In this tutorial, we will be using Photoshop CC to familiarize you with Photoshop files. If you are currently using a different version of Photoshop, some features may be different, but you should still be able to follow along.
We will show you how to open an existing Photoshop file, create a new Photoshop file from scratch, and how to use the blank presets in Photoshop. In addition, we will introduce you to a few of the most commonly used Photoshop file formats.
As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment and we will answer as soon as possible!
Continue scrolling or choose an option below to learn more!
Terms To Know
Open An Existing Photoshop File
Photoshop Compatible File Formats
Creating a New Photoshop File
Terms to Know
With all the slang and tech terms being used today, it can be difficult to make sense of everything. Understanding the latest jargon will help you navigate through Photoshop a little easier. Therefore, I have listed a few key terms used in this tutorial. You can access all Photoshop Key Terms here.
- .gif – Graphics Interchange Format. The most commonly used file format for web design.
- Keyboard Shortcut – Simultaneously pressing a combination of keys on your keyboard to perform a variety of tasks (i.e., Ctrl + N opens a new file).
- .jpeg – Joint Photographic Experts Group. The most commonly used file format for digital photographs.
- Landscape Orientation – The page orientation where the horizontal width is greater than height.
- Lossless – Images can be reduced without any loss in quality.
- Lossy – An irreversible loss in quality when reducing the size of an image.
- .pdf – Portable Document Format. The standard file type used to transfer “ready to print” documents
- .psd – Photoshop Document. The standard format for all Photoshop files.
- Pixel (px) – The tiny color squares, when combined form an image.
- Pixels per inch (ppi) – Describes the tiny color squares that form the resolution an image.
- .png – Portable Network Graphics. A standard format for print and web images that supports full levels of transparency.
- Portrait Orientation – The page orientation where the vertical height is greater than width.
- Workspace – The entire working area of your Photoshop file that contains the panels, tool bar, option bar and windows.
Open an Existing Photoshop File
When you first launch Photoshop, it immediately brings up the start screen where you can either OPEN or create a NEW workspace.
If your version of Photoshop does not show this start screen, you can access the NEW and OPEN commands in the FILE menu.
Don’t worry about trying to learn all the keyboard shortcuts right away. As you become more familiar with Photoshop, you will quickly learn to navigate using them. You will find it increases your productivity and lets you get the job done faster!
Select the OPEN button (or OPEN command under the file menu) to bring up the OPEN start screen showing your most recent files used. You can open any of these or select the OPEN button to choose a different file stored on your computer or removable storage device.
Photoshop Compatible File Formats
There are several Photoshop file formats that can you can open and edit.
Once you select the OPEN command, in the bottom right corner you will see a drop-down menu ALL FORMATS (*.*).
To display a specific file format, select the arrow on the ALL FORMATS (*.*) drop-down menu. ALL FORMATS (*.*) is the default options which allows you to view all file formats on your computer that are compatible with Photoshop. Changing to another option, like PNG, will only show files with a .PNG extension.
Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to figure out about all the file formats that Photoshop supports. Although you can open and edit any of the available formats, you will ultimately only use a few of them.
Common File Formats
Photoshop can open, edit, and save a vast array of file formats. The following formats are the most commonly used.
- Photoshop – (*.PSD; *.PDD; *.PSDT)
The standard Photoshop file type. - JPEG – (*.JPG; *.JPEG; *.JPE)
Jpeg is the leading file format for photos taken with most digital cameras. This “lossy” format supports 24-bit color which produces million of colors for that true color photo. The .jpeg format is great for uploading photos to Instagram or Facebook. The downside to .jpeg images is that there will be a loss in quality (“lossy”) when compressing images with text and it does not support transparency. - CompuServe GIF – (*.GIF)
The most common file format used for web graphics. This “lossless” format only supports a maximum of 256 colors. However, it has important features used for web design such as no loss of quality (“lossless”) when compressing images and transparency. - PNG – (*.PNG; *.PNG)
A “lossless” file format that supports up to 48-bit color which produces billions of colors for a precise color photo. Of course, the naked eye won’t see the difference in millions to billions of colors in the .png and .jpeg photos. The prime advantage of the .png format is it’s capability of using full levels of transparency effects. This means it will apply partial color transparency to give edges a softer “graduated” look. - Photoshop PDF – (*.PDF; *.PDP)
The standard file type used to transfer “ready to print” documents. One of it’s primary advantages is that it retains all of the vital Photoshop features.
