1. Create a flattened version of your Photoshop layers in seconds

Rather than actually flattening your entire document to see how things will look or to experiment on, you can quickly create a layer containing a flattened version of your work. To do so, create a new layer in the Layers palette. Then, hide any layers that you don't want in the flattened version by clicking the Eye icon next to the layer so that it's no longer visible. Now, with your newly created layer selected, hold down [command][option] ([Ctrl][Alt] in Windows) and choose Merge Visible from the Layers palette's pop-up menu. Your new layer now contains all of the layers you left visible.

2. Add a splash of color to grayscale images in Photoshop

Creating monotone images has never been easier. To quickly add an overall hue to a grayscale image, first make sure that the image is in RGB mode. Then, choose Image > Adjustments (Adjust in version 6.x) > Variations. Now, just click on the thumbnail that's the color you want your image to be. Then, click OK to apply it.

3. Set up your palettes for easy access in Photoshop

Did you know you can access many of your palettes in Photoshop using function keys? The benefit of this is that you can show or hide specific palettes to free up desktop space when you work. By default the Color palette's function key is [F6], the Layer palette's key is [F7], the Info palette's key is [F8], and the Actions palette's key is [F9]. Because not every palette has a function key, you can dock certain palettes together so they'll be affected the same way as a palette with a function key. For example, dock the Swatches palette with the Color palette. Then, press [F6] to hide the palette and press [F6] again to display it. As you can see, this brings up both palettes. By arranging your palettes in this manner, you'll save time and help maintain a tidy workspace. It's definitely worth it.

4. Lighten and darken portions of an image in Photoshop

Enhancing the colors in an image can be a relatively simple process. Do not believe us? Try it for yourself; open an RGB image to work on. Then, create a new layer in the Layers palette. Now, choose Edit > Fill. In the resulting Fill dialog box, choose 50% Gray from the Use pop-up menu and click OK. Now, in the Layers palette, change the blending mode of the layer to Color Burn to darken the image so that it's oversaturated. Also, lower the Opacity of the layer to 70%. Next, select the Brush tool (Paintbrush tool in version 6.x) with a soft, round tip. Then, on the tool options bar, set the brush's Opacity to 20%. Also, make sure the foreground color is set to white. Now, paint over the areas you want to lighten. It's color correction made easy!

5. Quickly add contrast to an image in Photoshop

When working with grayscale images that are lacking contrast, you can apply a Levels adjustment layer for a quick fix. To see how it works, open an image in Photoshop. Then, in the Layers palette, click the Create New Fill Or Adjustment Layer button and choose Levels from its pop-up menu. In the resulting Levels dialog box, leave the settings as they are and click OK. Now, change your adjustment layer's blending mode from Normal to Hard Light in the Layers palette. At this point, you can fine-tune your results by double-clicking on the Levels thumbnail in the Layers palette and adjusting the midtone, shadow, and highlight sliders.

6. Clean up spotty images using Blur tool

If you have an image that's laced with small, random spots, dust, and scratches, you can use the Blur tool to remove them. To do so, open your image in Photoshop. Then, create a new layer to work on in the Layers palette. Select the Blur tool from the Toolbox and select the Use All Layers check box on the tool options bar. To erase light spots, set the tool's Mode to Darken on the tool options bar, and to eliminate dark spots, set the mode to Lighten. Then, just click and hold the tool over the problem spots until they're gone.

7. Turn your photos into drawings using Photoshop

Have you ever wanted to turn a photograph into a sketch? If so, there's a really easy way to do so. Open an RGB image in Photoshop. Then, choose Filter > Stylize > Find Edges. Now, choose Image > Adjustments (Adjust in version 6.x) > Desaturate. That's all there is to it!

8. Change your brush cursor quickly in Photoshop

When using the Brush tool (Paintbrush tool in version 6.x), there are times when you have to do detailed work and times when you're making broad changes. Because of this, Photoshop provides you with different brush cursor displays--Precise and Brush Size. To quickly switch back and forth from one to the other, just press the [caps lock] key.

9. View your image in two color modes simultaneously

When creating a document that will eventually be converted from RGB to CMYK, it can sometimes be difficult to picture how the colors will look upon conversion. To eliminate any guesswork, why not work on your RGB document while previewing it in CMYK?

