1. Getting Started with Photoshop CS3

Adobe Photoshop CS3 is a graphics design and image enhancement program that runs seamlessly on the Windows and Macintosh platforms. Adobe Photoshop comes in two editions: Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended. Photoshop CS3 is a subset of the Extended edition. Photoshop CS3 Extended edition has all the same features included in the standard edition. However, the Extended edition also contains additional features that are geared towards creating more sophisticated content. Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are stand-alone programs, but they’re also part of Adobe’s Creative Suite of professional programs that work together to help you create designs in print, on the Web, or on mobile devices. All Creative Suite 3 programs also include additional shared Adobe programs—Bridge, Stock Photos, Version Cue, Device Central, and Extension Manager—to help you manage and work with files.

Creative artists from Hollywood, brochure designers, as well as casual users turn to Photoshop for its proven ability to create special effects and image composites; however, Photoshop’s ability to manipulate digital images, restore old photographs, as well as create digital artwork from scratch, has made Photoshop the undisputed leader in the digital industry. When it comes to digital photography, Photoshop is literally the best the computer industry has to offer.

Photoshop accepts images created with any digital camera, or traditional photographic film images, converted to the digital format through the use of a scanner. Once an image is opened in Photoshop, the designer can manipulate the image thousands of ways, everything from color correction, reducing dust and scratches in an old image, to removing a tree, or adding a missing friend.

Installing Photoshop CS3

To perform a standard program install, insert the Photoshop CS3 DVD into the DVD player on your computer or download the software online and start the setup program, and follow the onscreen instructions. Make sure to have your serial number handy because you’ll be asked to enter it during the installation process. If you’re updating from a previous version of Photoshop, you’ll be required to verify the older version by instructing Photoshop where on your hard drive the old version exists, or by inserting the previous version’s install disk. Adobe, in an attempt to thwart software piracy, now requires online or phone activation of the program. The process can be postponed for 30 days. However, at the end of 30 days, the Photoshop program will shut down if it has not been properly activated. You can’t blame Adobe for attempting to protect their products, since some surveys suggest there are more pirated versions of Photoshop than those purchased.

Install Photoshop CS3 in Windows

Insert the Photoshop CS3 DVD into your DVD ROM drive, or download the software online to your hard disk.

If necessary, double-click the DVD icon or open the folder with the downloaded software, and then double-click the set up icon.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Important

During the installation process, Photoshop requires you to activate the program. Activation (using the Internet or by phone), must be accomplished within 30 days of installation, or Photoshop will cease to function.

Did You Know?

The CD comes with bonus content. The Resources and Extras CD included with Adobe CS3 products includes bonus content and files in the Goodies folder. Check it out! For more free online resources, go to www.adobe.com and visit Adobe Studio Exchange.

Install Photoshop CS3 in Macintosh

Insert the Photoshop CS3 DVD into your DVD ROM drive, or download the software online to your hard disk.

If necessary, double-click the DVD icon or open the folder with the downloaded software, and then double-click the set up icon.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Did You Know?

You can create a shortcut on the Macintosh. Drag and drop the Photoshop program to the bottom of the monitor screen, and then add it to the shortcuts panel.

Launching Photoshop CS3

You can launch Photoshop like any other program. When you launch Photoshop, a Welcome Screen dialog box appears, displaying easy access links to new features, tutorials, tips and tricks from the experts, color management, informative movies, and more. When you access a link, your browser or Adobe Acrobat Reader opens to display the information or media you want to see. If you don’t want to display the Welcome Screen dialog box every time you launch Photoshop, you can clear a check box on the dialog box. After you dismiss the Welcome Screen dialog box on first use, the Adobe Updater Preferences dialog box appears, asking you to select options to update Photoshop and it’s related software. If you want to access the Welcome Screen or Adobe Updater Preferences dialog box later, you can use the Help menu.

Launch Photoshop CS3 in Windows

Click Start on the taskbar.

Point to All Programs.

Click Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Did You Know?

You can create and use a shortcut icon on your desktop to start Photoshop (Win). Click Start on the taskbar, point to All Programs, right-click Adobe Photoshop CS3, point to Send To, and then click Desktop (Create Shortcut). Double-click the shortcut icon on your desktop to start Photoshop.

You can create and use a keyboard shortcut to start Photoshop (Win). Click Start on the taskbar, point to All Programs, right-click Adobe Photoshop CS3, and then click Properties. In the Shortcut Key box, type or press any letter, number, or function key, such as P, to which Windows adds CTRL+ALT. Click OK to create the keyboard shortcut. From anywhere in Windows, press the keyboard shortcut you defined (Ctrl+Alt+P) to start Photoshop.

