{"id":229,"date":"2026-08-11T17:18:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T22:18:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sts.doit.wisc.edu\/training-materials\/?post_type=manual&p=229"},"modified":"2026-10-07T13:34:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T18:34:22","slug":"photoshop-1-essential-photo-editing-with-photoshop","status":"publish","type":"manual","link":"https:\/\/sts.doit.wisc.edu\/training-materials\/manual\/photoshop-1-essential-photo-editing-with-photoshop\/","title":{"rendered":"Photoshop 1: Essential Photo Editing with Photoshop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adobe Photoshop, a part of the Adobe Creative suite, is a powerful image editing and manipulation program. Used worldwide by professional photographers and designers, Photoshop is considered industry standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About this Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This class introduces the basic concepts and functions of Adobe Photoshop CC. By the end of this class, you will have worked with many of Photoshop’s core features. This includes basic image adjustments, and content manipulation tools. We will use these skills throughout the manual to edit and create a final composite image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photoshop 1 is the first in a series of Photoshop classes and is intended to serve as an introduction to the program, and to the concept of digital image editing in general. In order to explore more advanced techniques, students should consider enrolling in Photoshop 2: Filters and Effects<\/em> or Photoshop 2: Portrait Retouching<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prerequisites and Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Basic computer operation skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Access to Adobe Photoshop (26.x version)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A device which can run Adobe Photoshop (Disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong> some tools and techniques used in Photoshop may be more demanding on your computer than others. If your device has lower specifications, this may cause certain operations in Photoshop to take longer than usual.<\/em><\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Starting a Photoshop Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    After opening Photoshop, you have a few options for getting your project started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you have a specific photo you would like to make edits to, you can directly open that photo by going to the top-left of Photoshop and clicking \u201cOpen\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, then selecting the photo on your computer. We will soon discuss things to look out for, when choosing an image to use with Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019d like to create a project with specific dimensions or size, you can open a custom canvas by instead going to \u201cNew file\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, selecting a preset category, then clicking on a canvas type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In this window, you can customize various attributes of your project file, such as height, width, orientation, color mode, and background color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An essential setting to define at this stage is the Color Mode<\/strong>. You can choose between RGB Color<\/strong> (for web and digital screen use) or CMYK Color<\/strong> (for print use). This distinction is crucial because Photoshop interprets and displays colors in RGB (Red, Green, Black) format, while printers operate using the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model. Ensuring the correct color mode prevents color discrepancies between your digital design and printed output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Choosing the Right Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Before beginning any project in Photoshop, selecting a compatible and high-quality image is essential. Here are some background information that would help you to make the right selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pixels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    First, pixels <\/em><\/strong>are the smallest components which make up any image viewed on a device. Each pixel is a tiny square, not usually visible with your eye alone, made up of a single color. Images are formed by putting hundreds or thousands of these tiny, colored squares together to create the final visual appearance we see. An image\u2019s pixel dimensions <\/em><\/strong>describe how many pixels it contains, such as 3000 \u00d7 2000 pixels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Raster Images<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Most photographs are raster images<\/em><\/strong>, also called bitmaps. Raster images are made of a fixed grid of pixels. Because the number of pixels is limited, enlarging a raster image too much can make the pixels more noticeable and cause the image to look blurry or pixelated. Reducing the size of a raster image is usually less noticeable because Photoshop can remove pixels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Resolution<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Resolution<\/em><\/strong> describes how densely pixels are used when an image is displayed or printed, often measured in pixels per inch (PPI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thus, it\u2019s important to do your best to use high resolution images<\/em> when photo editing. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you will have to work with in Photoshop or other editing platforms. The following guidelines about choosing the right images, will help your finished product appear more high-quality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Image Resolution<\/strong>: Higher resolutions allow for better quality and greater flexibility Look for an image resolution suiting your Photoshop needs-\n
        \n
      • Print projects: 300 pixels per inch (PPI)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Web use: For screen-based projects, the image\u2019s pixel dimensions are generally more important than its PPI value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Image Dimensions<\/strong>: Choose dimensions that fit your project’s artboard reasonably well, in order to avoid pixelation when resized. For example:\n
          \n
        • Web banners: 1920×1080 pixels<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Social media posts: 1080×1080 pixels<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Print posters: 18×24 inches at 300 PPI <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Supported Formats<\/strong>:\n