To do so, open an RGB image in Photoshop. Then, choose Window > Documents > New Window. Doing so opens a second view of your document. Next, choose View > Proof Setup > Working CMYK. Now go back to your original document and work away while previewing everything in CMYK.

10. Aligning on multiple layers in Photoshop

Have you ever needed to align objects that are on separate layers? To do this quickly and easily, in the Layers palette just link the layers containing the objects you want to align. Then, apply whichever type of alignment you desire.

11. Feather control in Photoshop

When feathering a selection using the Feather command, there's no way to tell how your final results will appear until you actually apply the feather. So, if you want to preview your effect, you can use a quick mask. To see how it works, open an image in Photoshop. Then, make a selection of the area in your image that you want feathered. Next, press Q to enter Quick Mask mode. Upon doing so, your selection appears red. Now, choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. In the resulting dialog box, you'll be able to preview the effect, so adjust the blur until you're satisfied with the amount of feathering being applied to your selection and click OK. Press Q again to get your selection back, and then choose Select > Inverse to select the area of your image that you want to delete. Finally, press [delete] and deselect your image for a perfect feather.

12. Make your thumbnails in the Layers palette larger

When creating multi-layered documents in Photoshop, it can sometimes get a little confusing as to what image is on what layer, especially if you didn't name your layers. To get a better view of things, you can increase the size of your layer thumbnails by holding down the [control] key (right-click in Windows) and clicking on an open area of the Layers palette. Select Large from the resulting pop-up menu to bring your thumbnails into focus.

13. Put your layer styles on their own layers

Do not limit yourself by having your layer styles attached to a layer; put them on their own layers. To do so, apply a style as usual, and then choose Layer > Layer Style > Create Layers. Now you can adjust your layer style without worrying about the image you originally applied it to.

14. Use Advanced Blending options for superior effects

When overlapping images and applying blending modes you don't really have any special options to adjust how your images are combined. However, if you use Photoshop Advanced Blending options, you can control how these modes affect your images. To see how it works, open an RGB document in Photoshop. Then, place two separate images on the document, each on its own layer. Now, select the top layer in the Layers palette. Then, choose Blending Options from the Add A Layer Style pop-up menu. In the Layer Style dialog box, you can select a Blend Mode to apply and fine-tune it using the Advanced Blending options.

15. Create natural-looking brush strokes in Photoshop

Typically, when painting, brush strokes start out dark and fade as you stroke the brush. To mimic this effect in version 7.x, select the Brush tool in the Toolbox. Then, go to the Brushes palette and highlight Other Dynamics in the Brush Presets section. Next, select Fade from the Control pop-up menu listed under Opacity Jitter, and enter 20 in the text box next to it. Once you've done that, select Fade from the Control pop-up menu listed under Flow Jitter. In version 6.x, select the Paintbrush in the Toolbox, and click the Brush Dynamics button on the tool options bar (it's a Paintbrush icon with an arrow next to it). In the resulting pop-up window, select Fade from the Opacity pop-up menu. Then, set the number of Steps for your fade to 20. If you want a longer fade, increase the number of steps and if you want a shorter fade decease the number. Then, paint away!

16. Save time with the Reset button in Photoshop

Have you ever made adjustments to an image in a dialog box and decided in mid-process that you weren't happy with the changes taking place? Adobe has built in a nifty little option to reset your changes. To see how this works, open an image in Photoshop. Then, choose Image > Adjust > Hue/Saturation. In the resulting dialog box, drag the Hue slider from 0 to 180. The image looks awful, doesn't it? Now, rather than dragging the slider back to its original position or canceling out of the dialog box, hold down the [option] key ([Alt] key in Windows). This changes the Cancel button to a Reset button. Just click Reset and watch your image go back to the way it was.

17. Viewing your image at full size in Photoshop

What's the quickest way to see an image in full size? There are actually two ways. You can either double-click on the Hand tool in the Toolbox or press [command]0 ([Ctrl]0 in Windows).

18. Changing the number of files available in the Open Recent submenu

To change the number of files that are available in the Open Recent submenu, choose Edit > Preferences > File Handling in Mac OS 9.x or Windows; or choose Photoshop > Preferences > File Handling in Mac OS X. Then, change the value in the Recent File List Contains x Files text box.