For Your Information: Using Adobe Updater Preferences

The Adobe Updater Preferences dialog box allows you to set update options for installed Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Help Center, and Adobe Stock Photos. When you select the Automatically Check For Updates Monthly check box, you can select options to automatically download or ask before performing the download. See “Checking for Updates and Patches” on page 24 for information on using the Adobe Updater Preferences dialog box.

Launch Photoshop CS3 in Macintosh

Open the Programs folder (located on the main hard drive).

Open the Adobe Photoshop CS3 folder.

Double-click the Adobe Photoshop CS3 program icon.

Viewing the Photoshop Window

Showing and Hiding Palettes

PS 1.1

Palettes give you easy access to many task specific commands and operations from color control to vector path information. By default, the main palettes display along the right side of your window. A palette appears with a header, which includes the tab titles and three options: the Minimize/ Maximize button, the Close button, and an Options menu. You can use the Window menu or click a palette tab within a group to display it, and then select options on the palette or choose palette specific commands from the Palette Options menu to perform actions. Instead of continually moving, resizing, or opening and closing windows, you can use the Minimize/Maximize button to collapse or expand individual palettes within a window to save space.

Open and Close a Palette

Click the Window menu.

Click a palette name, such as Color, Layers, Navigator, Options, or Tools.

Timesaver

To close a panel, click the Close button on the panel or the tab you want.

Collapse and Expand a Palette

To collapse or expand an open panel, click the Minimize/ Maximize button or double-click the title tab on the header bar of the palette (New!).

Working with Palettes

PS 1.1

The movable palettes are organized into groups, such as Color/ Swatches/Styles and History/Actions to save screen space and help with workflow. You can also add or subtract specific palettes within a group to customize your workspace. A palette appears with a header, which includes the tab titles and three options: the Minimize/ Maximize button, the Close button, and an Options menu. The Options menu provides you with panel specific commands. The entire set of palettes includes a double arrow at the top you can use to collapse and expand the entire palette between icons and full panels (New!).

Add a Palette

Select a palette by clicking on the named palette, or click the Window menu, and then click the palette name you want to display.

Drag the palette into another group.

Subtract a Palette

Select a palette by clicking on the named palette or click the Window menu, and then click the palette name you want to display.

Drag the palette out of the group.

Drop it onto the desktop (Mac) or Photoshop window (Win).

Did You Know?

You can dock and undock palettes. You can dock and undock, or temporarily attach and detach, palettes or palette groups in docking channels. A docking channel is a region located on the left and right side of the Photoshop window to which you can temporarily attach and detach panels. When you drag a panel over a dockable area, a outline appears around it.

For Your Information: Hiding Palettes While You Work

If Photoshop’s palettes get in the way, just press the Tab key to temporarily hide all the palettes. Or hold down the Shift key, and then press the Tab key to hide the palettes, but not the Toolbox and Options bar. Press the Tab key again to restore all the palettes, including the Navigator palette, to their last used positions.

Collapse and Expand the Palette Set Between Icons and Palettes

To collapse the palette set to icons with text, click the double arrow point right (Collapse to Icons) at the top of the palettes (New!).
To expand the panel set from icons with text to full palettes, click the double arrow pointing left (Expand Dock) at the top of the palettes (New!).

Use the Palette Options Menu

Open or expand a palette.

Click the Options button on the right side of the palette header bar.

Click a command from the list (commands vary).

Working with Photoshop Tools

Photoshop has an abundance of tools; located in the toolbox, they give a Photoshop designer tremendous control over any creative designing problems that may crop up. For example, the Photoshop toolbox contains eight selection tools (you can never have enough selection tools), 10 painting or shape tools, 4 type tools, and 12 tools dedicated to restoring and manipulating old images. Add to that mix, slicing, sampling, and view tools and you have a total of 59 dedicated tools. When you work on a document, it’s important to know what tools are available, and how they help in achieving your design goals. Photoshop likes to save space, so it consolidates similar tools under one button. To access multiple tools, click and hold on any toolbox button that contains a small black triangle, located in the lower-right corner of the tool button. Take a moment to explore the Photoshop toolbox and get to know the tools.

The Photoshop toolbox contains the tools needed to work through any Photoshop job, but it’s not necessary to click on a tool to access a tool. Simply using a letter of the alphabet can access all of Photoshop’s tools. For example, pressing the V key, switches to the Move tool, and pressing the W key, switches to the Magic Wand tool. In addition, if a tool has more than one option, such as the Gradient and Paint Bucket tool, pressing the Shift key, along with the tool’s shortcut lets you cycle through the tool’s other options. You can refer to Adobe Photoshop CS3 Keyboard Shortcuts (available for download on the Web at www.perspection.com) for more information on all the letter assignments for the various tools. To really get efficient in Photoshop, you need to learn to use both hands. Use one hand for your mouse or drawing tablet, and the other on the keyboard to make quick changes of tools and options. Think of playing Photoshop, like a piano—use both hands.

