20. Extending Photoshop
What You’ll Do
Introduction
Adobe Photoshop comes in two editions: Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended. Photoshop CS4 is a subset of the Extended edition. Photoshop CS4 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.
If you need to count objects in an image for statistical purposes, you can use the Count tool. The Count tool allows you to manually click an image and track the number of times you do it. If you need to physically count the number of elements that appear in a photo, you can click the image to add numbers, so you don’t have to remember them. If you need to measure an area in an image and track the measurement data for statistical purposes, you can use the Measurement feature. You can measure any area defined with one of Photoshop’s selection tools, Ruler tool, or Count tool. The Measurement feature allows you to compute and track data points, such as width, height, area, and perimeter.
Photoshop Extended allows you to create a timeline-based animation. If you want to add video to a document, you can create a new video layer. You can create a video layer from a file, or create a blank one and add a video file to it later. After you insert a video layer, you can modify it using the Animation panel in Timeline view. You can change the start and stop points (also known as In and Out points), trim frames, add a fade-in or fade-out, or add animation using keyframes.
Counting Objects in an Image
If you need to count objects in an image for statistical purposes, you can use the Count tool in Photoshop Extended. The Count tool allows you to manually click an image and track the number of times you do it. If you need to physically count the number of elements that appear in a photo, you can click the image to add numbers, so you don’t have to remember them. After you manually count by clicking, you can record the count in the Measurement Log. The count numbers are not saved with the document. If you have multiple selections in an image, Photoshop can automatically count them and record the results in the Measurement Log panel.
Count Objects in an Image Manually
Open a document.
Select the Count tool on the toolbox, now in the same section as the Eyedropper tool (New!).
To change the color, click the Color box on the Options bar, select a color, and then click OK.
Click in the image to add numbers in sequential order.
To work with the numbers, do any of the following:
Move.Drag the existing number.
Remove.Press Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) and click an existing number.
Reset.Click Clear in the Options bar to reset the count to 0.
Show or Hide.Click the View menu, point to Show, and then click Count.
To view the measurement data, click the Window menu, and then click Measurement Log.
To record the count to the Measurement Log, click Record Measurements in the Measurement Log panel.
Count Objects in an Image Automatically
Open a document.
Select the Magic Wand tool on the toolbox, or click the Select menu, and then click Color Range.
Magic Wand.You may need to adjust the Tolerance level to select the objects you want.
Color Range.You may need to set Fuzziness and choose specific colors to select the objects you want.
Click the Analysis menu, point to Select Data Points, and then click Custom.
Click the Deselect All button, and then select the Count check box in the Selections area.
Click OK.
Click the Window menu, and then click Measurement Log to open the Measurement Log panel.
Click Record Measurements in the Measurement Log panel.
Photoshop counts the selection areas and enters the number in the Custom column in the Measurement Log.
See Also
See “Working with Guides, Grid & Slices” on page 64 for information on changing the color of the count number.
Taking Measurements in an Image
If you need to measure an area in an image and track the measurement data for statistical purposes, you can use the Measurement feature in Photoshop Extended. You can measure any area defined with one of Photoshop’s selection tools, Ruler tool, or Count tool. The measurement feature allows you to compute and track data points, such as width, height, area, and perimeter. Photoshop tracks the measurement data in the Measurement Log panel, which you can customize to display the information you want. Before you start measuring, it’s important to set the measurement scale to specify what you want a specific number of pixels to represent in units, such as inches, millimeters, microns, or pixels. To make it easier to measure, you can place scale markers on an image to display the measurement scale.
Set Measurement Scale
Click the Analysis menu, point to Set Measurement Scale, and then click Custom.
Specify the pixel and logical length, and then specify the logical units.
To save the measurement scale as a preset for later use, click Save Preset, type a name, and then click OK.
Click OK.
Place a Scale Marker
Click the Analysis menu, and then click Place Scale Marker.
Enter a number for the length of the scale marker in pixels.