            \n
          • Use formats like JPEG, PNG, or TIFF<\/strong> for seeking images from the internet. Photoshop also supports RAW file formats for more advanced editing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Advanced Search for Images<\/strong>:\n
              \n
            • Seek help from tools like Google Images’ advanced search to filter for larger images. After searching for a term, click Tools > Size<\/strong> and select “Large” to ensure high-quality images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Adding an Image<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Now that you\u2019ve created a new project, you can add an image to your canvas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Download the Class Files <\/strong><\/em>provided to you for this workshop. We are going start by adding the ‘trail_background.jpeg’ <\/em><\/strong>image to our Photoshop project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              In your opened project file, click on File > Place Embedded > <\/strong>select the trail_background.jpeg from your computer ><\/strong> Place<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              To do this we use Place Embedded<\/strong>:<\/em> a feature used to insert an image or other external file into your current document as a Smart Object<\/em><\/strong>. This is a non-destructive layer that preserves the original image’s data and disables editing at pixel-level. It essentially acts as a protective container for the file, which creates a need for the user to Rasterize<\/strong><\/em> the image before making pixel-altering edits (such as Erase tool, Brush, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              TIP: <\/strong>Resizing the image while it is still a Smart Object helps preserve its original image data and prevents unnecessary quality loss. Once you have resized it to the desired dimensions, you can then rasterize the layer and continue making pixel-based edits at that size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Note: <\/strong>Photoshop displays this error message when the user tries to make a pixel-altering edit on a place-embedded smart object. To fix this, refer to the \u2018Managing Layers: Rasterizing Layers\u2019 section of this manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Additionally, you can also drag & drop images directly into the Photoshop program. After locating the image on your computer, you can click on it, then drag and drop the image onto the Photoshop canvas to add it.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

              \n

              Photoshop Interface<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              This section provides a brief overview of the Photoshop interface and describes its commonly-used components, as well as provides a brief introduction to navigating around your canvas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Interface Layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The portion of the Photoshop interface that is used to view and edit documents is known as the workspace. A wide variety of windows, tools, and menus (known as panels) can be displayed within the workspace in order to provide quick access to the features needed for a given task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Photoshop’s interface consists of five main areas, labeled below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Application Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              The Application Bar contains drop-down menus common to many applications, such as File, Edit, and View, as well as a few that are unique to Photoshop. These menus provide access to nearly all commands and options available in Photoshop. Some commands\/options are duplicated within panels, but others are available only through the menu bar. It also contains the shortcut to Adobe Bridge and Adobe Stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Document Window<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              The document window displays the file that you are currently working on. If you have multiple files open, each file appears as a tab in the document window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Tools Panel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              The Tools Panel contains tools used to create and manipulate artwork (like a toolbox). To select a tool, simply click it. Tools with a triangle in the lower-right corner have additional tools hidden beneath them. To display hidden tools, click and hold a tool icon; a drop-down menu showing the hidden tools will appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Options Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              The Options bar displays options and features for the currently selected tool and automatically updates its settings every time you switch tools. For example, if you click the Brush tool, it displays sliders for size, hardness, and opacity, but if you switch to the Type tool, it instantly swaps those out for font family, text size, and alignment options. Keep in mind that there may be additional options for your selected tool beyond those displayed on this bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Panel Dock<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Panels are menus that allow you to monitor and modify your image. On the left side of the panel dock, you’ll see icons representing collapsed, or hidden panels. Select the icons to reveal these panels. The panel dock also contains separate sections, each containing multiple panels. Click and drag a panel’s tab to reorder it, or to move it elsewhere on the screen or in the panel dock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Properties Panel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              The Properties Panel is a one-stop-shop menu in Photoshop which provides quick access to key settings and options for the currently selected layer, shape, or object. It dynamically updates based on active selection, ensuring that relevant controls are always available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Layer-Specific Controls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Pixel Layers:<\/strong> Adjust width, height, position, rotation, and apply quick actions like Remove Background and Select Subject.