Reset Preferences
A lot of Photoshop problems can be fixed by dumping the Preferences file. While launching Photoshop, hold down Alt+Ctrl+Shift on the PC or Cmd+Option+Shift on the Mac. When asked to reset the preferences, choose Yes.
But before you do this, save your custom Patterns, actions, styles, brushes, gradients, shapes, and color palettes. These will also be reset, and you don't want to lose them forever. You can even create an action to do this, so you have a one click backup! (Don't forget to save the backup action first.)
Make a New Document from a Layer
In the Layers palette, when you choose Duplicate Layer, you can change the document setting to "New" to create a brand new picture from any layer. I wish I knew about this one a few years ago!
Use RGB Filters While in CMYK
Some filters, such as the Render filters, are disabled in CMYK. To get around this, work in RGB mode with CMYK preview turned on (CTRL/CMD+Y). Build your file as normal; when you are finished, convert it to CMYK. This will allow all the filters to work, give you a smaller file, and you won't lose your colors when you convert the file. Only use CMYK for going to a commercial printing press.
Custom Gradients Made Easy
When you are making a new color gradient and you want to use the same color more than once, don't recreate it. Just hold down the Option/Alt key and drag a copy of the slider.
For more great tips and tutorials, check out my site!
A lot of Photoshop problems can be fixed by dumping the Preferences file. While launching Photoshop, hold down Alt+Ctrl+Shift on the PC or Cmd+Option+Shift on the Mac. When asked to reset the preferences, choose Yes.
But before you do this, save your custom Patterns, actions, styles, brushes, gradients, shapes, and color palettes. These will also be reset, and you don't want to lose them forever. You can even create an action to do this, so you have a one click backup! (Don't forget to save the backup action first.)
Make a New Document from a Layer
In the Layers palette, when you choose Duplicate Layer, you can change the document setting to "New" to create a brand new picture from any layer. I wish I knew about this one a few years ago!
Use RGB Filters While in CMYK
Some filters, such as the Render filters, are disabled in CMYK. To get around this, work in RGB mode with CMYK preview turned on (CTRL/CMD+Y). Build your file as normal; when you are finished, convert it to CMYK. This will allow all the filters to work, give you a smaller file, and you won't lose your colors when you convert the file. Only use CMYK for going to a commercial printing press.
Custom Gradients Made Easy
When you are making a new color gradient and you want to use the same color more than once, don't recreate it. Just hold down the Option/Alt key and drag a copy of the slider.
For more great tips and tutorials, check out my site!