Using the Options Bar

The Options bar displays the options for the currently selected tool. If you are working with the Shape Marquee tools, options such as Feather, Styles, Width, and Height appear. When working with Brushes, tool options such as Brush size, Mode, Opacity, Style, Area and Tolerance appear. Airbrush and Paintbrush tools shows some of the Brushes options, but also includes Flow. The Pencil tool shows Auto Erase, along with the standard Brushes options. The Standard Shape tool Options bar includes Fill Pixels, Geometry, Blending Modes, Opacity, and Anti-alias. The important thing to remember is that the Options bar is customized based on the tool you have selected. For more information on these options, refer to Chapters 4, 6, and 9.

Creating a New Document

PS 1.3

Creating a new Photoshop document requires more thought than creating a new word processing document. For example, there are resolution and color mode considerations to make. You can create as many new documents as you need for your current project. However, since opening more than one document takes more processing power, it’s probably best to work on one new document at a time. Once a new document is created, you have access to all of Photoshop’s design and manipulation tools to create anything your imagination can see.

Create a New Document

Click the File menu, and then click New.

Type a name for the document.

Important

Typing a name does not save the document. You still need to save your document after you create it.

Click the Preset list arrow, and then select a preset document, or choose your own options to create a custom document.

Width and Height. Select from various measurements, such as points, centimeters, and inches.
Resolution. Select a resolution, such as 72 pixels/inch (ppi) for online use and 300 ppi for print.
Color Mode. Select a color mode, such as RGB for color and Grayscale for noncolor.
Background Contents. Select a background color or a transparent background.

Click OK.

For Your Information: Creating a Custom Preset Document

You may find that you use the same document over and over again. To save time, you can save the settings as a preset document. In the New dialog box, click the Preset list arrow, click a setting, and then change the various options to make your customized document. To name your customized preset, type a name in the Name box, and then click Save Preset.

Selecting Color Modes and Resolution

PS 1.3

Selecting a Color Mode

A color mode, also known as color space, determines how Photoshop displays and prints an image. You choose a different color mode (based on models using in publishing) for different tasks. You can choose a color mode while you create a new document or change a color mode for an existing document. The common color modes include:

Grayscale. Best for printing black-and-white and duotone images. This mode uses one channel and has a maximum of 256 shades of gray.

RGB (Red, Green, and Blue). Best for online and multimedia color images. RGB are also the primary colors on a monitor.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). Best for commercial printing color images.

LAB (Luminosity A and B channels). Best for performing image correction. This mode puts all grayscale information on the L channel and splits the colors on the A and B channels.

For more information on color, see Chapter 8, “Understanding Colors and Channels.”

Selecting Image Resolution

Photoshop works primarily with raster documents. Raster documents are images composed of pixels. A pixel is a unit of information that holds the color and detail information of the image. Thinking of a Photoshop image as a brick wall, with the individual bricks in the wall representing the individual pixels in the image, is an excellent way to envision a Photoshop document. Documents opened in Photoshop have a specific resolution. The resolution of the image, along with its width and height, represents how many pixels the image contains. Since pixels (the bricks in a wall) represent information, the more pixels a document contains, the more information Photoshop has to manipulate or enhance the image.

A typical 17-inch monitor displays pixels at a resolution of 1024×768. You can figure out how many pixels are present on a monitor at 1024×768 by multiplying 1024 × 768, which equals to 786,432 pixels on the screen. The resolution is equal to how many pixels fit into each monitor inch, which is known as ppi (pixels per inch). A typical monitor displays pixels at 72ppi.

To determine the size of an image in inches, we divide the pixels by the ppi. For example, for an image 1024 pixels wide, 1024 / 72 = 14.2 inches. To determine the pixels present in an image, you multiple the size by the ppi. For example, for a 3 inch image, 3 × 72 = 216. As the image resolution drops, so does the output quality of the image. Pixelization occurs when the resolution is so low that the edges of the pixel begin to appear. The higher the resolution (more pixels), the sharper the image. However, the higher the resolution, the larger the file size. To optimize the use of a file, you need to use the correct resolution for a specific task. Use 72ppi for Web pages, CD-ROMs, and Multimedia; use 150ppi for an Inkjet printer; use 200ppi for Photo printers; and use 300ppi for commercial printing.