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Adjustment Layers: <\/strong>Modify properties for Brightness\/Contrast, Hue\/Saturation, Curves, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Text Layers<\/strong>: Edit font, size, color, alignment, spacing without using separate Character\/Paragraph panels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Shape Layers:<\/strong> Control fill, stroke, thickness, and corner radius directly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Masks: <\/strong>Adjust opacity, feathering, invert masks, and refine edges easily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Transform & Quick Actions: Modify scale, position, and rotation without Free Transform (Ctrl+T\/Cmd+T). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  One-click actions: Remove Background, Select Subject, Convert to Smart Object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  You can try any of these adjustments on the trail_background.jpeg image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Workspace<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                  The Control Panel contains the Workspace Switcher menu. The Workspace Switcher menu can be used to arrange multiple windows. Depending on your project, there are a variety of window layout options that will suit your needs. Use the drop-down menu to choose one of the many available window layout options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Under the same menu, you’ll find an option that says “Reset Essentials”<\/em><\/strong>.<\/strong> If you end up moving toolbars and panels around on your own and want to return to the Essentials layout, this button will always reset your workspace to its original layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Also under the same menu, you’ll notice options for “New Workspace”<\/em><\/strong> and “Delete Workspace”<\/em><\/strong>. Along with Photoshop’s predefined workspaces, you can also build and save your own predefined workspaces. However, we will not be using this feature in this manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Navigating the Workspace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Working in Photoshop often involves moving around the workspace in order to focus on different portions of your project. In this section, we discuss a few methods o f navigating the workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Moving Around the Workspace<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                  You can move your canvas around your screen using a few different methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Use the scroll bars on the bottom and right of the canvas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Slide your fingers across a laptop touchpad<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Hold \u201cspacebar\u201d<\/em><\/strong> and click-and-drag with a mouse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  4. Use the Hand Tool<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Hand Tool<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Used to move around the canvas by click-and-dragging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Shortcut:<\/em> Hold \u201cspacebar\u201d<\/em> while dragging with the mouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Zooming<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                    You can zoom in or out of your canvas using a few different methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Hold \u201calt\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (Windows) \/ \u201doption\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (Mac) and pinch on a touchpad (this does not work on all devices)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Use the Zoom Tool<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      Zoom Tool<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      The Zoom Tool lets you zoom in or zoom out to increase or decrease the document display size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Shortcut:<\/em> \u201cZ\u201d<\/em> on your keyboardWith the Zoom Tool selected, you can click on the canvas to zoom in. To zoom out with the Zoom Tool, hold \u201calt\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (Windows) \/ \u201doption\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (Mac) and click.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

                      \n

                      History States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Photoshop keeps track of each individual edit you make and stores them as History States<\/em>. To view your edit history, click on the icon near the top-right of the workspace that has the three squares with an arrow pointing up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Alternatively, you can go to the top Menu Bar and click \u201cWindow\u201d > \u201cHistory\u201d<\/em><\/strong> to show the History panel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      This will allow you to view the history of the edits you make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      To revert edits you made, click on the history state before you made the edits. This will undo all the edits made after that history state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you\u2019d like to re-do those edits, simply click on the most recent history state to put the edits back in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      To completely delete a history state, click and drag the state to the trash can icon in the lower-right corner of the history panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      You can also undo recent actions using Ctrl + Z <\/em><\/strong>on Windows or Command + Z <\/em><\/strong>on Mac.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

                      \n

                      Adjusting Images<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      In this section, we will discuss basic image editing tasks, such as resizing and cropping. Throughout this section we will focus on a concept called “non-destructive editing”, which means making changes to images without affecting the original file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Resizing Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      As you may recall, every digital image is made up of pixels, and each digital image has specific dimensions regarding the number of pixels it contains. Often it is necessary to resize an image, either scaling it up, or scaling it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      First, we can resize images in the menu bar. In the menu bar, choose \u201cImage\u201d > \u201cImage Size\u201d. <\/em><\/strong>The window that opens shows the current size and resolution, along with a preview of any changes you make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Most images can be scaled down without a loss of quality. However, when increasing the size of a digital image, we actually need to add pixels to the image that did not exist before. In most programs, increasing image