book

Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual

by Lesa Snider

December 2008

Beginner

800 pages

28h 55m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Read now

Unlock full access

About the AuthorAbout the Creative TeamAcknowledgements
What’s New in Photoshop CS4About This BookAbout the OutlineFor PhotographersThe Very BasicsAbout → These → ArrowsAbout MissingManuals.comSafari® Books Online
Meet the Application FrameThe Application BarThe Almighty Options BarSwapping Screen ModesCustomizing Your WorkspaceWorking with PanelsUsing the Tools PanelForeground and background color chipsColorsSwatchesStylesAdjustmentsMasksLayersChannelsPathsNavigatorHistogramInfoThe Power of UndoChanging How Far Back You Can GoTurning Back Time with the History PanelThe History BrushRevert CommandTweaking Photoshop’s PreferencesGeneralInterfaceFile HandlingPerformanceCursorsTransparency & GamutUnits & RulersGuides, Grid & SlicesPlug-insTypeThe Preset ManagerSharing Presets
Creating a New DocumentPhotoshop’s Ready-Made DocumentsSetting Size and ResolutionChoosing a Color ModeChoosing Your BackgroundAdvanced OptionsSaving your custom settingsSaving FilesFile FormatsOpening an Existing DocumentThe Open Dialog BoxOpening Files as Smart ObjectsOpening Recent FilesWorking with PDFsWorking with Scanned ImagesWorking with Raw FilesOpening Raw filesDuplicating FilesChanging Your Image ViewZooming In and OutMoving Around in Your ImageZooming with the Navigator PanelRotating Your CanvasArranging Open ImagesGuides, Grids, and RulersRulers and Guiding LinesSmart GuidesUsing the Document GridThe Ruler Tool
Layer BasicsThe Layers PanelSelecting LayersSelecting multiple layersAdding New LayersHiding and Showing LayersRestacking LayersDuplicating and Deleting LayersCopying and Pasting LayersFilling a Layer with ColorTweaking a Layer’s Opacity and FillResizing and Rotating LayersMoving and Aligning LayersAligning layersMoving layers between documentsExporting layers to separate filesManaging LayersNaming and Color-Coding LayersLinking and Locking LayersLinking layersLocking ‘em downGrouping Layers into FoldersLayer Comps: Presenting Different VersionsExporting layer compsRasterizing LayersMerging LayersLayer BlendingLayer Masks: Digital Masking TapeAdding Layer MasksUsing Layer MasksFixing exposure with masksEditing a MaskUsing Smart ObjectsCreating Smart ObjectsManaging Smart ObjectsLayer StylesManaging Layer StylesUsing the Styles PanelExporting and loading styles
Selection BasicsMeet the Marching AntsSelecting by ShapeThe Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee ToolsCreating a soft vignetteThe Single Row and Column Marquee ToolsThe Vector Shape ToolsSelecting by ColorThe Quick Selection ToolThe Magic WandExpanding your selectionThe Color Range CommandThe Background and Magic ErasersThe Background EraserThe Magic EraserSelecting Irregular AreasUsing the Lasso ToolsLasso toolPolygonal Lasso toolMagnetic Lasso toolSelecting with the Pen ToolCreating Selections with ChannelsUsing the Tools TogetherModifying SelectionsRefining EdgesFixing Edge HalosCreating a Border SelectionTransforming a SelectionUsing Quick Mask ModeMoving SelectionsSaving a SelectionFilling a Selection with ColorStroking (Outlining) a Selection

