Conquering Photoshop: Essential Tips and Tricks to Elevate Your Skills

Let’s face it, Photoshop can feel like Mount Everest for creatives. It’s an incredible software with a seemingly endless toolbox, however mastering it can be daunting. We’ve spent countless hours scaling the slopes of Photoshop, so we thought we would share some essential tips and tricks to help you elevate your skills and unleash your inner creative genius.

1. Content-Aware-Fill.

Introducing the mighty Content-Aware Fill tool! Think of it like a tiny team of digital ninjas who specialize in erasing unwanted guests from your photos.

Here’s how this magic trick works:

  1. Grab your Lasso Tool (the trusty “L” key for those in the know). This lasso isn’t for catching pesky cattle, but for wrangling those unwanted elements in your photo. Circle your nemesis (the seagull, the power line, your ex you accidentally captured in the background – no judgment here!) with pinpoint accuracy.
  2. Head over to the Edit menu and unleash the power of Content-Aware Fill. This is where the real magic happens. Photoshop will take a long, hard look at the area you lassoed and the surrounding details, then poof! The unwanted element vanishes like a bad dream. It’s like they were never there!


Content-Aware Fill is your secret weapon for quick fixes and banishing small, simple distractions. Think of it as a digital touch-up for your photos, leaving you with a flawless image that captures the moment perfectly.

But remember, this ninja team has its limits. Don’t try to make them erase your grumpy uncle Fred out of your family portrait (although that might be tempting!). For larger or more complex edits, you might need to call in some Photoshop heavy-duty reinforcements.

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2. Supercharged Selections

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Precise selections are the foundation for countless Photoshop tasks. Master the various selection tools like the Lasso Tool, the Magic Wand, and the Quick Selection Tool. Learn to refine selections with the Refine Edge brush for pixel-perfect cutouts.

How it works:

  1. Use the Quick Selection Tool (W).
  2. Hit the “Select Subject” button.
  3. Boom – Photoshop figures out what you want to isolate.
  4. Touch up any rough edges with the Refine Edge brush (R).

3. Generative-Fill.

Here’s where things get exciting. Generative Fill isn’t just about erasing – it’s about creating! Imagine this: you’ve got a stunning beach shot, but a boring, empty horizon stretches on forever. Bam! Generative Fill can whip you up a breathtaking sunset, complete with fiery orange hues and fluffy cotton candy clouds. 

Ready to unleash your inner creative genius? Here’s a quick guide to using Generative Fill:

  1. Grab your selection tool: Choose the lasso tool (L key) for freehand selection, or the rectangular marquee tool (M key) for straight-edged selections. Make your selection around the area you want to manipulate.
  2. Navigate to the “Edit” menu at the top of your screen. Click “Content-Aware Fill.” A new option will appear: Generative Fill. 
  3. Channel your inner wordsmith: A text box will appear, prompting you to describe what you want to generate. Be clear, be specific, and unleash your imagination! 
  4. Click “Generate,” and watch Photoshop weave its magic. The software will analyze the surrounding area and your text prompt, then generate a few different options for you to choose from. Browse through the options and pick the one that best suits your vision.

 

Now, Generative Fill is still a young apprentice, learning its craft. While it can conjure up some seriously impressive results, it might not always be perfect on the first try. Think of it like teaching a puppy a new trick – sometimes it takes a few tries (and maybe a couple of chew toys) to get it right.

But hey, that’s part of the fun! Experiment, play around, and embrace the unexpected – you might just stumble upon a masterpiece you never knew you were capable of. 

4. Batch Actions: The Time-Saving Secret Weapon

Resized a hundred photos by hand? Never again! Batch actions let you set up a whole series of edits (resize, sharpen, etc.) and Photoshop does them all for you in one click.

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Here's how to save your sanity:

  1. Go to Window > Actions to open the Actions panel.
  2. Make a new set and name it something you’ll remember.
  3. Record your edits as an action.
  4. Now open up all those photos, pick your action, hit play… grab a coffee while Photoshop works its magic.


For repetitive tasks like resizing or sharpening a batch of photos, Actions can be a lifesaver. Record a series of steps and apply them to multiple images with a single click, saving you precious time.

5. Neural Filters: Like Magic, but Powered by AI

These filters are the real deal. They let you do crazy edits to your images that used to be super complex. Check these out:

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Skin Smoothing:

Ever had a portrait with a few blemishes? This makes them disappear without looking fake.

Landscape Mixer:

Mountains, waterfalls, a whole new season… swap out any part of your landscapes with a few clicks.

Style Transfer:

Love Van Gogh? Make your own photos look like his paintings. Super trippy, super awesome.

How to find them:

  • Open your photo.
  • Go to Filter > Neural Filters.
  • Play around! The sliders let you control the effect strength. 

Need some extra Photoshop assistance?

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