A Guide to Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a graphics designing and editing program created by Adobe Systems Inc. The latest version is Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended. To master Photoshop you need to learn from the basics; I am here to show you just that! First of all tools is the first and foremost thing we all use, likewise in Photoshop too, it is important to learn the functions of all the basic tools. Tools is accessible from the left side bar. Each tool correspond to a certain function. Next is to learn about the layers and the functions available for layers. for example, there is blending options which can be applied, adjustment filters or the mask functions. Experiment with these functions and learn their operations.

Next learn to use the functions present in the filters menu. They provide extra effects to your image. Each filter has many sub effects which can be applied to the images. Mastering these tools take time, but it is effective in the long run. The Extended versions have 3D function, that enable the user to create 3D effects inside of Photoshop itself.

The functionality of Photoshop can be extended by using add-on programs called as plug-ins. Plugin-ins are used to modify the image based on the function of the plugin. Some plugins are created by Adobe itself, and others are 3rd party plugins. Some of the popular Plugins are Alien Skin, Andromeda, Strata, Adobe Camera Raw etc. Simple GIF animations can be done in Photoshop. Previously it was as ImageReady, but over the years it was integrated into Photoshop itself. Another important and very useful feature is the History. It keeps track of all the functions performed, so if you create a stunning effect and want to repeat it again, then this tool comes in handy.

Inorder to import other images there is another software called Adobe Photoshop Elements. It check the Hard Drives for images and indexes them, so that file browsing becomes easy and can be imported directly into Photoshop. Photoshop also comes with a feature called as Adobe Bridge, Which performs almost similar to Elements.

Well, i just walked you through the basic functions and operations of Photoshop. But what is important is that you practice. Keep trying new techniques and effects. Come up with your own methods of doing things, which help you understand and learn it easily. And one more important note Creativity is the key here. Good luck!