To show the logical length and units for the scale marker, select the Display Text check box and choose specific font and font size.
Click the Bottom or Top option to specify where you want the text caption.
Click the Black or White option to set the scale marker and caption color.
Click OK.
Perform a Measurement
Open a document.
Click the Analysis menu, point to Select Data Points, and then click Custom.
Select the check boxes next to the data points you want to measure and track for the different tools.
Click OK.
Use any of the following methods to specify what you want to measure:
Selection.Create one or more selections.
Ruler.Select the Ruler tool in the toolbox, and then drag the tool to measure what you want.
Count.Select the Count tool in the toolbox, and then click to count items.
Click the Window menu, and then click Measurement Log to open the Measurement Log panel.
Click the Analysis menu, and then click Record Measurements to record the count to the Measurement Log.
Did You Know?
You can delete a scale marker.In the Layers panel, select the Measure Scale Marker Layer group for the scale you want to delete, right-click the layer group, and then click Delete Group.
You can add or replace scale markers.Click the Analysis menu, click Place Scale Marker, click Remove or Keep, specify settings for the new marker, and then click OK.
Aligning and Combining Layers
PS 4.2
Ever wanted to replace or delete parts of an image that have the same background or combine images that share overlapping content? In Photoshop, you can do it with the Auto-Align Layers and Auto-Blend Layers commands. The Auto-Align Layers command automatically aligns different layers that contain similar content. One layer is assigned to be the reference layer and all other layers are aligned to the reference layer in order to match everything up. You can manually set the reference layer, or let Photoshop automatically choose it for you. Sometimes when you align images, a visible stitching appears between them. You can use the Auto-Blend Layers command with RGB or grayscale images to create a smooth appearance between the aligned images. Auto-Blend Layers uses layer masks to remove content differences between the images.
Align Layers
Open a document.
Duplicate or place the images you want to align on different layers.
To set a reference layer, select the layer you want, and then click the Lock button on the Layers panel.
If you don’t have a locked layer, Photoshop will create one for you.
Select the layers you want to align in the Layers panel.
Click the Edit menu, and then click Auto-Align Layers.
Click one of the layout alignment options:
Auto.Analyzes the images and uses either the Perspective, Spherical, or Cylindrical layout.
Perspective.Creates a stretched or skewed effect on the side images.
Collage.Retains object shapes while aligning layers and matching overlapping content (New!).
Cylindrical.Reduces a bow-tie effect by displaying images as if they were on an unfolded cylinder.
Spherical.(New!) Transforms images spherically using wide fields of view.
Reposition.Aligns the layers and matches overlapping content.
Select Vignette Removal (New!) to remove unwanted lens vignette and Geometric Distortion to automatically correct for fisheye lenses.
Click OK.
To fine-tune the alignment or make tonal changes, click the Edit menu, and then click Free Transform.
Combine and Blend Layers
Select the layers you want to combine in the Layers panel.
Click the Edit menu, and then click Auto-Blend Layers.
Select the Panorama or Stack Images option.
Click OK.
Did You Know?
You can create an image stack (Extended).If you have images with a similar size, you can create an image stack. Create a document with each image as a separate layer. Select the all the layers, use the Auto-Align Layers command with the Auto option, convert the layers to Smart Objects, and then create an image stack. Click the Layer menu, point to Smart Objects, point to Stack Mode, and then select a stack mode from the submenu. To remove a stack, click None on the submenu. You can edit an image stack like any other Smart Object.
Opening Video Files and Image Sequences
In Photoshop Extended, you can open video files and image sequences using the Open command from the File menu in the formats listed in the table below. Video layers can contain files with the following color modes and bits per channel (bpc):
Grayscale. 8, 16, or 32 bpc
RGB. 8, 16, or 32 bpc
CMYK. 8 or 16 bpc
Lab. 8 or 16 bpc
Creating a Video Layer
If you want to add video to a document, you can create a new video layer in Photoshop Extended. You can create a video layer from a file, or create a blank one and add a video file to it later. If you want to open a video later, you can use the Open command from the File menu. Photoshop opens a variety of video files and image sequences. You can even play the video with sound by either clicking Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) when you hit the Play button, or toggle the sound icon on the bottom of the panel (New!).
