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Working with pictures in Photoshop CS3

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is not setting up their folder directory first when working with InDesign or Photoshop. Because InDesign is a lot like QuarkXpress in that it likes all the images in the same root directory it's best to start there in the first place. Each time I begin a project such as a brochure I set up a folder directory like the one is the example below.

The Images_Considered folder is for all original images and pictures, while all convertedimages and to be used images are places in the Images_In_Use folder. The Master_Docs folder is for InDesign files and all other file types such as pdf, psd,.

The Specs folder is for Excel or and other microsoft files to be used for copy or data. This directory system helps to keep the integrity of the link system in Indesign in tact.

Notice the naming convention the folder names have no spaces and are very descriptive that helps to keep things easy to find. The next step is to put all the images in the Images_Considered folder in their original state. There should only be high resolution files there such as 300dpi and up. The format types are as fallows tiff, jpg, png, psd, and if the format is large here the end result will be better. For good file conversion basics go to "Better Web Graphics That Grab Attention and Load Fast" is a good article and it will explain a lot more.

When creating a new document in PhotoShop as a rule of thumb is best to name the image in the new page dialog window. Then set the size, resolution and color mode also the background contents and measurement types. If your going to create a image from scratch is best to have a plain like a hand drawn sketch or find a few pictures and some research material before you begin.

The Layers Palette is the best tool for quality and image control and it's a quick way to design complicated images.

Take notice that the names of the layers are unique to what is in the layer this will save you a lot of trouble. Also I included the size and the location in the name such as Sm for Small and the word Top. When the layer is text it will give it a name based on the first few words in the copy of that layer. Just by dragging you can move any layer to the front or the back of the design project. In the lower section of the Layers Palette there is a tool call the layer lock it looks like this. This tool will allow you to move or arrange multiple parts or layers all at the same time with just a click.

The Layer Style tool has a long list of functions and can ad shadows, glow, Bevels, and over lays to any layer object. The list goes with functions like layer masks and new fill and adjustment layers there is just no end to what you can archive with Adobe Photoshop Layer Palette. If you need to know more come back to our site and look for more articles like this or just give us a call and we will be more than happy to lend a hand.

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Working with pictures in Photoshop CS3

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