Adobe Photoshop is a powerful and versatile tool for graphic design, but it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming if you don't use it efficiently. In this article, you'll learn some tips and tricks to optimize your workflow in Photoshop and save yourself some hassle and frustration.
One of the easiest ways to speed up your work in Photoshop is to memorize and use keyboard shortcuts for common tasks and tools. For example, you can switch between the move tool (V), the brush tool (B), the eraser tool (E), and the marquee tool (M) with a single keystroke. You can also use shortcuts to zoom in and out (Ctrl + and Ctrl -), undo and redo (Ctrl Z and Ctrl Shift Z), and copy and paste (Ctrl C and Ctrl V). You can find a full list of keyboard shortcuts in the Photoshop help menu or online, and you can even customize your own shortcuts in the Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts menu.
Here is a pro tip: Ever wish your design process was smoother? Say hello to Smart Objects! Convert layers, preserve quality, and edit non-destructively for an amazing Photoshop experience. It's like magic for your creativity! ?
?? If you’re at the beginning of your career or you’re new to Photoshop/any software it can be a lot of shortcuts to remember. It can also be confusing because not all of the Adobe Suite share the same shortcuts. Yes, you can Google the answer but don’t just be reliant on that as your solution. The best way to ensure information retention is writing it down. Keep your trusty notebook on hand and perhaps in the back write out a small cheat sheet for reference.
I myslef have experienced this a lot, memorizing shortcut keys can make your work smooth enough and can speed up a lot to meet deadlines.
Keyboard shortcuts are a game-changer in Photoshop! They save a ton of time and make your workflow much smoother. I'd recommend focusing on a few essential ones, like the ones you mentioned. Memorizing shortcuts for tools you frequently use can be a real productivity boost. And zooming (Ctrl + and Ctrl -) is especially handy for fine-tuning details. Remember, customizing shortcuts, too. Tailoring them to your preferences can be a real-time-saver. Knowing where to find a complete list in the Photoshop help menu or online is invaluable for expanding your shortcut repertoire as you become more proficient. Keep up the great work optimizing your Photoshop skills!
Learning all the shortcuts by heart may seem overwhelming at first, but nowadays, there are silicone keyboard covers with printed shortcuts. It's not necessary to memorize all of them, just the ones you use most. With time, it becomes automatic. Also, if you forget any, you can always search for the function in the menu's magnifier glass.
Another way to optimize your workflow in Photoshop is to keep your layers organized and labeled. Layers are essential for creating complex and editable designs, but they can also clutter your workspace and slow down your performance if you don't manage them well. You should always name your layers according to their function and content, and group them into folders or subfolders when possible. You can also use layer masks, adjustment layers, and smart objects to modify your layers without affecting the original pixels. You can access these options by right-clicking on a layer or using the Layer menu.
One of the helpful ways of being efficient is organizing your layers. It takes time but it's worth it if you are working on complex designs. It also helps anyone who pics your psd or ai file to continue your work without stress.
Keeping your layers tidy and well-organized is crucial for efficient Photoshop work. It's a simple step that can make a huge difference. Naming layers according to their function and grouping them into folders is a great practice. It helps you find specific elements quickly and keeps your workspace clutter-free. Layer masks and adjustment layers are fantastic tools for non-destructive editing. They allow you to make changes without altering the original content. And don't forget about intelligent objects – they're excellent for preserving image quality when scaling or transforming.
I always keep layers labeled, grouped, and organized logically. This practice streamlines the editing process, making it easier to locate specific elements within complex designs.
A well-organized Layers palette is such a time saver in Photoshop. There are several options for managing them well, such as controlling visibility and creating Layer groups, folders and subfolders. Use layers for everything from text to rasterized and Smart Object layers. Layers can become unwieldy very quickly so merge and link layers when needed. Always remember to name your Layers and Layer groups for easier recognition, as it can become very tedious to have to search for the one you want. Remember to also use the Layer Panel options to scale the thumbnail sizes. It really helps!
