Difference between revisions of "Things I have learnt while on the job"

Revision as of 05:03, 16 June 2009

I have never used so many masks before in my life

masking and using the right blending can make your life so much easier

• Quick mask mode
• Layer masks
• Vector masks
• Blending modes

Layer Mask hides effect

Under Advanced Options, there are two options - Layer mask hides effect and Vector mask hides effect - this means that if you have a complicated masked layer that is getting some unintended effects, you can just make the layer mask sort of override the effect. Previously I just stuck everything in a group and applied the mask to the group itself. Actually I still stick things into groups and mask them all the time. But an option actually exists! I dunno how I completely glossed over this checkbox in the past...

Adjustment layers

Constantly being reminded that different people work in quite different ways. Opened up this file and saw this strangeness - i have never used channel mixers and colour balances in this way but I suppose this way its non-destructive so maybe if I'm editing photos I might do that in future.

Apparently CS4 makes it even easier to do this with a dedicated adjustments panel with many smart presets

Smart Filters

Nondestructive application of filters? Convert your layer to a smart object. Edit the psb layer. Sweet.

Adobe PSB format

Duplicate Symbol within Swap Symbol Menu

See small swap symbol button on menu.

DUH WHY DID I NOT SEE THIS BEFORE

Now i use this constantly.