You can view a list of all Photoshop compatible file formats and their respective extensions here.
Creating a New Photoshop File
To create a new file from scratch, Photoshop gives you three options to choose from.
1. Recent and Saved Layouts
Selecting either RECENT or SAVED will display the last few formats you have used and any custom layouts you have saved.
If RECENT is selected, a box labeled “Clipboard” will always be the first option which opens a new file using the exact dimensions of the last object you copied. This is helpful when copying items to your clipboard that you plan to edit in Photoshop.
In addition, there are hundreds of free templates from Adobe Stock that you can download. To use the templates, start by creating a NEW file. The start screen will show a few standard templates. You can simply select the template and open, edit and save.
To find more templates, scroll to the bottom until you see the search icon. Enter a keyword to start your search.
As long as you see “FREE” in the lower right corner, you can download and use the image free of charge. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a monthly or annual subscription package.
Once you have selected your template, select the drop down arrow next to License & Open in PS, enter a name for the library to save your image in, and either save it to your computer or open it in Photoshop.
You are now ready to use your Adobe Stock image.
2. Adobe Preset Layouts
There are 6 blank document preset categories. Each category has several blank preset layouts available. I have included a few of the most commonly used sizes for each.
Photo
- 5″ x 7″ @ 300 ppi
- 2″ x 3″ @ 300 ppi
- 4″ x 6″ @ 300 ppi
- 8″ x 10″ @ 300 ppi
- Letter 8.5″ x 11″ @ 300 ppi
- Legal 8.5″ x 14″ @ 300 ppi
- Tabloid 11″ x 17″ @ 300 ppi
Art & Illustration
- 1000 Pixel Grid 1000 x 1000 px @ 300 ppi
- 2000 Pixel Grid 2000 x 2000 px @ 300 ppi
- Poster 18″ x 24″ @ 300 ppi
- Postcard 4″ x 6″ @ 300 ppi
Web
- Web Most Common 1366 x 768 px @ 72 ppi
- Web Large 1920 x 1080 px @ 72 ppi
- Web Medium 1440 x 900 px @ 72 ppi
- Web Small 1280 x 800 px @ 72 ppi
- Desktop HD Design 1440 x 1024 px @ 72 ppi
Mobile
- iPhone 6 750 x 1334 px @ 72 ppi
- iPhone 6 Plus 1242 x 2208 px @ 72 ppi
- iPad Retina 1536 x 2048 px @ 72 ppi
Film & Video
- HDTV 1080p 1920 x 1080 px @ 72 ppi
- HDV / HDTV 720p 1290 x 720 px @ 72 ppi
Additionally, Adobe offers several preset templates available for you to download and use. Always make sure to check the license agreement if you are downloading for any reason other than personal use.
3. Custom Layouts
Last but not least, create your own custom layout using the PRESET DETAILS panel to the far right.
- Enter the name of your file.
- Select the measurement (i.e., pixels, inches, etc.), then enter the width and height.
- Select a portrait or landscape orientation.
- Select only if you are going to use an Artboards. Personally, I love using the ARTBOARDS to keep my digital scrapbook pages in one file.
- Set the resolution (i.e., 72 for web design, 300 for printing).
- Select the color mode. RGB is standard.
- Select the background contents. I normally select transparent; but, that is just my personal preference. You can always add a color background within your file later.
You can save your layout by selecting the icon in the upper right corner of the PRESET DETAILS panel.
Up Next!
Next, let’s move on and learn all about how to navigate through the Photoshop Menus.
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