19. The quickest way to get to Adobe ImageReady 7.0 in Photoshop 7.x

The easiest way to get to ImageReady 7.0 while in Photoshop 7.x is to press [command][shift]M ([Ctrl][Shift]M in Windows).

20. Viewing your image files while in Photoshop 7.x

To look at a thumbnail "slide show" of image files while still in Photoshop 7.x, don't forget about Photoshop File Browser. It's a quick and easy way to find and select the image file you want. To open the File Browser, choose Window > File Browser, or select the File Browser tab on the tool options bar. To open the tool options bar, choose Window > Options.

21. Saving your workspace arrangement in Photoshop 7.x

Do you like the way your workspace is set up and want to quickly retrieve the arrangement every time you open a file? In Photoshop 7.x, you can save your workspace arrangement. Choose Window > Workspace > Save Workspace. In the resulting Save Workspace dialog box, enter a workspace name in the Name text box. To retrieve your workspace arrangement after you've opened a file, go to Window > Workspace and select your workspace setup from the menu.

22. Layer merging tactics

Have you ever tried to merge a layer with the layer below it and lost all of the effects applied to that upper layer? This is because when you choose Merge Down from the Layers palette's pop-up menu, Photoshop only applies the blending mode of the bottom to layer to the merged version. However, if you select Merge Visible, and hide any layers that you don't want combined, all of your blending modes will be preserved and your merged layer will look exactly as is does onscreen.

23. Fixing cut off letters in Photoshop

It's not just a page-layout application issue - Photoshop cuts off the top and/or bottom of text as well. To fix this you actually have to change a setting in Adobe Type Manager (ATM). To do so, launch ATM, then under the Preserve section select the Character Shapes option button rather than Line Spacing.

24. Adjust your tracking with key commands

Save time adjusting your text by using key commands. When adjusting the tracking or the spacing between letters, avoid the Character palette all together. Instead, highlight your text that needs adjusting and press [option][left arrow] ([Alt][Left Arrow] in Windows) to tighten the spacing and [option][right arrow] ([Alt][Right Arrow] in Windows) to add space between your letters.

25. centre your image when dragging from document to document

When creating multi-image documents, you're usually dragging a series of images onto one document. Generally, this is a quick and easy way to get your images where you want them. However, that's not necessarily the case seeing that the image is placed wherever your cursor was when you happened to release the mouse. This haphazardness can be avoided by holding the Shift key while you dragging your image. By doing so each image will automatically be centred on the page.

26. Make your metallic images stand out in Photoshop

When creating a metallic faux finish you can enhance the effect by sharpening it. Just choose Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask. Then, in the resulting dialog box, crank up the Amount to a minimum of 300, a Radius of 1 and a Threshold of 5. This will really bring out the shine.

27. Have you lost your background layer? Replace it quickly

Occasionally, you may find that your document just doesn't have a background layer or maybe you turned it into a regular layer. (Just a side note, if you don't have a background layer to begin with, it's because you set the document Contents option to Transparent.) To make a new background layer, create a new layer in the Layers palette. Then choose Layer > New > Background From Layer. Photoshop will automatically fill the layer with white and place it at the base of your palette.

28. Reduce the size of your Photoshop files

Did you know that by default Photoshop saves a flattened version of your PSD files along with your layered version whenever you save? It's true. This is because of a preference setting that makes your files compatible with older versions of the application (version 2). To turn this preference off choose Photoshop > Preferences > File Handling (Edit> Preferences > Saving Files in versions 5.5 and 6.x) and deselect the Always Maximize Compatibility For Photoshop (PSD) Files (Maximize Backwards Compatibility In Photoshop Format in versions 5.5 and 6.x).

29. Quickly disable a Layer Mask in Photoshop

When working on a document, there are times when you want to hide a Layer Mask. To do so, you can go to the Layer menu and choose Disable Layer Mask, but a faster way to do this is by holding down the [shift] key and clicking on the Layer Mask symbol right in the Layers palette.

30. Get rid of scratches using the Blur tool

Minor image touch-ups can be done rather quickly using the Blur tool. If you have an image with a few random scratches or dust bunnies on it, select the Blur tool. Then, in the tool options bar, change the Strength(Pressure in version 6) to 20% and the Mode to Lighten. Then using a soft round brush, blur your image. The problem area will disappear.