When working with images, it’s always a good idea to start with a larger image size. You can always reduce the size of the image (subtract pixels) without losing any quality. If you need to enlarge an image, you run the risk of losing image quality. When you enlarge an image, the number of pixels doesn’t increase as the image does, so the pixels become larger which mean a rougher image.

Creating a New Document Using Presets

PS 1.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3

When you create documents for specific purposes, such as a mobile device (New!), Web, film, or video, you know the importance of creating documents that will perfectly match the requirements of output to the screen. The preset file sizes available in the Preset menu let you create images at a size and pixel aspect ratio that compensate for scaling when you incorporate them into the output you want. When you work with the Preset menu, the guesswork of creating compatible, photo, Web, mobile device, film and video documents in Photoshop is a thing of the past.

Create a New Document Using Presets

Click the File menu, and then click New.

Click the Preset list arrow, and then select from the available presets (New!):

Photo
Web
Mobile & Devices
Film & Video
Custom

Click the Size list arrow, and then select the preset you want. The options vary depending on the type of document you want to create.

Photo. For example, Landscape 4 × 6.
Web. For example, 640 ×480.
Mobile & Devices. For example, 176 × 208.
Film & Video. For example, HDTV 1080p/29.97.

If you want, adjust the available options to create the new document you want, such as Width, Height, Resolution, Color Mode, and Background.

Click OK.

For Your Information: Using a Video Preview Option

Photoshop now includes a Video Preview option that lets you preview your documents on a display device, such as a standard or DVD screen. The device must be attached to your computer through the use of the FireWire port. Once the device is attached, open a document, click the File menu, point to Export, and then click Send Video Preview To Device. To set output options before viewing your document on the device, click the File menu, point to Export, and then click Video Preview. The Video Preview option supports RGB, grayscale, and indexed images, either 8 or 16-bits per channel. You can adjust the aspect ratio for proper display of images. First, select the aspect ratio of the display device, either Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9), and then select a placement option, such as Center or Crop to 4:3, for the image. To maintain an image’s (non-square) pixel aspect ratio, select the Apply Pixel Aspect Ratio To Preview check box.

Working with Non-Squared Pixels

PS 5.2, 5.3

Images displayed on a computer monitor are made up of square pixels. Conversely, an image displayed on a video monitor is analog and does not involve pixel shape. Non-square pixels are the most commonly used by encoding devices for video production. When importing an image created by a square-pixel graphics program into a video editing program such as Adobe Premiere, the square pixels are automatically scaled to the non-square pixels for video encoding. This scaling results in a distorted image. By default, non-square pixel documents open with Pixel Aspect Ratio Correction enabled. This enables you to preview how the image will appear on the output device such as a video monitor, and see how it will appear when exported to an analog video device. In keeping with an ever-changing industry, Adobe added three new Pixel Aspect Ratio options: D4/D16 Standard (0.95), HDV Anamorphic (1.333), and D4/D16 Anamorphic (1.0).

Work with Non-Squared Pixels

Click the File menu, and then click New.

On the bottom of the New dialog box, click the Pixel Aspect Ratio list arrow, select any of the non-square pixel settings, and then click OK.

Click the Window menu, point to Arrange, and then click New Window to create a new window for the active document.

Click the Window menu, point to Arrange, and then click Tile to view both images side-by-side.

Select the new window.

Click the View menu, and then click Pixel Aspect Ratio to toggle between corrected view and uncorrected view. (The default is corrected.)

The original window shows the corrected aspect ratio, and the new window displays the same document without pixel aspect ratio correction.

Opening Images

Photoshop lets you open image files created in different formats, such as TIFF, JPG, GIF, and PNG, as well as open Photoshop documents in the PSD or PSB formats. If you want to simply open an image or Photoshop document, the Open dialog box is the most efficient way. However, if you need to mange, organize, or process files, Adobe Bridge is the way to go. You open an existing Photoshop document or image file the same way you open documents in other programs. However, you have two Open dialog box display options: Adobe or OS.

Open an Image

Click the File menu, and then click Open to display all file types in the file list of the Open dialog box.

Timesaver

Point to the Open Recent command on the File menu to quickly open a recent file.

To use a different Open dialog box display, click Use Adobe Dialog or click Use OS Dialog.

Click the Format (Win) or Enable (Mac) list arrow, and then select a format.

Click the the Look In (Win) or Where (Mac) list arrow, and then choose the location where the image you want to open is stored.

Click the image file you want to open.

Timesaver

Press and hold the Shift key to select multiple files to open in the Open dialog box.