One of the worst things you can do for productivity is have disorganised files, especially when it comes to multi-layered Photoshop files. If you place images in, either embed them or ensure the linked files are kept in a consistent and clear location. Keep layered versions of files when it becomes necessary to flatten them. You never know when you might need to go back!
If you find yourself repeating the same steps or processes over and over again in Photoshop, you can save time and effort by using actions and scripts. Actions are sequences of commands that you can record and play back with a single click or a keyboard shortcut. You can create your own actions or use the ones that come with Photoshop or that you can download from online sources. Scripts are more advanced and flexible than actions, as they allow you to use programming languages such as JavaScript, VBScript, or AppleScript to automate tasks in Photoshop. You can write your own scripts or use the ones that come with Photoshop or that you can download from online sources.
A few months ago, we built a website for a client with over 300 SKUs. Unfortunately, their visual resources were of low quality and in an unfriendly format for the online catalog. Thanks to Photoshop actions, we optimized the images by placing them on a neutral background and adjusting them to the required format and size with just one click. This allowed us to export over 300 images without going through the process one by one.
Another way to optimize your workflow in Photoshop is to use presets and templates for your projects. Presets are settings that you can save and apply to your images, such as brushes, gradients, patterns, styles, shapes, and fonts. You can create your own presets or use the ones that come with Photoshop or that you can download from online sources. Templates are files that contain pre-made layouts, graphics, and text that you can customize for your needs, such as flyers, posters, logos, and cards. You can create your own templates or use the ones that come with Photoshop or that you can download from online sources.
Utilize presets for brushes, gradients, patterns, and custom shapes to expedite design work. Templates help start projects with predefined settings, accelerating the initial setup
In my personal workflow, where I maximize time efficiency, is in color correction. When I have a photo file, the first step is to open it with Lightroom, where I have my preset adjustments. After color correction, I transfer the files to Photoshop to add final touches in terms of composition, structure, harmony, and aesthetics.
One more way to optimize your workflow in Photoshop is to use smart filters for your image adjustments. Smart filters are non-destructive filters that you can apply to smart objects, which are layers that preserve the original image data. Smart filters allow you to edit, reorder, hide, or delete the filters without affecting the original image, and you can also adjust the filter settings and blend modes at any time. You can access the smart filters by converting a layer to a smart object (Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object) and then applying a filter (Filter > Filter Gallery or any other filter).
A common mistake for those with little Photoshop experience is directly modifying the image without using non-destructive filters. These filters allow you to erase, hide, or modify at any time without directly affecting the file. If done without smart filters, there's a risk that, when adjustments are needed, you'll have to backtrack to the modification point, losing all progress.
Finally, one of the best ways to optimize your workflow in Photoshop is to use online resources that can help you learn new skills, find inspiration, and solve problems. There are many websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, tutorials, courses, and forums that can teach you how to use Photoshop effectively and creatively. You can also find online communities, groups, and networks that can offer you feedback, support, and collaboration opportunities. You can search for online resources that suit your level, style, and goals, and you can also share your own work and knowledge with others.
I know for me, I waste a lot of time not having a clear design idea in mind. Using online resources and looking at some great work by someone else gives me the kick in the butt I need to go create something great of my own. Just be sure not to get sucked into the design rabbit hole. Truthfully, tutorials have brought me a ton of dumb luck. One missed step or misread and you end up with something you like even better than the thing you were trying to do in the first place. (Here's a weird tip... Before you get on your computer go run around the block the endorphins are great for the creative process.)
Using the Adobe Cloud and Library can greatly enhance one's workflow and eliminate moving in and out of the application. Be it color palette, assets, fonts or templates, once you have everything in one place, it is a breeze. As a designer you begin your project with a client, it is a good idea to design and organize everything in your Creative Cloud Library. After that it is just a matter of clicking and dragging stuff around without leaving the app.