31. Copy and transform your image simultaneously

Did you know that you can make a copy of an object that you want to transform using a simple keyboard shortcut? Just press [option] [command]T ([Alt]T in Windows). This will automatically copy the object while accessing the Free Transform function. However, be aware that the copied image will be placed on the same layer as your original object.

32. Use the arrow keys to adjust your layer opacity

As we all know, sliders never seem to move exactly where we want them. It's an evil trick Adobe has played on all of the impatient Photoshop users in the world. So, rather than struggle with moving the slider back and forth until you finally just type in the percentage you want, use the Arrow keys. To do so, just click on the arrow icon in the Opacity text box. Then press on the Left and Right Arrow keys to move the slider 1% at a time or [shift] click to make it move at 10% intervals.

33. Color Swatch tips and tricks in Photoshop

When you click on a color swatch in the Swatches palette, the color will automatically become your Foreground color. However, did you know that if you [option]-click ([Alt]-click in Windows) on a color swatch it automatically becomes your Background color? It's true.

If you want to quickly add a swatch to your Swatches palette, just set your Foreground color to the color you want and then [shift]-click on an open space in the Swatches palette. To delete a swatch from the palette hold down the [command] key ([Ctrl] key in Windows) and click on the swatch.

Beware if you try this trick in Photoshop 7, it works in reverse. To set your Background color, [command]-click ([Ctrl]-click in Windows), and to delete a swatch, [option]-click ([Alt]-click in Windows).

34. A little hidden fun in Photoshop 7

Though Steve Jobs mandated that no Easter eggs appear in code written by Apple developers, Adobe Management fortunately never made such a rule. To prove it to yourself, hold down the [command] key ([Ctrl] in Windows) as you choose Photoshop > About Photoshop. (Choose Help > About Photoshop if you aren't currently running Mac OS X or higher.) When you do, you'll see a different splash screen than the standard one. To provide a bit of heritage, they've even included the belching cat from previous versions. Liquid Sky, by the way, was the project name for Photoshop 7. Also, if you hold down the [option] key ([Alt] in Windows) as the credits begin to scroll, they'll roll along at a faster rate.

35. Is your scan askew? Fix it in Photoshop

Placing a photo on a scanner isn't as easy as one may think. Many times when you place the scanner lid down your image moves a bit causing a crooked scan. However, you can straighten your image out quickly using the Measure tool. Just select the Measure tool and click and drag it along the top edge of your image. Then, choose Image > Rotate Canvas > Arbitrary. In the resulting dialog box, you'll see that Photoshop measured the amount needed to rotate your image for you, so simply press OK to straighten things out.

36. Use Photoshop to Eliminate noise in digital camera photos

Oftentimes, you'll see some noise in digital photos. An easy way to eliminate the grainy texture is to go to the Channels palette and select the Blue channel. Then choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and enter a Radius of 1 or 2.

37. View two images at once in Photoshop

When working on detailed areas of an image it's hard to know how the whole picture looks with your changes unless you constantly zoom in and out. This can be quite time consuming and annoying to say the least. So, a quick solution is to have one window open with your zoomed in area and another window open showing your entire image. You can do so by choosing View > New View in Photoshop 6.x, but in version 7 it's changed so you have to choose Window > Documents > New Window.

38. Adjust the softness of your brush using

If you want to soften your brush while you're working, without changing the brush size, simply press '[shift]['. To decrease the softness press '[shift]]'.

39. Easy color correction using Color Balance adjustment layer

Have you ever wanted to adjust the color of an area of an image without going through a series of color-correcting steps? Well, here's a quick little fixer-upper that allows you to adjust the color balance of an image. Say you have a photo of water, but the water looks a bit too green. To correct this, open your image in Photoshop. Then, go to the Layers palette and click the Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer button. Select Color Balance from the pop-up menu. In the resulting dialog box, drag the Blue slider all the way to the right to make the water a nice blue. Then click OK. Depending on the color cast, you'll have to use different sliders to achieve your desired results. Now, your whole image has been adjusted, so it will look pretty bad, except for the area that needed correcting. To get rid of the cast in areas of your photo where you don't need it, simply select the Paintbrush tool and paint out the color.