Click Open.

For Your Information: Opening a File as Another Format

The Open As command on the File menu allows you to open a file in Photoshop as another format, which can save you time by opening and saving a file in separate steps. Click the File menu, click Open As, select the file you want to open, display all files, select the desired format from the Open As (Mac) or Format (Win) list arrow, and then click Open. If the file does not open, then the chosen format may not match the file’s true format, or the file may be damaged.

Inserting Images in a Document

You can use Photoshop’s Place command to insert artwork into an open document. To increase your control of the new image information, Photoshop places the new image into a separate layer. Photoshop lets you place files in PDF, Adobe Illustrator, and EPS formats. When you first place a vector-based image into Photoshop, you have the ability to modify the width, height, and rotation as a pure vector image. However, since Photoshop is primarily a raster program, when you finalize your changes, Photoshop rasterizes the file information (converts the vector into pixels), and saves it as a Smart Object. Which means you cannot edit the placed documents as you would a vector shape or path.

Insert an Image in a Document Using the Place Command

Open a Photoshop document.

Click the File menu, and then click Place.

Select the document you want to place into the active document.

Click Place.

Photoshop places the image in a new layer, directly above the active layer, and then encloses it within a free-transform bounding box.

Control the shape by manipulating the corner and side nodes of the freeform bounding box.

Press Enter (Win) or Return (Mac) to rasterize the image at the resolution of the active document.

Did You Know?

You can scan images into Photoshop. With the scanner hardware and software connected and installed (including the Twain plug-in), click the File menu, point to Import, click Twain, set scan settings, and then click Scan.

Importing Raw Data from a Digital Camera

PS 1.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4

Camera raw image file formats are created by most mid to high-end digital cameras and contain all the information about how the image was taken. The raw format turns off all camera adjustments, and simply saves the image information to the digital film. When you open a raw image file, Photoshop opens the Camera Raw, which allows you to adjust the image details. If you’re not sure what to do, you can click Auto to have Camera Raw do it or drag color sliders (New!) to adjust options manually. You can adjust color tones, reduce noise, correct for lens defects, and retouch—with the Heal, Clone and Red Eye tools (New!)—images. To adjust color tones, you can change exposure, highlights recovery (New!), fill light, blacks, brightness, contrast and saturation—with Vibrance (New!) and Saturation. Raw images are larger; however, the increase in file size is actually more information that can be used by the Camera Raw to adjust the image. In addition raw images can be converted into 16-bit, which provides more control over adjustments, such as tonal and color correction. Once processed, raw images can be saved in the DNG (Digital Negative), TIF, PSD, PSB, or JPEG formats. You can create an action, or use the Batch, Image Processor or Create Droplet commands to automate the processing of camera raw files. When a raw file is placed as a Smart Object, Photoshop embeds the raw data within the document, allowing you to change the raw settings and update the converted layer.

Import a Camera Raw File

Click the File menu, and then click Open.

To place a raw file as a Smart Object, click the File menu, and then click Place.

Click the Format (Mac) or Files Of Type (Win) list arrow, and then click Camera Raw.

Select a single camera raw image file, or Ctrl (Win) or (Mac)+ click to select more than one file.

Click Open.

Photoshop opens the image into the Camera Raw dialog box, displaying the Basic tab.

Click any of the tabs—Basic, Tone Curve, Detail (Sharpen & Noise Reduction), HSL / Grayscale, Split Toning, Lens Correction, Camera Calibration, or Presets—to change the options you want.

To automatically make tonal adjustments, click Auto on the Basic tab, and then make any other manual adjustments.

Use the following tools to modify the image:

Use the Zoom, Hand, Rotate, Crop, and Straighten tools to change the size, orientation, and position of the image.
Use the White Balance tools to set the image white balance or the Color Sample tool to sample a color from the image.
Use the Retouch (Heal or Clone) or Red Eye tools (New!) to fix the image.

Select from the available image view options:

Image Preview. Displays the active image.
Zoom Level. Changes the view of the active image.
Histogram. Displays information on the colors and brightness levels in the active image.

Select the list arrows to change the (color) Space, (bit) Depth, Size, and Resolution of the image.

Click Save Image(s) to specify a folder destination, file name, and format for the processed images.

Select the images you want to synchronize (apply settings) in the Filmstrip (if desired, click Select All), and then click Synchronize.

Click the Camera Raw Menu button to Load, Save, or Delete a specific set of Raw settings.

When you’re done, click Done to process the file, but not open it, or click Open Image(s) to process and open it in Photoshop. Hold Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) to use Open Copy or Reset.