How Color WorksRGB Mode vs. CMYK ModeThe Channels Panel and YouMeet the Color ChannelsRGB ChannelsCMYK ChannelsCreating a high-key portrait effectSpot ChannelsLab ChannelsMultichannel ModeSingle-Channel ModesThe Mighty Alpha ChannelCreating an Alpha ChannelEditing Alpha ChannelsLoading an Alpha Channel As a SelectionDeleting Alpha ChannelsBasic Channel StuntsSelecting Objects with ChannelsCreating a Silhouette EffectLightening and Darkening ChannelsCombining ChannelsSharpening Individual Channels
Cropping ImagesThe Rule of ThirdsCreative CroppingThe Crop ToolCropping and hidingCropping with perspectiveCropping to a specific sizeZooming in by croppingAdding Polaroid-style photo framesCropping with Selection ToolsTrimming Photos Down to SizeCropping and Straightening PhotosCropping and Straightening in Camera RawCropping imagesStraightening imagesResizing ImagesPixels and ResolutionThe Mighty Image Size Dialog BoxResolution guidelines for printResizing Images for PrintResizing for Email or the WebUsing the “Save for Web & Devices” dialog boxUsing the Image Size dialog boxResizing Web Images for PrintResizing Images for PresentationsResizing with Smart ObjectsAutomated Resizing with the Image ProcessorResizing the CanvasThe Content-Aware Scale ToolRotating, Distorting, and Other Creative MadnessSimple RotationsThe TransformersCreating an image reflection
Cut It OutPasting into a SelectionSky SwappingFading Images TogetherSoft ErasersSoft Brushes and Layer MasksGradient MasksLayer Blend ModesNormal and Dissolve Blend ModesDarken Blend ModesLighten Blend ModesLighting Blend ModesComparative Blend ModesHue Blend ModesZapping Backgrounds with Blending SlidersThe Apply Image CommandAuto-Aligning Layers and PhotomergeBuilding Panoramas with PhotomergeAuto-Blending LayersCloning Between DocumentsCombining Vectors and RastersMapping One Image onto Another
Draining ColorBlack & White Adjustment LayersWarp-speed tintingChannel Mixer Adjustment LayersThe Lightness ChannelGoing Grayscale in Camera RawPartial Color EffectFading Color to Black and WhiteHigh-Contrast Black and WhiteThe High-Key EffectDelicious DuotonesChanging ColorHue/Saturation Adjustment LayersTargeting a specific range of colorsHue Blend ModeReplacing ColorSelective Color Adjustment LayersMatching ColorsPhoto Filter Adjustment LayersPosterizing: Your Ticket to Cartoon ArtInverting ColorsAdding ColorVariationsColor Balance Adjustment LayersColorizing ImagesAdding Solid Blocks of ColorGradient Map Adjustment Layers
Quick Fixer-UppersSetting Target ColorsFixing ColorFixing LightingBrightness/Contrast Adjustment layersShadows/Highlights adjustmentsCorrecting Images in Camera RawChanging White BalanceFixing ExposureMaking Colors PopCamera Raw’s Adjustment BrushCamera Raw’s Graduated FiltersMore Fun with Camera RawUsing LevelsHistograms: Mountains of InformationThe Levels SlidersOutput levelsThe Levels EyedroppersCorrecting by the NumbersColor-Correcting SkinWorking with CurvesChanging ContrastMaking Colors PopIntensifying ColorsAdjusting Hue/SaturationAdding Lab PopRescuing the Unfixables
The Great HealersThe Spot Healing BrushThe Healing BrushThe Patch ToolZapping Shines and ShadowsWhitening TeethSuper SlimmersFixing Flabby ChinsLiquifying BulgesSlimming with the Free TransformSelective SlimmingSkin SoftenersSelective BlurEasy Glamour GlowSoftening Wrinkles with Faux Dodge and BurnShow-Stopping EyesEnhancing EyesFixing Red EyeThe Red Eye toolThe Color Replacement toolHue/Saturation Adjustment layersThe Sponge toolFixing red eye in Camera RawFixing Animal White Eye
What Is Sharpening?Basic SharpeningSharpening with the Unsharp MaskHow much to sharpen?The Smart Sharpen FilterSharpening Layered FilesSharpening Part of an ImageAdvanced Sharpening TechniquesCreating an Edge MaskSharpening with the High Pass FilterSharpening in Camera RawGlobal SharpeningSelective Sharpening in Camera Raw
Color Theory: The BasicsSelecting a Color SchemeUsing a Color WheelUsing the Kuler PanelOther Color Scheme Generating ToolsChoosing Individual ColorsThe Color PickerThe Eyedropper ToolLoading Color LibrariesThe Swatches PanelThe Color Panel(Re)Introducing the Brush ToolControlling the Brush Cursor’s AppearancePainting from ScratchLoading More Built-in BrushesMaking an object sparkleCustomizing BrushesBrush Tip ShapeShape DynamicsScatteringTextureDual BrushColor DynamicsOther DynamicsNoiseWet EdgesAirbrushSmoothingProtect TextureSuggested Brush CustomizationsDefining a New BrushInstalling New Brushes
