What is your most valuable Photoshop tip?

[Stroker]

One boon to me has been learning how to recycle actions. If I have an existing action that is close to something that I want to do, I'll add what I need and turn of things that I don't.

An older example:
1. ctrl + a
2. ctrl + shift + c
3. ctrl + n
4. enter
5. ctrl + v
6. ctrl + e

By turning certain parts on/off, I can get that one action to do quite a few different things with out having to record a new action or hit all of the shortcuts.

[Levitateme]

This soundslame, but the greatest tip i can give is to get the Total training disc from deke mcellend. i think im spelling his name wrong, im in school. but the stuf fi have learned from his photoshop 7 disc are overwhelming. very very good stuff , i just got his illustrator package also, although i have not got to watch them yet. im still watching his photoshop 7.

[singularity2006]

sounds good, can you give some examples of what's in the disc? Where can we get the disc, and how much?

[stallion151]

yeh i got photoshop 5 for dummies (by Deke) ages ago and it was chock block full of great things. I learnt so much from him.

[God_Hawk]

Here is a link to his site Deke McClelland (http://www.dekemc.com/)

[conga]

press F

for full screen mode :buttrock:

[blinking8s]

its all about the hot keys and the gaussian blur...

[Czernobog]

quick mask. enough said.

[stallion151]

yeh just now, i had to use the quick mask for a huge render problem, took an hour but saved me so much time.
...i seem to be agreeing with everyone else here. thats a good tip ;)

[leigh]

Layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers layers...

[policarpo]

Actions Actions Actions and Layers Layers Layers!

I have my PS setup as follows:

1. F5= new layer
2. F6= duplicate laer
3. F12=delete layer

Layer shortcuts that rock:
Linked items with CMD+E=merge linked
Option Click layer loads the selection

Adjustment Layers also rock. I witsh all the filters cou'd be turned into adjustment layers...

[Bronwen]

Adjustment layers are my favourite tool. I'm constantly using them to non-destructively adjust and image. This helps avoid banding after multiple adjustments. Oh, yeah, and layer masks. No erasing or for me! What if I need that info back later?

-Bronwen

[peach4at]

no need to waste F-keys...
strg+j = duplicate layer
shift+strg+n= new layer
shift+alt+strg+n = new layer, std. name

hold down alt when deleting layers!

[chach]

1) Masking, with Paths and Quick Mask are key to all things photoshop.
2) F x2 & Tab make your workstation presentations seem much more professional
3) secrets like alt + cntrl + shift + 'save action' outputs a text file you can use for ... magik

[llxxRiCExxll]

Layers are your friends :thumbsup:

Layer masks are essential to making things look perty =P

[halo]

ctrl or command S ;)



command/control option T = transform and make a copy

command/control option shift T = transform as before and make a copy....ie step and repeat (works with paths as well)

command/control A, command/control shift c= copy all layers as if they were merged

command/control option F = open last filter dialogue

option clicking buttons in lensflare and others allows precise x + y coords

http://www.digitalretouch.org/download/hotkeys/PS7HotKeys-Mac.pdf

for pc users swap command for control

[Noisefields]

· Never underestimate the power of simple gradients and brushes.

· Make your own brush

· Only use simple filters and actions, or else your stop in your personal development (and you won't get far with "wooden frame" in your proffesional area's either :).

· Learn all the shortcuts.

· Never ever ever try to make something from a simple, empty document. It's a inspiration killer. Have an idea first.

[n9npp]

Hi policarpo,

By reading your reply I get the impression that you can assign hot keys in PhotoShop. Please tell me how this is done or where to do it.

I have done this in CorelDraw but thought it not available in PS. Or am I wrong?

Thanks
Matt

[JuggleNuts]

I made an action that centers the layer on the canvas. Of course, I had to set it to F2 to correspond with LightWave.

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