Working with Smart Objects

PS 7.1, 7.2

A Smart Object is a container that you can embed raster/pixel (e.g. PSD, Camera Raw) or vector (e.g. AI, PDF, EPS) image data, for instance, from another Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator file that retains all its original characteristics and remains fully editable. A Smart Object can be scaled, rotated, and warped nondestructively without losing original image data in Photoshop. Smart Objects store source data with the original object, so you can work on a representation (composite data) of the image without changing the original—one file embedded within another. For example, when an Illustrator Smart Object is double-clicked in the Layers palette, Photoshop launches Illustrator and opens a working copy of the artwork. When Illustrator makes changes and saves the file, Photoshop automatically re-rasterize the file. If you duplicate a Smart Object, Photoshop stores only one copy of the source data while creating a second instance of the composite data. When you edit one Smart Object, Photoshop updates all copies. You can create Smart Objects by converting selected layers, pasting Illustrator data from the clipboard, using the Place command to insert a file, or using the Open As Smart Object command (New!).

Work with Smart Objects

Use one of the following to create a Smart Object:

Click the File menu, click Open As Smart Object, select a file, and then click Open.
Click the File menu, and then click Place to import into an open Photoshop document.
Select a layer, click the Layer menu, point to Smart Objects, and then click Convert To Smart Object.

Use the bounding box to modify the image to the shape you want.

Press Enter (Win) or Return (Mac) to convert the image to a Smart Object (in the Layers palette).

To make a copy, drag the Smart Object layer to the New Layer button.

Double-click the thumbnail of the original or copy to open the editor for the Smart Object.

Use the transform tools to make the desired changes to the image, save, and then close the editor window.

When you’re done working with a Smart Object, use any of the following:

Convert to normal layer. Select the layer, click the Layer menu, point to Rasterize, and then click Smart Object.
Export contents. Select the layer, click the Layer menu, point to Smart Objects, and then click Export Contents.

Photoshop save the contents in it’s original format. or PSB if it was created from a layer.

Replace contents. Select the layer, click the Layer menu, point to Smart Objects, click Replace Contents, select a file, and then click Open.

Did You Know?

You can’t alter pixel data. If you want to use painting, dodging, burning, or cloning tools, you need to convert the Smart Object layer to a normal layer.

You can apply a filter to a Smart Object. When you apply a filter to a Smart Object, the filter becomes a Smart Filter. Smart Filters appear in the Layers palette below the Smart Object layer, where you can show or hide them independently; they are nondestructive. You can apply any filter, except Extract, Liquify, Pattern Maker, and Vanishing Point.

For Your Information: Understanding Nondestructive Editing

In Photoshop, nondestructive editing allows to back out of changes you make to image without modifying the original image. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different effects without worrying about your original image. You can perform nondestructive editing in many different areas of Photoshop. These include (1) Transforming with Smart Objects, (2) Filtering with Smart Filters, (3) Adjusting variations, shadows, and highlights with Smart Objects, (4) Editing in Camera Raw, (5) Opening Camera Raw Files as Smart Objects, (6) Cropping nondestructively, (7) Masking with layers and vectors, (8) Retouching on a separate layer using Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Spot Healing Brush tools, and (9) Working with adjustment layers.

Changing Image Size and Resolution

You can modify the size and resolution of a document after opening. However, be aware that changing the size and/or the resolution of an image forces Photoshop to add or subtract pixels from the image in a process called interpolation. For example, when you change the resolution of an image from 72 ppi (pixels per inch) to 144 ppi, Photoshop must add more pixels. Conversely, if you reduce the resolution, Photoshop must remove pixels. The image interpolation method determines how Photoshop completes this process. You can use the Nearest Neighbor method for the fastest way, but it produces the poorest visual image. Or, you can use the Bicubic Sharper method which takes the longest to perform, but produces the best visual results.

Change Image Size

Open an image.

Click the Image menu, and then click Image Size.

Select the Resample Image check box.

Click the Resample Image list arrow, and then select an option:

Nearest Neighbor. Best for quick results with low quality.
Bilinear. Best for line art.
Bicubic. Default, best for most purposes with high quality.
Bicubic Smoother. Best for enlarging an image.
Bicubic Sharper. Best for reducing an image.

To maintain image proportions, select the Constrain Proportions check box.

Enter the desired sizes in the image size boxes.

If you choose to constrain proportions in step 5, when you change a size, the other boxes will adjust automatically.

Click OK.

For Your Information: Using a Large Canvas Size

Photoshop supports documents up to 300,000 pixels in either dimension, and with up to 56 channels per file. Photoshop offers three file formats for saving documents with file sizes greater than 2 GB: PSD, RAW, and TIFF. It’s important to note that most programs, including an older version of Photoshop (before the CS version), support a maximum file size of 2 GB.