40. Turn a shape into a custom brush in Photoshop

Have you ever had to place a series of objects, like snowflakes or popcorn into one document? Well, rather than copying and pasting them over and over again, you can turn the shape into a custom brush. To do so, select the object that you want to use as a brush. Then, press [command]C ([Ctrl]C in windows) to copy the selection. Open a new document and press [command]V ([Ctrl]V in Windows) to paste the image into the new document. Now, choose Edit > Define Brush. In the resulting dialog box, name your brush and click OK. Your custom shape brush will now appear in the Brushes palette (Brush tool options bar in version 6).

41. Create a generic presentation using Photoshop

Forget PowerPoint; did you know you can make a faux slide show using Photoshop? To do so, just open a series of images in Photoshop. Then, press [control][tab] to cycle through the images. Next, click the Full Screen Mode button at the base of the Toolbox and press [tab] to hide your palettes. Now show your presentation by pressing [control][tab].

42. Designate a column size for your text in Photoshop

Although it's rare that you may actually set a few columns of text in Photoshop, there may be a time when it's necessary. So how do you create consistently sized columns? The answer is simple; just select the Type tool and hold down the [option] key ([Alt] key in Windows) while dragging the mouse pointer to make a text box. Upon doing so, the Paragraph Text Size dialog box opens and you can enter the exact size you want your column to be.

43. Dock palettes together to create one massive palette

Undoubtedly, you've nested a series of palettes together before for easy access. However, did you know that you could dock palettes one on top of the other? This can be quite convenient if you want to see all of your palettes at the same time rather than displaying one at a time. So to dock your palettes, drag the title tab of one palette to the bottom edge of another palette until a thin double black line appears. Then, release the palette and it will automatically be docked.

44. Protect your document using snapshots in Photoshop 7

Have you ever had your image at that almost perfect stage and then tried a few more filters, making it look worse than it did initially? Well, if you had taken a snapshot of the image when it was looking good, then you could quickly go back and start again. In order to take a snapshot, go to the History palette and click the Create New Snapshot button. Then you have a saved version of your image at that point to go back to just in case. You might even want to make multiple snapshots after you make any significant changes for added security. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

45. Make a portion of a layer transparent in Photoshop 7

Did you know that you can single out an area on a layer and make it transparent? To see how it works, select part of your image on a layer (this won't work on the Background layer). Then choose Edit > Fill and select Clear from the Blending Mode pop-up menu. Lower the Opacity as well and click OK to apply the change. That's all there is to it.

46. Adjust all of your type layers at once

Rather than changing one text layer at a time, you can adjust them all at once. Simply select one of your layers containing text, then link the other layers with text to that layer. Now, with the Type tool selected, hold down the [shift] key and make any necessary changes, such as selecting a new font or color for your type. Photoshop automatically applies the changes to all of the linked text.

47. Print out Photoshop actions for easy referencing

After creating an action, you can save it as a text document as well. This way you can print out the steps of your action and have a hard copy for future reference. To do so, go to the Actions palette and select the action that you want to print. Then hold down [option] [command] ([Alt][Ctrl] in Windows) while selecting Save Actions from the Actions palette's pop-up menu. In the resulting dialog box, save your file as a TXT file and you're all set.

48. Sample colors in ImageReady for more flexibility

Unlike Photoshop, ImageReady's Eyedropper tool can sample colors from anything. To see it in action, create a new document, select the Eyedropper tool, and hold down the mouse button. Then go ahead and drag the Eyedropper all over your screen to sample a color from anywhere. Amazing, isn't it?

49. Use Photoshop Measure tool to straighten out your images

Admit it; you're not always perfect. When scanning images, undoubtedly you've gotten that one scan that was a bit askew when you placed it on the scanner bed. It happens to us all. So how do you straighten it out? It's easy; simply use the Measure tool. Just drag the tool's pointer along the top edge of your image, then choose Image > Rotate Canvas > Arbitrary. Click OK and Photoshop applies the information from your measurement and straightens things out for you. Now that's perfect.

50. Filter previewing made easy in Photoshop

Did you know that if you click and hold on the Preview window in a filter dialog box that you can see a before preview of your image? Then when you release the mouse it displays the image with the filter applied. Otherwise, you can select and deselect the Preview check box. But if that isn't an option, clicking on the Preview window is definitely the way to go.

These tips are coutesy of: Element K Journals