How do you use Photoshop's smart objects and adjustment layers to edit and enhance images for a poster?

2 Add your background and main image

The next step is to add some visual elements to your poster, such as a background and a main image. You can use your own photos, or find some free or licensed images online. To add an image, go to File > Place Embedded and select the image file. This will create a smart object, which is a layer that preserves the original quality and allows you to resize, rotate, and transform the image without losing any detail. You can also apply filters, masks, and effects to smart objects. To adjust the position and size of the image, use the Move tool and the Free Transform command.

3 Add text and graphics

The third step is to add some text and graphics to your poster, such as a title, a slogan, a logo, or a call to action. You can use the Type tool to create and edit text layers, and the Shape tool to create and edit vector shapes. You can also use the Custom Shape tool to choose from a variety of predefined shapes, such as arrows, stars, and badges. To change the color, font, size, and style of your text and graphics, use the Options bar and the Character and Paragraph panels.

4 Use adjustment layers to enhance your poster

The fourth step is to use adjustment layers to enhance the appearance and mood of your poster. Adjustment layers are non-destructive layers that allow you to modify the color, contrast, brightness, and other aspects of your poster without affecting the original layers. You can also use masks to limit the effect of adjustment layers to specific areas. To create an adjustment layer, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer and choose from the options, such as Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, and Gradient Map. You can adjust the settings of each adjustment layer in the Properties panel.

5 Add some finishing touches

The fifth step is to add some finishing touches to your poster, such as a border, a shadow, or a texture. You can use the Stroke, Drop Shadow, and Pattern Overlay effects to create these effects. To apply an effect, go to Layer > Layer Style and choose from the options. You can adjust the settings of each effect in the Layer Style dialog box. You can also use the Blending Options to change the opacity, fill, and blend mode of your layers.

6 Save and export your poster

The final step is to save and export your poster for printing or sharing. To save your poster as a Photoshop file, go to File > Save As and choose the PSD format. This will preserve all your layers and effects, and allow you to edit your poster later. To export your poster as a JPEG, PNG, or PDF file, go to File > Export and choose the Quick Export or Export As option. You can adjust the quality, size, and format of your file in the Export dialog box. You can also use the Save for Web option to optimize your poster for online use.