Transparency Settings, Importing & Cropping Images

1. Transparency Settings

Let's explore Photoshop transparency settings:

Photoshop is famous for having a checkerboard pattern for transparent backgrounds. You can always change the transparency settings to your preference. But keep in mind that you need to have this checkerboard pattern so that you don't get confused with other elements in the file while editing your work.

2. Importing Images

Choosing between Place embedded and place linked when importing images in Photoshop play a big role in determining the size of a ".psd" file.

"Place embedded" attaches the image to the document, hence increases the file size.
While "place linked" links the image to its location on your computer., which helps decreasing the ".psd" file size.

However, if you're going to share a Photoshop with linked files, make sure to share all the linked files as well so that the other can have access to them.

• Linked images display a paperclip icon in Photoshop, while embedded images may have different icons based on their type;
• Deleting or changing the location of a linked image can lead to loss of access in the Photoshop document;
• Drag and drop imports always embed the image, so be mindful of this when importing in Photoshop;
• Understanding these import options can streamline your workflow and prevent potential issues with accessing images in Photoshop and with sharing Photoshop files with others.

3. Crop Tool

Let's use the crop tool to remove empty or transparent areas, adjust aspect ratios, and fine-tune the crop to focus on specific parts of the image.

• The crop tool in Photoshop allows you to easily adjust the size and composition of images;
• Precision cropping is essential to remove distracting or unnecessary elements from an image and create a visually appealing composition;
• The options bar provides multiple choices for applying the crop, giving you flexibility in their editing process;
• Understanding aspect ratios and how they affect the composition of an image is important for achieving the desired visual impact especially for photographers;
• Moving the crop preview allows you to easily adjust the composition and focus on specific areas of the image.