1-15: Make sure to convert a Background layer to a regular layer by double-clicking on it.2 Select the Frame tool. In the Tool Options bar, choose a rectangular frame or an elliptical frame.
3 Click and drag the frame over the image to create a mask with your frame, as you see in Figure 1-16.
4 Using the Layers panel, reposition the image within the frame.For more about moving frames and images around using the Layers panel, see Chapter 8 of this minibook.
FIGURE 1-16: A frame allows you to mask an image into a shape.
Saving images
Save an image file by choosing File ⇒ Save. If you’re saving the file for the first time, the Save As dialog box appears. Notice in the Format drop-down list that you have plenty of choices for file formats. (File formats are discussed in more detail in Chapter 9 of this minibook.) You can always play it safe by choosing the native Photoshop (PSD) file format, which supports all Photoshop features, such as channels, layers, text, and other vector objects that are discussed throughout this minibook. Choosing certain other formats may eliminate layers, channels, and other special features.
Many users choose to save a native Photoshop file as a backup to any other file format. Be sure to have a backup or an original file saved as a native Photoshop (PSD) file when you start taking advantage of layers and other outstanding Photoshop elements. As a Creative Cloud user, keep in mind that you can use the native file format for Photoshop in all other Creative Cloud applications.
Chapter 2
Messing with Mode Matters
IN THIS CHAPTER
Before taking on working with any imagery in Photoshop, you should understand color modes and the importance of setting up the most optimum color settings. A strong foundation in the use of color plays into the production and editing of all imagery, grayscale, color image, content for websites, movies, and more. Read through this chapter to help you to feel confident in the choices you make.
Working with Bitmap Images
You may wonder how images in Photoshop show subtle changes in color values. To create those smooth gradations from one color to the next, Photoshop takes advantage of pixels and anti-aliasing. Bitmap images (or raster images) are based on a grid of pixels, as shown in Figure 2-1. The grid is smaller or larger depending on the resolution of your image. The number of pixels along the height and width of a bitmap image are the pixel dimensions of an image, measured in pixels per inch (ppi). The more pixels per inch, the more detail in the image.
FIGURE 2-1: You can see the grid that makes up the pixel resolution of an image when you zoom in.
Unlike vector graphics (mathematically created paths), bitmap images can’t be scaled without losing detail. (See Figure 2-2 for an example of a bitmap image and a vector graphic.) Generally, you should use bitmap images at or close to the size you need. If you resize a bitmap image, it can become jagged on the edges of sharp objects. On the other hand, you can scale vector graphics and edit them without degrading sharp edges.
FIGURE 2-2: Bitmap versus vector.
Photoshop can work on both bitmap and vector art. (In the path line around the vector shape layer, notice that the path isn’t pixelated or broken down into a step pattern created by the pixels.) Combining the two technologies gives you, as a designer, incredible opportunities.
Choosing the Correct Photoshop Mode
Choose Image ⇒ Mode to view the available image mode choices. Selecting the right mode for an image is important because each one offers different capabilities and results. For example, if you choose Bitmap mode, you can work only in black and white. That’s it — no shades of color, not even gray. Most features are disabled in Bitmap mode, which is fine if you’re working on art for a black-and-white logo, but not for most images. If, instead, you work in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) mode, you have full access to Photoshop’s capabilities.
Read on to see which image mode is best for your needs. When you’re ready to make your mode selection, open a file and choose Image ⇒ Mode to make a selection. You can read descriptions of each image mode in the following sections.
Keep in mind, if you are not sure which mode will work best, stay in the RGB mode. The RGB mode offers access to most all of Photoshop’s features and can easily be changed to a different mode later.
Bitmap
Bitmap mode offers little more than the capability to work in black and white. Many tools are unusable, and most menu options are grayed out in this mode. If you’re converting an image to bitmap, you must convert it to grayscale first.
Grayscale
Use Grayscale mode, shown in Figure 2-3, if you’re creating black-and-white images with tonal values specifically for printing to one color. Grayscale mode supports 256 shades of gray in 8-bit color mode. Photoshop can work with grayscale in 16-bit mode, which provides more information but may limit your capabilities when working in Photoshop.