Photoshop’s Drawing ModesDrawing Paths with the Pen ToolDrawing Straight PathsDrawing Curved PathsConverting Anchor PointsPath Drawing TipsSaving PathsDrawing with the Shape ToolsUsing the Shape ToolsDrawing Multiple Shapes on One LayerUsing Custom ShapesEditing PathsAdding, Deleting, and Converting PointsSelecting and Moving PathsMaking Paths IntersectAdding a Stroke to a PathFilling a PathMaking Selections and Masks with PathsMaking a Path from a SelectionMaking a Clipping PathUsing Vector MasksMasking with Shape layersCreating a vector mask from a path
Typography 101The Face of TypeCommon typeface formatsTypeface categoriesFont stylesPreviewing fontsCreating and Editing TextPoint Text vs. Paragraph TextMoving TextSelecting TextResizing TextCreating a Hollow Text SelectionCreating Type on a PathFilling a Shape with TextWarping TextUsing Find and ReplaceFormatting TextFormatting with the Options BarThe Character PanelA lesson in leadingLearning to kernTrack it outDoin’ the baseline shiftOther character optionsOrienting textLigatures and other fancy flourishesFractional widthsSystem LayoutNo BreakReset CharacterClose and Close Tab GroupThe Paragraph PanelAligning textHyphenation and JustificationIndenting textSpace Before and AfterSpecial Text EffectsStroked TextThe rare multi-stroked text effectClassic Metal TextTexturizing TypeTexture from a photoTexture from a brushTexture from filtersPlacing a Photo Inside TextConverting Type to a Shape or PathMore Typographic Resources
The Joy of Smart FiltersA Filters TourArtisticBlurLens BlurBrush StrokesDistortNoisePixelateRenderSketchStylizeEmbossTextureVideoOtherDigimarcBrowse Filters OnlineVanishing Point
The Challenge of WYSIWYG PrintingUnderstanding Color Gamuts and ProfilesFinding and installing color profilesCalibrating Your MonitorPrinter-Friendly Resizing and File FormatsResizing and Saving as a TIFFResizing and Saving as a PDF FilePrinting on an Inkjet PrinterPrinting on a Commercial Offset PressConverting RGB Images to CMYK Using Built-In ProfilesCustom RGB to CMYK Profile ConversionsUsing Spot ColorEditing a spot channelSaving a document with spot channelsSaving Spot Colors in PDF FormatPrinting Duotone (Multi-Tonal) ImagesProofing Your Image OnscreenPrinting Color SeparationsPrinting ProofsPrinting on a Digital PressPrinting RGB Images on a Digital PressPrinting CMYK Images on a Digital PressPrinting Spot Colors on a Digital PressPrinting Several Images on a PageUsing Picture Package and Contact SheetRecap: Stress-Free Printing Tips
Creating Web- and Email-Friendly ImagesResizing Your ImageResizing Web images visuallyChoosing the Best File FormatSave and Compress Your FileAnimating a GIFEditing Your AnimationSaving Your AnimationDesigning a Web Site FaviconCreating Web Page Mockups and Image MapsSlicing an Existing ImageModifying SlicesSlice OptionsSaving SlicesProtecting Your Images OnlineEmbedding Copyright InfoWatermarking Your ImagesBuilding Online Photo Galleries
The Actions PanelUsing ActionsCreating ActionsRunning Actions on a FolderManaging ActionsEditing ActionsCreating DropletsSharing ActionsInstalling ActionsSaving Your Actions
Adding and Removing Plug-InsManaging Plug-InsNoise ReducersNoisewareDfineNoise NinjaMaking Selections and MaskingFluid MaskMask ProColor Correction and EnhancementVivezaColor Efex ProPhotoTunePhotoToolsMiscellaneous Plug-insLucisArtSilver Efex ProGenuine FractalsPhotoFrameFocalPointSharpener ProEye CandyXenofexSiteGrinderYouSendIt
Check Your SetupMac OS X RequirementsWindows RequirementsShow Me the MemoryGive It SpaceVideo CardsRunning the InstallerUsing the UninstallerChecking Your VersionChecking for UpdatesActivating Photoshop
The Online Help DeskWhen Good Tools Go BadMysterious Resizing when Dragging LayersCan’t Save in Certain FormatsDisabled FiltersUneditable ImagesResetting ToolsTrashing Photoshop’s PreferencesBacking Up Presets, Plug-ins, and ActionsBeyond This Book