Create a Video Layer
Open a document.
Click the Window menu, and then click Animation to display the Animation panel.
Click the Convert to Timeline Animation button to switch to Timeline view.
Click the Layer menu, point to Video Layers, and then click the layer type you want:
From File.Click New Video Layer from File, select a video or image sequence, and then click Open.
Blank.Click New Blank Video Layer.
If you want to open a video file and add it to a layer, click the File menu, click Open, select the video file you want to open, and then click Open.
Did You Know?
You can create a still frame from a video layer.If you want a still image from a video, you can rasterize the video layer, creating a flattened composite of the current frame. Select the video layer you want, move the playback head to the frame you want, click the Layer menu, point to Rasterize, and then click Video or Layer.
Modifying a Video Layer
After you insert a video layer, you can modify it in Photoshop Extended using the Animation panel in Timeline view. You can zoom in and out to display the Timeline the way you want, and then drag the playhead, also known as the current-time indicator, to the time or frame number in the video where you want to start your modifications. You can change the start and stop points (also known as In and Out points), trim frames, add a fade-in or fade-out, or add animation using keyframes. A keyframe defines the location of a property change to the video layer. When you set at least two keyframes that change properties, such as position, opacity, or style, you create animation.
Modify a Video Layer Duration
Open a document with a video.
Click the Window menu, and then click Animation to display the Animation panel.
Click the Convert to Timeline Animation button to switch to Timeline view.
Use any of the following methods to change the duration of the video:
Start and End Work Area.Point to the ends of the work area bar, and then drag to change the position.
In and Out Points.Point to the beginning or end of the layer duration bar (cursor changes to a double-arrow), and then drag to change the points.
Move duration.Point to the duration bar, and then drag to move the duration to start and stop at a new position.
Did You Know?
You can delete a section of video.In the Animation panel in Timeline view, drag the ends of the work area bar to select the footage you want to delete, click the Animation Options button, and then click Lift Work Area.
Use Keyframes to Animate Layer Properties
Open a document.
Click the Window menu, and then click Animation to display the Animation panel.
Click the Convert to Timeline Animation button to switch to Timeline view.
Click the down arrow for a video layer to display layer properties.
Click the Time-Vary Stopwatch icon to enable shape animation for the layer property.
Position the playhead where you want to set a keyframe, and then make the property changes you want, such as Opacity, in the Layers panel.
Use any of the following methods to change the keyframe:
Select.Click the keyframe icon.
Move.Drag to change the position.
Delete.Right-click the keyframe icon, and then click Delete Keyframes.
Method.The diamond keyframe icon animates the property change evenly over time (known as a Linear Keyframe). If you want an instant property change, you can change the interpolation method to a Hold Keyframe, which appears as a square keyframe icon. Right-click a keyframe icon, and then click Hold Interpolation or Linear Interpolation.
Splitting a Video Layer
In addition to modifying a video layer, you can split it into two new video layers at the specific point you want in Photoshop Extended. You can zoom in and out to display the Timeline the way you want, and then drag the playhead to the time or frame number in the video where you want to split it. The video layer is duplicated and appears above the original in the Animation panel. The original layer contains the video from the start to the current time or frame, and the duplicate layer contains the video from current time or frame to the end.
Split a Video Layer
Open a document with a video layer.
Click the Window menu, and then click Animation to display the Animation panel.
Click the Convert to Timeline Animation button to switch to Timeline view.
Drag the playhead to the time or frame number where you want to split the video layer.
Click the Animation Options button, and then click Split Layers.
Did You Know?
You can preview video or timeline animation.You can preview a video or animation in the document window. Drag the playback head to the point where you want to play the video or animation. Click the Play button at the bottom of the Animation panel. You can also press the spacebar to play or stop the playback. Photoshop caches it to memory for faster playback.
