Basic Selections - Adobe Photoshop for Beginners - Class 1 [Eng Sub]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners looking to get started with Adobe Photoshop. In this first class, we will explore the Photoshop interface, learn how to create a new file, and understand basic selection tools. By the end, you'll have a fundamental grasp of how to navigate Photoshop and make your first selections using the Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee tools.

Step 1: Understanding the Photoshop Interface

• Launch Adobe Photoshop: Open the application on your computer.
• Familiarize with the Workspace:
  • Menu Bar: Located at the top, it contains various options like File, Edit, Image, Layer, etc.
  • Toolbox: On the left side, this panel includes tools for selection, drawing, and editing.
  • Options Bar: Directly below the Menu Bar, it displays options related to the selected tool.
  • Panels: On the right side, panels like Layers, Properties, and History help you manage your project.

Step 2: Creating a New File

• Navigate to File Menu: Click on the 'File' menu in the top-left corner.
• Select New: Choose the 'New' option to open the new document dialog box.
• Set Document Preferences:
  • Name: Enter a name for your file.
  • Width and Height: Specify the dimensions in pixels, inches, or centimeters.
  • Resolution: Set the resolution (e.g., 72 DPI for web use, 300 DPI for print).
  • Color Mode: Choose RGB for digital and CMYK for print.
• Click Create: Once all options are set, click the 'Create' button to open your new document.

Step 3: Making Selections with the Rectangular Marquee Tool

• Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool: Click on the rectangular marquee icon in the toolbox or press the shortcut key (M).
• Draw a Selection:
  • Click and drag your mouse to create a rectangular selection on your canvas.
  • Release the mouse button to finalize your selection.
• Modify Selection:
  • To move the selection, click inside it and drag.
  • To resize, click and drag any of the selection's corners.

Step 4: Making Selections with the Elliptical Marquee Tool

• Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool: Right-click on the Rectangular Marquee Tool in the toolbox and choose the Elliptical option.
• Draw an Elliptical Selection:
  • Click and drag on the canvas to create an elliptical selection.
  • Hold down the Shift key while dragging to create a perfect circle.
• Adjust the Selection: Similar to the rectangular tool, you can move or resize the selection.

Step 5: Understanding Layers

• Access the Layers Panel: Open the Layers panel from the right side of the workspace if it’s not already visible.
• Importance of Layers:
  • Organize Elements: Layers allow you to manage different elements of your design separately.
  • Editing Flexibility: You can edit, hide, or delete layers without affecting others.
• Creating a New Layer:
  • Click the 'New Layer' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
  • Name your layer for better organization.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned the basics of navigating the Adobe Photoshop interface, creating a new file, and using selection tools effectively. Understanding layers is crucial for any graphic design work as it offers flexibility and organization. As you continue to explore Photoshop, practice making selections and manipulating layers to enhance your skills. Consider joining the GFXMentor Facebook group for further discussion and resources. Happy designing!