This Adobe Photoshop instructor-led training course will teach you everything you need to know from simple image adjustment to advanced image manipulation. Learn topics such as Professional Composition Techniques, Advanced Photo Retouching, Constructing with Layers, Transforming Images, Non-Destructive Editing, Masking, Re-touching, Combining Images, adding Photo Special Effects and much more…

Exploring Basic Concepts

• Photoshop computer system requirements
• Bitmap vs Vector graphics
• Creating new images and working with existing images
• Pixel basics; changing image dimensions and resolution; cropping an image; changing the canvas
• Resolution requirements for output and file size considerations
• General preferences - display and cursors; rulers, guides and grids
• Colour models - CMYK vs RGB; channels
• Converting image modes
• Customising your workspace

Tools and Presets

• Using Photoshop tools and the Options Bar
• Using Photoshop panels including Adjustments panel and the new Properties panel

Selections and Channels

• Making selections with tools
• Modifying selection borders
• Inversing, feathering, using grow and similar, using subject select, transforming selections
• Masks and channels; saving selections as alpha channels; loading and modifying alpha channel masks; channel options
• Using quick mask mode
• Quick Selection tool
• Making masks from colour channels
• Select and Mask command

Saving, Importing and Exporting

• Saving files; saving new and existing images; saving layers, vectors and effects; reverting files
• Smart Objects
• Exporting requirements for other applications
• Importing images from other applications
• All file formats explained
• Print publishing workflow
• Save for Web

Using Rulers, Guides and Grids

• Rulers
• Guides and Grids
• Smart Guides

Using Layers

• Creating images using Layers; transforming; adding deleting, moving, hiding; showing; merging; flattening
• Layer groups
• Managing layers
• Smart Objects
• Setting opacity and blending options
• Using layer effects and styles
• Multi-layer select
• Using adjustment layers
• Using fill layers
• Using layer masks
• Type layers

Transforming Images

• Changing the work canvas
• Rotating, flipping
• Cropping
• Transforming images
• Retouching and repairing images
• Using retouching tools
• Working with Type

Using Type

• Editable type vs rasterised type
• Type layers
• Editing text; changing type attributes of size, leading, spacing, baseline shift, scaling; using paragraph settings
• Type masks
• Creating text on a path
• Converting type to shapes
• Special effects with type; painting; stroking; screening; fading; warping

Image Editing

• Cloning pixels data; image retouching
• Using the Healing tools
• Creating patterns
• Image warping and transformation
• Combining and compositing images
• Using the History palette; restoring and erasing images; using snapshots; reverting to prior history
• Content Aware Scaling
• Content Aware Editing
• Content Aware Move
• Working non-destructively
• Using Brushes and the Brushes Presets Panel
• Canvas Rotating and Resizing

Painting and Colouring

• Painting tools
• Erasing
• Blending modes
• Gradients
• Working with brushes
• Creating and managing patterns

Vector Paths and Shapes

• Paths and Shapes
• Mastering the pen tools
• Using the Curvature Tool
• Using the paths palette
• Editing paths; saving paths; reshaping; converting paths to selections; stroking and filling paths
• Creating layer clipping paths; creating a shape layer; using the pathfinder option
• Rasterise a shape layer; transform a shape layer
• Converting between paths and selection borders
• Adding colour to vectors
• Clipping paths, creating clipping paths for deep etching and silhouetting

Applying Filters

• About plug-in filters
• Applying filters; modifying filter effects; filter techniques
• Sharping Filters
• Filter Gallery

Colour and Tone Management

• Understanding colour models, viewing colour, measuring colour and evaluating colour
• Image requirements for commercial print publishing
• About colour management
• Creating a viewing environment for colour management
• Setting up colour and tone management; using predefined colour management settings; customizing colour management settings; specifying working spaces
• Soft-proofing colours
• Changing the colour profile of a document
• Creating profiles

Colour and Tone Adjustment

• RGB and CMYK colour reproduction requirements; obtaining neutral colour balance
• Colour correction techniques (selective and global)
• Tone reproduction techniques, Curves and Levels; highlight and shadow settings
• Identifying out-of-gamut colours
• Comparing corrections in CMYK and RGB
• Using the colour adjustment tools
• Using the Curves and Levels
• Setting auto correction options
• Adjustments and Properties panel
• Dodge and Burn tool options
• Adjustment Layers
• Working non-destructively
• Converting Colour images to B&W
• Creating Duotones

Automation

• Using Actions; creating/recording and editing actions
• Using and creating Droplets
• Using the Batch command
• Image Processor

Advanced layers, Combining and Painting Techniques

• Advanced use of layers
• Problem solving/editing solutions
• Advanced painting with brushes
• Clipping Masks

Video Basics in Photoshop

• Loading video clips into Photoshop
• Creating gradually fading transitions
• Adding audio
• Exporting the video

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course participants will be able to use Adobe Photoshop for the development of digital bitmap images to specification to suit various media requirements.

Participants will have learned the necessary technical skills and knowledge required to:

Use the Photoshop Workspace, Tools and Panels

Create Masks and Selections using various techniques

Use and Manage Layers

Structure a projects with Guides, Grids and Alignment

Edit Images with Transformation, Colour, Cloning and Effects

Use Photoshop Vector controls to create graphics

Apply Tone and Colour Adjustment and Management

Use Automation techniques

Save files correctly using required File Formats

Use Advanced Composition, Masking and Combining Techniques

Use Photoshop for Video