Cloning Video Layer Content
If you have video or animation frames that you want to retouch or duplicate, you can use the Clone Stamp and Healing Brush tool in Photoshop Extended. The Clone Stamp tool allows you to sample content from one area of a frame (known as the source) and paint it over another area of the same or a different frame (known as the target). The Healing Brush tool allows you to blend the sampled content from the source with the target to fix a problem. You can use the Clone Source panel to set several samples from one part of a video frame and clone or blend them in another video frame.
Clone Parts of a Video Layer
Open a document with a video layer, and then select it in the Layers panel.
Click the Window menu, and then click Animation to display the Animation panel.
Click the Convert to Timeline Animation button to switch to Timeline view.
Drag the playhead to the time or frame number that is the source of the sample you want.
Select the Clone Stamp tool on the toolbox.
To set a sample point, Alt (Win) or Option (Mac), and click where you want the sample.
To set another sample point, select a Clone Stamp button on the Clone Source panel, adjust the playhead, and then repeat Step 6.
Select the target video layer and move the playhead to the frame you want to paint.
If you set multiple samples, click the source in the Clone Source panel.
Drag the area you want to paint.
Setting Up Multiple Clone Sources
PS 2.4
The Clone Source panel allows you to set up to five different sample sources for the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush tools in Photoshop. The Clone Source panel contains five clone buttons to which you can assign samples. Simply open the Clone Source panel, click a Clone Stamp button, and then select the sample you want. The Clone Source panel saves the samples until you close the document. To help you clone the source in a specific location, you can overlay your sample source and show the overlay on the screen. The overlay allows you to view your changes and helps you visualize where to paint. You can show or hide the overlay and change its appearance. In addition, you can scale and rotate the sample source to clone the sample at a specific size and orientation. If you need to paint in a very specific location relative to the sampling point, you can use the x and y pixel offset.
Use the Clone Source Panel
Open a document.
Click the Clone Source button to display the Clone Source panel.
To determine if a Clone Stamp button is in use, point to it to display a Screen Tip.
Click a Clone Stamp not in use, or one you want to replace.
To set a sample point, Alt (Win) or Option (Mac), and click where you want the sample.
To show the overlay, select the Show Overlay check box.
Select overlay options:
Opacity.Specify a percentage value.
Clipped.(New!) Check this box to clip the overlay to the brush size.
Auto Hide.Select to hide the overlay while you paint.
Invert.Select to invert the overlay.
Blend.Click the list arrow, and then select a blending mode.
To scale or rotate the sample source, enter the values you want.
Creating 3D Model Files
Photoshop CS4 Extended provides vast improvements to the way you work with 3D files. To start with, there is a 3D menu (New!) with an assortment of commands and there are now two slots in the toolbox entirely dedicated to 3D, for a total of 10 easy-to-reach tools (New!). And, artists can paint directly on 3D objects (New!) without having to render them in another program. Photoshop includes support for three-dimensional files (.u3d, .3ds, .obj, .kms, and Collada file formats) created by programs like Adobe Acrobat 3D Version 8, 3D Studio Max, Alias, Maya, and Google Earth. You can open 3D files into a new document or insert 3D files into an existing document in Photoshop. When you open a 3D file, Photoshop places the 3D model on a separate 3D layer. You can add multiple 3D layers to an image. If your Photoshop document contains one or more 2D layers (typical images), you can combine any one of them with a 3D layer, or convert a 3D layer to a 2D layer.
Add a 3D Model to a 2D Image
Open a document.
Click the 3D menu, and then click New Layer from 3D File.
Navigate to drive or folder where the 3D file is located, and then select the 3D file.
Click Open.
A new 3D layer appears in the document.
To add a 3D layer to an image, drag the 3D layer from one layer in the Layers panel to another layer.
Select the 3D layer in the new location.
Use the 3D tools on the toolbox to position or scale the 3D model.
