psbasics

toc =What is Photoshop?= Photoshop is a raster image editor. It can edit or create images that consist of a set number of pixels (dots). Raster images have a set size. While you can make them smaller without losing quality, you cannot enlarge them past their original size.

Opening an Image in Photoshop
Photoshop can open most raster images, including, but not limited to, JPEG, TIFF, BMP and PNG. To open an existing image:
 * 1) Choose **File > Open...**
 * 2) Navigate to the image file you would like to open. If you do not see the file, be sure that the //Files of type:// setting is set to All Formats.
 * 3) Click **Open**.

Zooming In and Out
To zoom in, press **Ctrl** + **+**. To zoom out, press **Ctrl** + **-**.

Using the Marquee Tool [[image:marquee.gif]]

 * 1) Select a marquee shape. You may choose from rectangular and elliptical varieties.
 * 2) Drag a selection around what you would like keep. To draw a perfect circle or square, hold the Shift key while selecting.
 * 3) The resulting selection will be surrounded by marching ants.

Copy and Paste

 * 1) Choose **Edit > Copy**. This will copy what is inside the selection.
 * 2) Choose **File > New**. Choose the default document settings. Photoshop automatically sets the size based on what is on the clipboard.
 * 3) Click OK.
 * 4) Choose **Edit > Paste**.



Modifying a Selection

 * 1) To undo a selection, choose **Select > Deselect**. Any selections will be cancelled.
 * 2) Activate the marquee tool.
 * 3) Before making a selection, change the feather amount by entering a number in the box. Start with a small number; you can always make the feathering larger if you do not like the result.
 * 4) Make the selection.
 * 5) Copy the selection, create a new document, and paste. Notice the soft edges around the image.

Note: It is considered good practice to deselect after using the selection tools. Photoshop's tools only work on selected areas. It is very easy to think that a tool is not working simply because it is being used outside of a (forgotten) selected area. To quickly deselect, press **Ctrl** + **D**.

Cropping an Image [[image:crop.gif]]
To crop an image, make a selection using the marquee tool. Instead of copying the image, choose **Image > Crop**. Everything outside the selection is deleted.

Cropping With the Crop Tool
The crop tool is used to quickly crop an image. Use the crop tool just like the marquee tool. When the area you want to keep is inside the selection area, press your Enter key.