take you to become familiar with all the tools. a large number of time. This process is always fun and fast.

Conclusion

The question “How to use Photoshop?” very often asked on specialized forums. And sometimes it remains without due attention, since it is impossible to explain to every beginner the basic things associated with this editor every time. It is recommended that you first try experimenting with the tools, filters, and other tools yourself. And after that, approach this issue more seriously. And after some time, you yourself will be able to advise others on how to use Photoshop.

Here is a series of lessons that teach you how to use graphical Photoshop editor- an incredibly popular and indispensable tool in web design, with the help of which not only buttons, banners and logos, but even entire layouts are created for the site. The design of almost any website you visited was originally drawn in Photoshop, so knowledge of this program will definitely be useful for the webmaster, although the skills of image processing and creating your own drawings to a simple user PCs won't be harmed either. Digitizing photographs, retouching old photographs, creating postcards and collages - this is only the beginning of a long list of useful actions that the editor allows you to perform, and a series of lessons will help you get used to it.

Add this page to your bookmarks so you don’t lose the table of contents and consistently study article after article, learning more and more new techniques for working in Photoshop.

But what will you learn in these lessons?

• 1 Getting started in Photoshop - quick selection and fill

  Here you will get acquainted with the program interface, find out what the main interface elements are for, learn how to create documents and save them, and master selecting areas on the canvas. Also from the lesson you will understand how to fill areas with color, and you will understand the principles of working with the program. After mastering the information, you will learn to perform simple steps and you can independently explore other editor tools.

• 2 Layers and text
  

  All Photoshop images are built on layers. This is why editing in the program is so convenient. The lesson will tell you what layers are, why they are needed and how to work with them. In addition, it describes techniques for creating and processing inscriptions, as well as moving objects located on the canvas. After completing this lesson, processing multilayer documents will not be a problem for you.

• 3 Filters
  

  You will get acquainted with a huge library of picture-changing scripts. The editor's filters can not only give the finished image a particular effect, but even create new objects and frame the photo.

• 4 Working with images
  

  The article provides the basics for processing existing graphic files. Editing multiple images at once, moving objects from one picture to another, resizing and deleting unnecessary parts- here is just an incomplete list of lesson topics.

• 5 Transformation
  

  The lesson will teach you how to scale image elements, change proportions, tilt, distort and deform them

• 6 Drawing - brush and pencil
  

  The first in a series of articles talking about tools for creating your own masterpieces. A long time ago Computer techologies have evolved to the point that they can simulate drawing on paper. You will learn to create using a virtual pencil and brush - sketches and watercolor paintings can now be easily drawn and distributed on electronic media, making an unlimited number of copies and without worrying about the safety of your work.

• 7 Drawing - shapes
  

  Creating objects by hand is one thing, but accuracy and speed are sometimes paramount. The lesson talks about tools with which you can create perfectly smooth images in just a few clicks. geometric figures specified sizes. From a simple square to an ellipse, a star, and even a musical note, the article covers everything.

• 8 Drawing - outlines and bitmaps
  

  You will remember once and for all how a vector differs from a raster, what the pros and cons of both approaches are, and you will also learn why shape contours are needed in Photoshop and what the pixel mode does.

• 9 Drawing - Pen tool
  

  Continuing to work with contours, we study the tools of the Pen group. Purpose, method of application, description of parameters, and as a result you will learn to draw atypical contours and create complex geometric objects.

• 10 Drawing - Magnetic pen tool
  

  The Magnetic mode of the Freehand tool has become so popular that it is called the Magnetic Pen, although there is no such separate tool in Photoshop. What this function allows you to do, why users love it so much and how it will help you personally - read the article.

• 11 Image Retouching Tools
  

  To use these editor functions for the Internet, you don’t need to be a layout designer, a designer, a webmaster, or anyone at all. It is enough to be an active user social networks. How to make your face more beautiful, remove moles and freckles? How to process an old scanned photo so that the colors become brighter, and scratches, stains and specks of dust are not so noticeable? How to carefully cut an object, move it or clone it? Where is the tool that will help you remove the red-eye effect from a photograph in just a couple of minutes? Find answers to these and other questions in the article.

• 12 Image correction tools
  

  You already know so much that learning new tools is not a problem. All I had to do was make a review describing the possibilities to improve the quality of pictures - lighten where it is too dark, darken where it is overexposed, blur and add sharpness, mix and smear colors. All in all, Additional Information How else to make an image better is waiting for you in the lesson.

  The pinnacle of creativity for the web is drawing website templates. When you have mastered most of the tools and have enough skills to draw dividers with shapes, buttons for menus, logos, and beautiful inscriptions, nothing prevents you from creating a good, complex layout. The article explains what it consists of standard template, describes the principle of creation, and also teaches how to cut the layout using tools previously unfamiliar to you.

Having paid attention to each of the lessons, analyzing practical examples and by experimenting on your own, as you master the course you will go from beginner to advanced user Photoshop programs and you can go deeper into it yourself by going to new level mastery, and a strong and reliable foundation laid by a series of our articles will help you in this.