Browsing Your PhotosImporting and Managing PhotosUsing Review ModeSorting and Filtering ImagesGrouping Images into CollectionsOpening Images in Camera RawShowing Off Your WorkMaking a SlideshowExporting Images as PDFsCreating a Picture PackageMaking a Web Gallery
PhotoshopAbout PhotoshopAbout Plug-InPreferencesServicesHide PhotoshopHide OthersShow AllQuit PhotoshopFileNewOpenBrowse in BridgeOpen As Smart ObjectOpen RecentShare My ScreenDevice CentralCloseClose AllClose and Go To BridgeSaveSave AsCheck InSave for Web & DevicesRevertPlaceImportExportAutomateScriptsFile InfoPage SetupPrintPrint One CopyEditUndoStep ForwardStep BackwardFadeCutCopyCopy MergedPastePaste IntoClearCheck SpellingFind and Replace TextFillStrokeContent-Aware ScaleFree TransformTransformAuto-Align LayersAuto-Blend LayersDefine Brush PresetDefine PatternDefine Custom ShapePurgeAdobe PDF PresetsPreset ManagerColor SettingsAssign ProfileConvert to ProfileKeyboard ShortcutsMenusImageModeAdjustmentsAuto ToneAuto ContrastAuto ColorImage SizeCanvas SizeImage RotationCropTrimReveal AllDuplicateApply ImageCalculationsVariablesApply Data SetTrapLayerNewDuplicate LayerDeleteLayer PropertiesLayer StyleSmart FilterNew Fill LayerNew Adjustment LayerLayer Content OptionsLayer MaskVector MaskCreate Clipping MaskSmart ObjectsVideo LayersTypeRasterizeNew Layer Based SliceGroup LayersUngroup LayersHide LayersArrangeAlignDistributeLock All Layers in GroupLink LayersSelect Linked LayersMerge LayersMerge VisibleFlatten ImageMattingSelectAllDeselectReselectInverseAll LayersDeselect LayersSimilar LayersColor RangeRefine EdgeModifyGrowSimilarTransform SelectionEdit in Quick Mask ModeLoad SelectionSave SelectionFilterLast FilterConvert for Smart FiltersFilter GalleryLiquifyVanishing PointArtisticBlurBrush StrokesDistortNoisePixelateRenderSharpenSketchStylizeTextureVideoOtherDigimarcBrowse Filters OnlineAnalysis (Photoshop CS4 Extended Only)Set Measurement ScaleSelect Data PointsRecord MeasurementsRuler ToolCount ToolPlace Scale Marker3D (Photoshop CS4 Extended Only)New Layer from 3D FileNew 3D Postcard From LayerNew Shape From LayerNew Mesh From GrayscaleNew Volume From LayersRender SettingsAuto-Hide Layers For PerformanceHide Nearest SurfaceOnly Hide Enclosed PolygonsInvert Visible SurfacesReveal All Surfaces3D Paint ModeSelect Paintable AreasCreate UV OverlaysNew Tiled PaintingPaint FalloffReparameterizeMerge 3D LayersExport 3D LayerRender for Final OutputRasterizeBrowse 3D Content OnlineViewProof SetupProof ColorsGamut WarningPixel Aspect RatioPixel Aspect Ratio Correction32-bit Preview OptionsZoom InZoom OutFit on ScreenActual PixelsPrint SizeScreen ModeExtrasShowRulersSnapSnap ToLock GuidesClear GuidesNew GuideLock SlicesClear SlicesWindowArrangeWorkspaceExtensions3DActionsAdjustmentsAnimationBrushesChannelsCharacterClone SourceColorHistogramHistoryInfoLayer CompsLayersMasksMeasurement LogNavigatorNotesParagraphPathsStylesSwatchesTool PresetsApplication FrameApplication BarOptionsToolsOpen DocumentsHelpPhotoshop HelpPatent and Legal NoticesSystem InfoRegistrationActivate/DeactivateUpdatesGPUPhotoshop OnlineHow to Create Web ImagesHow to Customize and AutomateHow to Fix and Enhance PhotosHow to Paint and DrawHow to Prepare Art for Other ApplicationsHow to Print PhotosHow to Work with 3D ImagesHow to Work with ColorHow to Work with Layers and SelectionsHow to Work with Type
Move and Selection ToolsRetouching and Painting ToolsDrawing and Type Tools3D and View ToolsForeground and Background Color ChipsQuick Mask Mode

Content preview from Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual

Colophon

Sarah Schneider and Adam Witwer provided quality control for Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual. Lucie Haskins wrote the index.

The cover of this book is based on a series design originally created by David Freedman and modified by Mike Kohnke, Karen Montgomery, and Fitch (www.fitch.com). Back cover deisgn, dog illustration, and color selection by Fitch.

David Futato designed the interior layout, based on a series design by Phil Simpson. This book was converted by Abby Fox to FrameMaker 5.5.6. The text font is Adobe Minion; the heading font is Adobe Formata Condensed; and the code font is LucasFont’s TheSansMonoCondensed. The illustrations that appear in the book were produced by Robert Romano and Jessamyn Read using Macromedia FreeHand MX and Adobe Photoshop CS3.