Change 3D position and scale.Use the following 3D tools: 3D Rotate Tool, 3D Roll Tool, 3D Pan Tool, 3D Slide Tool, or 3D Scale Tool.
Change 3D view.Use the following 3D tools: 3D Orbit Tool, 3D Roll View Tool, 3D Pan View Tool, 3D Walk View Tool, and 3D Zoom Tool.
Working with 3D Model Files
After you have opened a 3D file or created a new 3D layer from a 2D file, you can use Photoshop 3D tools (New!) to move or scale the 3D model, change the camera view, change the lighting (to daylight or interior light, for example), or change render modes (to solid or wireframe). If you have a texture layer, you can edit it using standard Photoshop tools and reapply the texture to the 3D model.
Create a 3D Model from a 2D Image
Open a 2D image.
Click the 3D menu, point to New 3D Shape from Layer, and then select a shape option in which to wrap your 2D image around.
Some of the shapes include soda can, cube, cone, pyramid, and hat.
Select one of the navigation tools from the toolbox or Options bar, such as 3D Rotate to move the image in a 3D space.
Or, use the Axis Widget (New!). The three colored areas represent the three axes (x, y, z) of the object.
You can also highlight parts of the widget to isolate the movements or scaling of the object to specific axes.
Click the Window menu, and then click 3D to open the 3D panel.
From the 3D panel, you can access four areas to change properties of your new 3D object (Scene, Mesh, Materials, and Lights).
When you’re done, you can rasterize, render for final output, export the 3D layer and even browse other 3D content online from the 3D menu.
Edit a 3D Model
Open a document with the 3D model you want to edit.
Click the Window menu, and then click 3D to open the 3D panel.
Click any of the following buttons in the 3D panel to change a 3D model:
Scene.Choose from 17 render settings, view cross sections, and save your own presets.
Mesh.Shows the object mesh pieces, which you can edit.
Materials.Select properties of the 3D object environment, such as reflections, highlights, and bump maps.
Lights.Select the lighting mode you want.
To move and view the object in different ways, you can use the 3D tools from the toolbox, which are replicated on the Options bar:
Move, rotate, or scale.Click a 3D tool in the toolbox or on the Options bar, and then drag to change the rotation, roll, pan, slide, or scale.
Camera.Click a camera editing tool in the toolbox, and then drag to change the orbit, roll, pan, walk, or zoom.
Create and View 3D animations.Click the Window menu, point to Animation, and then click Timeline to animate your 3D objects and play the animations.
When you’re done, you can rasterize, render for final output, export the 3D layer and even browse other 3D content online from the 3D menu.
Exploring Other Photoshop Extended Features
If you want to explore additional Photoshop Extended features, you can get started in Photoshop CS4 Help. Click the Help menu, click Photoshop Help, click in the Search box, type Photoshop Extended, and then press Enter (Win) or Return (Mac). A list of all Photoshop Extended features appears, where you can select the ones you want to use. Part of the list is included here:
About Photoshop and MATLAB
MATLAB commands
Set up MATLAB and Photoshop
DICOM metadata
Connect/disconnect to Photoshop from MATLAB
About image stacks
Use scale markers
Use the Measurement Log
Extract work area
Performing a measurement
Switch animation modes
Transform video layers
Lift work area
Animate DICOM files
Set a work area
3D files in Photoshop
Keys for using Measurement
Interpret video footage
Rasterize video layers
Import image sequences
Choose interpolation method
Remove footage from a layer
Paint on HDR images
Open a DICOM file
Specify QuickTime Movie settings
Reload footage in a video layer
Set the measurement scale
Convert frame and timeline animations
About the HDR Color Picker
Save 3D files
Creating an image stack
About straight and premultiplied channels in video
Open or import a video file
Group layers in a video or animation
Keys for working with DICOM files
Restore frames in video layers
Set the timeline area to be previewed
Previewing video or timeline animations
Replace footage in a video layer
Use a script to create an image stack
Paint on 3D objects in Photoshop