size will cause it to look blurry or pixelated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      However, Photoshop has a series of smart algorithms it can use to analyze the image, and add pixels without losing too much image quality. To use this, make sure “Resample”<\/em><\/strong> is checked, then select “Preserve Details (enlargement)”<\/em><\/strong> in the dropdown box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Free Transform<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                      We can also resize images by going to \u201c<\/em>Edit\u201d > \u201cFree Transform\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/strong>and use your mouse to click and drag the corners of the image to the desired size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Shortcut:<\/em> <\/strong>\u201cCommand\u201d \/ \u201cControl\u201d + \u201cT\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      In Photoshop 26.x, dragging a corner handle maintains the layer\u2019s proportions by default. Hold Shift <\/em><\/strong>while dragging if you want to temporarily change this behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Cropping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                      Cropping is another method to reduce image size. However, unlike the other methods discussed, cropping affects everything on our canvas. With the previous techniques, we can limit our resizing to only a single image on our canvas. When cropping, all images and objects, including your working canvas, are affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Crop Tool<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Shortcut:<\/em> \u201cC\u201d<\/em><\/strong> . Using the crop tool, we can non-destructively<\/strong> remove portions of the image we don’t want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Ensure \u201cDelete Cropped Pixels\u201d<\/em><\/strong> is unchecked. This allows us to still work with the cropped content later on if we choose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      To use the Crop Tool: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Click and drag the edges of the crop rectangle so it only contains the portion of the image you wish to keep<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Adjust the image’s position within by clicking and dragging inside the crop rectangle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Once you are satisfied with your crop, click the check mark in the options bar, or press the enter key on your keyboard. Until you confirm the changes by clicking the check mark, all other Photoshop features are locked!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Rotating Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        We can rotate images using the \u201cFree Transform\u201d<\/em> functionality discussed earlier. As a reminder, we can enter free transform mode by first selecting our image, then going to \u201c<\/em>Edit\u201d > \u201cFree Transform\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/strong>or pressing \u201cCommand\u201d \/ \u201cControl\u201d + \u201cT\u201d<\/em><\/strong> on the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        After we enter free transform mode, you will see a border and the resizing boxes appear around the image. To rotate the image, position your cursor outside the resizing boxes until you see your cursor turn into a curved double arrow. Then, click & hold and you can move your cursor around to perform the rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Layers: Separating Edits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        The Layers Panel in Photoshop is probably one of the most important panels you will need to know when working on a project. It contains all the layers that you are working on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        What is a Layer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        A layer is simply one image stacked on top of another. They are like sheets of transparent paper. You can see through the transparent areas of a layer to the layers below. On each layer of transparent paper, we can then place a picture, text, etc. You can use layers to perform tasks such as compositing multiple images, adding text to an image, or adding vector graphic shapes. Each layer is separate, meaning our edits often only affect one layer at a time. This allows us to make edits to specific portions of our canvas without changing the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Creating New Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        We can create a new layer and specify a name and the options by going to the top menu bar and selecting \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cNew\u201d > \u201cLayer\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Alternatively, we can go to the Layers Panel in the bottom-right corner and click the icon of a square with a plus sign inside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Adjustment Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Adjustment layers<\/em><\/strong> are similar to \u201cfilters\u201d seen on many social media apps. Both allow you to create non-destructive (meaning you can go back and change them later) adjustments to the appearance of an image. Although they don\u2019t necessarily change the image itself, adjustment layers and filters essentially place edits on top of the existing image to make the image look different in some way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        With adjustment layers, we can alter the appearance of images by manipulating brightness, contrast, color balance, hue\/saturation, lighting levels, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Keep in mind that adjustment layers affect every layer that is lower than them in the Layers Panel<\/em>. If the adjustment layer is the very top layer, it will affect every layer in the image. If we\u2019d like to apply an adjustment layer to only one specific layer, we can use a clipping mask<\/em>.