Change Image Resolution

Open an image.

Click the Image menu, and then click Image Size.

Clear the Resample Image check box.

Enter a resolution, which automatically adjusts the Height and Width fields.

Click OK.

Checking for Updates and Patches

As time passes, Photoshop—like any other program—will change. There are two types of changes to an program: updates and patches. Updates are enhancements to a program such as a new feature, option, or command. Patches are problems discovered after the public release of the program. The good news is that both updates and patches are free, and once downloaded are self-installing. Adobe gives you two ways to check for changes. You can check on your own from the Adobe Web site, or directly through the Adobe Updater. The Adobe Updater Preferences dialog box allows you to set update options for Photoshop and other installed Adobe products, such as Bridge. You can set the update preferences to check for updates monthly and automatically download them or ask before performing the download.

Check for Updates Directly from the Internet

Open your Internet browser.

Go to the following Web address: www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/

Click the list arrow, and then click the Photoshop - Macintosh or Photoshop Windows.

Click Go.

Any updates or patches appear in a list.

Based on your operating system, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the software.

Important

Checking on your own requires a computer with a connection to the Internet. Since some of the updates can be rather large, it’s recommended you have high-speed access; 56k is good, DSL or cable modem is better.

Check for Updates from the Photoshop Help Menu

Launch Adobe Photoshop, if necessary.

Click the Help menu, and then click Updates.

Photoshop automatically connects you to the Internet, and checks for updates. If there are any updates available, Adobe downloads and installs them.

Important

Remember, these files can be quite large. So, if you’re running with a slow Internet connection speed, you might want to perform downloading files at a low traffic time. Also, by making sure you don’t have other programs running, you can maximize your system’s resources for the downloading of files.

When the check or download is complete, the Adobe Updater dialog box opens.

To change Adobe Updater preferences, click Preferences, select the Check The Automatically Check For Updates Every Month check box, select the update and program options you want, and then click OK.

Click OK.

Getting Help While You Work

Working in Photoshop can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating when you’re looking for that specific piece of information to complete a project. Adobe understands how important it is to have access to information quickly, so they created the Adobe Help Center with different types of help options, including Help for all products in one place, Adobe Expert Support, and access to learning resources on adobe.com. Clicking the Help menu gives you access to an entire range of Help options, including dozens of tips and tricks. Adobe Help Center is a free, downloadable program that is updated periodically and can be downloaded through Adobe Help Center preferences.

Get Help While You Work

Click the Help menu, and then select from the available options:

Photoshop Help
How to Create Web Images
How to Customize and Automate
How to Fix and Enhance Photos
How to Paint and Draw
How to Prepare Art for Other Applications
How to Print Photos
How to Work with Color
How to Work with Layers and Selections
How to Work with Type

When you’re done reading about your help topic, click the Close button.

Did You Know?

You can get help with Photoshop through the Internet. Click the Help menu, and then click Photoshop Online (requires an Internet connection) to display the Adobe Web site, where there is more helpful information.

Creating Personalized Tips

PS 1.1

Not only does Photoshop give you access to helpful information, but it also lets you create you own personalized tips. Personalized tips allow you to create your very own Help system. For example, you discover this great way to color-correct an image that involves 6 or 7 steps; you’ve written the steps down, but you keep losing the paper. Creating a customized tip requires a bit of Web programming knowledge, but the time spent learning how to create a basic Web page is worth the effort. As a matter of fact, you could use an program such as: GoLive to generate the pages, and then save them in a format acceptable to the Photoshop Help menu.

Create Personalized Tips

Click the Help menu, point to How To Create How Tos, and then click Create Your Own How To Tips.

Photoshop opens BB Edit (Mac) or your browser with instructions to open a text editor (Win).

Open the HTML template Add_001.html, located in the Adobe Photoshop CS3/Help/Additional How To Content folder, or create you own html document from scratch.

Save the new help document using a descriptive name, such as How to Template, in the Adobe Photoshop CS3/Help/Additional How To Content folder, and then close the editor.

Restart Photoshop, and then click the Help menu to access your new help document.

Did You Know?

You can use any Web editing program to create help tips. Open a Web program, and then create the help tip. Make sure you save the file in the Adobe Photoshop CS3/Help/Additional How To Content folder.

