The Photoshop toolbar

Photoshop's toolbar is located along the left of the screen:

Choosing a single or double column

toolbar

By default, the toolbar appears as a long,

single column. But it can be expanded into
a shorter, double column by clicking
the double arrows at the top. Click the
double arrows again to return to a single
column toolbar:

The toolbar can be viewed in a single or

double column

The tools layout

Let's look at how Photoshop's toolbar is organized. While it

may seem like the tools are listed randomly, there's actually
a logical order to it, with related tools grouped together.

At the top, we have Photoshop's Move and Selection tools. And

directly below them are the Crop and Slice tools. Below that are
the Measurement tools, followed by Photoshop's
many Retouching and Painting tools.

Next are the Drawing and Type tools. And finally, we have
the Navigation tools at the bottom

The toolbar's hidden tools

Each tool in the toolbar is represented by an icon,
and there are many more tools available than what
we see.

A small arrow in the bottom right corner of a tool

icon means that there are more tools hiding behind
it in that same spot:

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A summary of Photoshop's tools
A. Move and Selection tools

1. Move Tool * ( V ) 8. Polygonal Lasso Tool ( L )

The Move Tool is used to move layers, Click around an object with
selections and guides within a Photoshop the Polygonal Lasso Tool to surround it
document. Enable "Auto-Select" to with a polygonal, straight-edged
automatically select the layer or group you selection outline.
click on.

9. Magnetic Lasso Tool ( L )

2. Artboard Tool ( V ) The Magnetic Lasso Tool snaps the
The Artboard Tool allows you to easily selection outline to the edges of the
design multiple web or UX (user object as you move your mouse cursor
experience) layouts for different devices or around it.
screen sizes.

10. Object Selection Tool * ( W )

3. Rectangular Marquee Tool * ( M ) The Object Selection Tool lets you
The Rectangular Marquee Tool draws select an object just by dragging a rough
rectangular selection outlines. Press and selection outline around it.
hold Shift as you drag to draw a square
selection.

11. Quick Selection Tool ( W )

The Quick Selection Tool lets you easily
4. Elliptical Marquee Tool ( M ) select an object simply by painting over
The Elliptical Marquee Tool draws elliptical it with a brush. Enable "Auto-Enhance"
selection outlines. Press and hold Shift to in the Options Bar for better quality
draw a selection in a perfect circle. selections.

5. Single Row Marquee Tool 12. Magic Wand Tool ( W )

The Single Row Marquee Tool in Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool selects
Photoshop selects a single row of pixels in areas of similar color with a single click.
the image from left to right. The "Tolerance" value in the Options
Bar sets the range of colors that will be
selected.

B. Crop and Slice tools

6. Single Column Marquee Tool
Use the Single Column Marquee Tool to
select a single column of pixels from top to
bottom.
1. Crop Tool * ( C )
Use the Crop Tool in Photoshop to crop
an image and remove unwanted areas.
Uncheck "Delete Cropped Pixels" in the
7. Lasso Tool * ( L )
Options Bar to crop an image non-
With the Lasso Tool, you can draw a
destructively.
freeform selection outline around an
object.
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2. Perspective Crop Tool ( C )
Use the Perspective Crop Tool to both 4. Ruler Tool ( I )
crop an image and fix common distortion The Ruler Tool measures distances,
or perspective problems. locations and angles. Great for
positioning images and elements exactly
where you want them.

3. Slice Tool ( C )
The Slice Tool divides an image or
layout into smaller sections (slices) 5. Note Tool ( I )
which can be exported and optimized The Note Tool allows you to attach text-
separately. based notes to your Photoshop
document, either for yourself or for
others working on the same project.
Notes are saved as part of the .PSD file.

4. Slice Select Tool ( C )

Use the Slice Select Tool to select
individual slices created with the Slice
Tool. 6. Count Tool ( I )
Use the Count Tool to manually count
the number of objects in an image, or to
have Photoshop automatically count
multiple selected areas in the image.
5. Frame Tool * ( K )
New as of Photoshop CC 2019, D. Retouching and Painting tools
the Frame Tool lets you place images
into rectangular or elliptical shapes.

C. Measurement tools 1. Spot Healing Brush Tool * ( J )

The Spot Healing Brush in Photoshop
quickly removes blemishes and other
minor problem areas in an image. Use a
1. Eyedropper Tool * ( I ) brush size slightly larger than the
Photoshop's Eyedropper Tool samples blemish for best results.
colors in an image. Increase "Sample
Size" in the Options Bar for a better
representation of the sampled area's
color.
2. Healing Brush Tool ( J )
The Healing Brush lets you repair larger
problem areas in an image by painting
over them. Hold Alt (Win) / Option (Mac)
2. 3D Material Eyedropper Tool ( I ) and click to sample good texture, then
Use the 3D Material Eyedropper Tool to paint over the problem area to repair it.
sample material from a 3D model in
Photoshop.