<\/strong> We\u2019ll talk more about clipping masks shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        TIP : <\/strong>We highly recommend spending some time on your own exploring and practicing with the various adjustment layers. The most commonly used are hue and saturation, vibrance, and exposure. Combined, adjustment layers prove to be very powerful in getting the best results from your image. However, it’s important that you make your adjustments subtle. Often when presented with such a wide range of options, people tend to over-edit their photos. The key to making your photo look good is by making it appear unedited. Keep your adjustments small, and your effects subtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Creating Adjustment Layers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                        There are two main ways to create adjustment layers. First, you can use the top menu bar (where we earlier also created a new normal layer) to navigate to \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cNew Adjustment Layer\u201d<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        The other method is to use the adjustments panel found in the panel dock. If you have difficulty finding it, go to \u201cWindow\u201d > \u201cAdjustments\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Each icon on the adjustments panel represents a different adjustment layer that can be added. Hover over an icon to view its name, then click on an icon to add that adjustment layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Managing Layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Layers are a powerful tool for creating your final product. There are a few important techniques for organizing and manipulating layers which will help you achieve your desired look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Layer Organization<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                        As was mentioned earlier, the order of your layers<\/em><\/strong> in the Layer Panel affects the appearance of your edits. One way to think about it is that the layers higher up in the Layer Panel are placed \u201con top\u201d and the layers near the bottom of the Layers Panel are placed \u201cunderneath\u201d. As a result, the layer at the top of the list will be placed \u201cabove\u201d all the other layers. The layer at the bottom of the list will be placed \u201cbelow\u201d all the other layers, and thus may be hidden by the layers above it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Note:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>If you create a layer but don\u2019t see anything change on your canvas, it may be because the layer is being hidden by the other layers. Try moving the layer higher on the Layers Panel list to see if it then appears.<\/em> You can also change a layer\u2019s visibility<\/em><\/strong>. Clicking the eye icon next to a layer will hide it on the canvas. Re-clicking will bring it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Lastly, another organizational tool which may be helpful is layer grouping<\/em><\/strong>. Grouping layers together places them inside a \u201cfolder\u201d, which will declutter your layers panel. Additionally, you can make edits to all the layers within a group at once, as opposed to having to apply an edit to each layer individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Grouping layers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        1. To group layers together, first select all the layers you would like to group. You can do this by clicking on the first layer in your Layers Panel, then holding \u201cCommand\u201d \/ \u201cControl\u201d<\/em><\/strong> while you click on the other layers you would like to group with it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. After selecting your layers, you can either go to the menu bar and click \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cGroup Layers\u201d<\/em><\/strong> or click the small folder icon in the Layers Panel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          OR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Layer Manipulation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                          There are several ways we can manipulate our layers to help achieve a desired look, including merging layers, creating layer clipping masks, and rasterizing layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Merging Layers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                          We can combine two adjacent layers together by selecting them and then choosing \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cMerge Layers\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Remember that the ordering of the layers will determine which layers are on top, and which are on bottom. For example, an image on the top layer will cover up anything beneath it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Clipping Mask<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                          Clipping masks allow us to apply edits to only one specific layer, such as applying the effects of an adjustment layer to a single layer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          For example, to have an adjustment layer only apply to a single layer, position the adjustment layer right above the layer you would like to apply it to in the Layers Panel. Then, with the adjustment layer selected, go to \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cCreate Clipping Mask\u201d<\/em><\/strong>. Next to the adjustment layer, you will then see an arrow appear pointing downwards to the layer it\u2019s applied to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Rasterizing Layers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                          Rasterizing a layer converts that layer from a Smart Object <\/em> <\/strong>to<\/em> purely pixels. By doing this, it allows you to make specific types of edits that require the layer to be in pixel-form. For example, using the Red Eye Removal Tool or the Spot Healing Brush Tool requires a layer to be in pixel-form. This is so that the tools can change the pixels in that layer, thus changing the overall appearance of the layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Keep in mind that rasterizing a layer is a destructive change<\/em>, meaning that the layer will now remain as a set of pixels. This may remove your ability to make specific types of edits which were available before rasterizing the layer. To make sure to retain the ability to make all types of edits, it may be a good idea to create a duplicate of the layer before rasterizing. Then, you will have both a normal version of the layer and a rasterized version to use if needed.To rasterize a layer, select the layer then go to \u201cLayer\u201d > \u201cRasterize\u201d > \u201cLayer\u201d<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
                          \n

                          Selecting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Selections allow us to isolate a specific portion of an image so that we can edit only that area.
                          When a selection is active, Photoshop displays a moving dashed outline around the selected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          In this activity, we will use selection tools to select and remove the two hikers from our scenery image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n