Saving a Document

When you finish working on your Photoshop document, you need to save it before you close the document or exit Photoshop. While this may seem like a simple task, there are questions that must be asked before saving a file, like What is the final output of the image? For example, if the document is destined for the Internet, you’ll probably save the document using the JPEG, GIF, or PNG formats. Each output device, whether monitor or paper, requires a specific format, and it’s best to know this information at the beginning of the creation process. Knowing the final output of an image helps you create the design with the output in mind.

Save a Document

Click the File menu, and then click Save.

Enter a name for the file in the File Name (Win) or Save As (Mac) box.

Click the Format list arrow, and then select a format.

Click the Save In (Win) or Where list arrow, and then choose where to store the image.

Select from the available Save options:

As A Copy. Saves a copy of the file while keeping the current file on your desktop.
Alpha Channels. Saves or removes alpha channel information for the image.
Layers. Maintains all layers in the image. If this option is cleared or unavailable, all visible layers are flattened or merged (depending on the selected format).
Annotations. Saves annotations with the image.
Spot Colors. Saves or removes spot channel information for the image.

Select from the available Color options:

Use Proof Setup. Creates a color-managed document.
Embed Color Profile (Mac) or ICC Profile (Win). Embeds proof profile information in an untagged document. If the document is tagged, the profile is embedded by default.

Select from other available options (Win):

Thumbnail. Saves thumbnail data for the file.

To use this option, you need to select Ask When Saving for the Image Previews option in the File Handling area of the Preferences dialog box.

Use Lower Case Extension. Makes the file extension lowercase.

Click Save, and then click OK, if necessary, to maximize the compatibility of the file save.

For Your Information: Understanding the Save Commands

When you use the Save command on the File menu to save an existing document, Photoshop performs the save without opening a dialog box. That means the original document file has been replaced with the current state of the image. To preserve the original document, use the Save As command on the File menu, and then give the document file a new name. For example, a file originally named landscape.psd could be saved as landscape_1.psd. Every hour, stop, select Save As, and create another version of the file (landscape_2.psd, landscape_3.psd). That way you have an historical record of the progress made on the document, and if you ever need to go back in time, you have the image files necessary to make the trip easy.

Using the Status Bar

To work efficiently in Photoshop you need information about the active document. Details about the document’s size, resolution, color mode, and current size all help in the design and preparation of the final image. Photoshop displays current information about the active document through the Status bar, located at the bottom of the program window (Win), or document window (Mac).

Use the Status Bar

Click the black triangle near the Status bar info box, and then select from the following options:

Version Cue. Indicates whether Version Cue file management has been enabled.
Document Sizes. The left number indicates the flattened size of the image file, and the right number indicates the size of the open file, based on layers and options.
Document Profile. Displays information on the color profile assigned to the document.
Document Dimensions. Represents the width and height of the image.
Scratch Sizes. The left number indicates the scratch disk space required by Photoshop, and the right number indicates the available scratch disk space.
Efficiency. Displays a percentage that represents Photoshop efficiency based on available RAM and scratch disk space.
Timing. Records the amount of time required to perform the last command or adjustment.
Current Tool. Displays the current tool.
32-bit Exposure. Lets you control the overall image exposure.

Closing a Document

To conserve your computer’s resources, close any Photoshop documents you are not working on. You can close open documents one at a time, or you can use one command to close all open documents without closing the program. Either way, if you try to close a document without saving your final changes, a dialog box appears, prompting you to do so.

Close a Document

Click the Close button in the document window.

Timesaver

Press Ctrl+W (Win) or +W (Mac) to close the active document.

If necessary, click Yes to save your changes.

Did You Know?

You can close all documents in one step. Click the File menu, and then click Close All. If necessary, click Yes to save your changes for each document. You can also press Alt+Ctrl+W (Win) or Option++W (Mac) to close all documents.

You can close documents and open the Bridge in one step. If you wish to close the open document or documents and then open the Bridge, click the File menu, and then click Close And Go To Bridge.

Exiting Photoshop

Now that you’ve decided how you want to save your Photoshop document, it’s time to leave Photoshop. You’ll want to make sure that all of your documents have been properly saved and closed before you exit Photoshop. Photoshop performs a bit of memory management, saves the current location of the palettes and toolboxes, and then quits.

Exit Photoshop from Windows

Click the File menu.

Click Exit.

Timesaver

Click the Close button on the program window or press Ctrl+Q to exit Photoshop.

If necessary, click Yes to save your changes.

Photoshop closes and you are brought back to your desktop.

Quit Photoshop from Macintosh

Click the Photoshop menu.

Click Quit Photoshop.

Timesaver

Press +Q to exit Photoshop.

If necessary, click Yes to save your changes.

Photoshop closes and you are brought back to your desktop.

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Table of Contents for 1. Getting Started with Photoshop CS3

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