As time goes on, the way we view and create art constantly changes. For those who are interested in graphic design, learning Photoshop will allow you to express yourself creatively in every way imaginable. 

But, this program can seem overly complicated to new users, and not everyone knows where to begin.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about getting started with Photoshop.

1. The Toolbox

Photoshop’s Toolbox is where you’ll find the bread and butter of the program. When it comes to image enhancement, manipulation, creation, etc., you’ll find a tool here to help you with it.

By default, you’ll find the Toolbox on the left side of the Photoshop interface, but you can relocate it if you wish to.

In addition to the various tools you use, you’ll also find that you have a ton of potential with… 

2. Layers

Aside from the Toolbox, understanding Photoshop’s layer system is a crucial element when using the program. It allows you to manipulate different aspects of your project separately from each other– even while they’re stacked on top of one another.

There also different styles of layer presets that you can take advantage of, and you have the capability to make them transparent if you need to.

Finally, you can add an ‘Adjustment Layer’ over other layers, which allows you to do things like change the color of an image, enhance certain parts of it, etc.

3. Touching Up Photos

More often than not, it’s easier to make slight touch-ups on a photo as opposed to taking a different picture entirely. 

Things like the Clone Stamp tool and Healing Brush will let you make minor blemishes completely unnoticeable. When you become more proficient with the program, you’ll be able to make even more drastic changes.

Mastering Photoshop will allow you to take an ordinary, unremarkable photo and turn it into something captivating.

4. Free Transform

When it comes to rotating, resizing, and otherwise modifying content in your Photoshop project, you’ll likely be using the Free Transform tool. So, it’s in your best interest to get familiar with it.

You can maintain an image’s ratios as you resize it, or you can move it across more than just a 2D plane. This is particularly useful for creating visual depth in a photo.

5. The Pen Tool

While not as straightforward as the Pencil tool, the Pen tool provides plenty of utility for those who need to draw in their projects.

You’ll be able to snap to the borders of a picture, perfect angle or curve your lines, and otherwise create complex shapes that would be difficult to do otherwise.

Mastering the Pen tool will take some work, though, so expect to spend a bit of time learning and experimenting. 

6. Brushes

You’ll mostly use the Brush tool to fill in certain segments of photos, but its utility stretches far beyond this.

It functions similarly to the other drawing tools the program offers (like the Pencil), but the shape and density of brushes sare far more customizable. 

You can also download and install your own brush presets, which gives you a virtually limitless selection of different types to choose from. Additionally, you can also create your own presets once you become familiar enough with the tool.

7. Content-Aware Fill

While this doesn’t have its own icon on the Toolbox, it’s one of the most effective utilities that Photoshop offers (and also one of the simplest).

After selecting an outlined segment of your project, you have the capability to ‘fill’ in this region. While you can fill it with different colors, you can also use ‘content-aware filling.’

This option scans the surrounding parts of the image and attempts to naturally blend the selected area with the background. One of the most common uses for this tool is for removing unwanted people from photographs.

To access it, right-click the selected area and choose ‘Fill’ and you’ll be given the option to select ‘content-aware’ as the fill type.

It can also be sued to remove sensitive information from a photo, such as a name or address from a screenshot of login info. You can visit https://setapp.com/how-to/screenshot-on-mac to learn how to take screenshots on a Mac.

8. Filtering

Using filters offers plenty of ways to manipulate the image in your project.

One of the most common (and most useful) types of filtering is ‘sharpening,’ which will help you correct any blurriness in a photo and make it appear crisper.

You can also add extra texture, blur certain segments, and can even make a photograph look like a watercolor painting. Put simply, you’ll likely find a filter for whatever effect you’re trying to achieve.

9. The Type Tool

While it may seem simple at first, the Type tool provides more utility than simply adding text to an image.

You have the ability to adjust the text’s tracking and height, and even add special characteristics to it. Shadow, stroke, and glow are a few that come to mind, making this tool perfect for creating brochures, posters, etc.

Getting Started With Photoshop Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about getting started with Photoshop in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming as efficient with the program as possible.

Want to learn more advanced Photoshop techniques? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.