3. Patch Tool ( J )
With the Patch Tool, draw a freeform
3. Color Sampler Tool ( I ) selection outline around a problem area.
The Color Sampler Tool displays color Then repair it by dragging the selection
values for the selected (sampled) area outline over an area of good texture.
in an image. Up to four areas can be
sampled at a time. View the color
information in Photoshop's Info panel.
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4. Content-Aware Move Tool ( J ) 11. Pattern Stamp Tool ( S )
Use the Content-Aware Move Tool to select Use the Pattern Stamp Tool to paint a
and move part of an image to a different pattern over the image.
area. Photoshop automatically fills in the
hole in the original spot using elements
from the surrounding areas.

12. History Brush Tool * ( Y )

The History Brush Tool paints a
snapshot from an earlier step (history
5. Red Eye Tool ( J ) state) into the current version of the
The Red Eye Tool removes common red image. Choose the previous state from
eye problems in a photo resulting from the History panel.
camera flash.

13. Art History Brush Tool ( Y )

6. Brush Tool * ( B ) The Art History Brush also paints a
The Brush Tool is Photoshop's primary snapshot from an earlier history state
painting tool. Use it to paint brush strokes into the image, but does so using
on a layer or on a layer mask. stylized brush strokes.

7. Pencil Tool ( B ) 14. Eraser Tool * ( E )

The Pencil Tool is another of Photoshop's The Eraser Tool in Photoshop
painting tools. But while the Brush Tool can permanently erases pixels on a layer. It
paint soft-edge brush strokes, the Pencil can also be used to paint in a previous
Tool always paints with hard edges. history state.

8. Color Replacement Tool ( B ) 15. Background Eraser Tool ( E )

Use the Color Replacement Tool in The Background Eraser Tool erases
Photoshop to easily replace the color of an areas of similar color in an image by
object with a different color. painting over them.

9. Mixer Brush Tool ( B ) 16. Magic Eraser Tool ( E )

Unlike the standard Brush Tool, the Mixer The Magic Eraser Tool is similar to the
Brush in Photoshop can simulate elements Magic Wand Tool in that it selects areas
of real painting such as mixing and of similar color with a single click. But
combining colors, and paint wetness. the Magic Eraser Tool then permanently
deletes those areas.

10. Clone Stamp Tool * ( S )

The Clone Stamp Tool is the most basic of 17. Gradient Tool * ( G )
Photoshop's retouching tools. It samples Photoshop's Gradient Tool draws
pixels from one area of the image and gradual blends between multiple colors.
paints them over pixels in another area. The Gradient Editor lets you create and
customize your own gradients.

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18. Paint Bucket Tool ( G ) 25. Sponge Tool ( O )
The Paint Bucket Tool fills an area of Paint over areas with the Sponge Tool
similar color with your Foreground color to increase or decrease color saturation.
or a pattern. The "Tolerance" value
determines the range of colors that will E. Drawing and Type tools
be affected around the area where you
clicked.

1. Pen Tool * ( P )
Photoshop's Pen Tool allows you to
draw extremely precise paths, vector
19. 3D Material Drop Tool ( G ) shapes or selections.
Used in 3D modeling, the 3D Material
Drop Tool lets you sample a material
from one area and then drop it into
another area of your model, mesh or 3D
layer. 2. Freeform Pen Tool ( P )
The Freeform Pen Tool allows you to
draw freehand paths or shapes. Anchor
points are automatically added to the
path as you draw.
20. Blur Tool *
The Blur Tool blurs and softens areas
you paint over with the tool.

3. Curvature Pen Tool ( P )

The Curvature Pen Tool is an easier,
simplified version of the Pen Tool. New
21. Sharpen Tool as of Photoshop CC 2018.
The Sharpen Tool sharpens areas you
paint over.

4. Add Anchor Point Tool

Use the Add Anchor Point Tool to add
22. Smudge Tool additional anchor points along a path.
The Smudge Tool in Photoshop
smudges and smears the areas you
paint over. It can also be used to create
a finger painting effect.
5. Delete Anchor Point Tool
Click on an existing anchor point along a
path with the Delete Anchor Point Tool
to remove the point.
23. Dodge Tool * ( O )
Paint over areas in the image with the
Dodge Tool to lighten them.

6. Convert Point Tool

On a path, click on a smooth anchor
point with the Convert Point Tool to
24. Burn Tool ( O ) convert it to a corner point. Click a
The Burn Tool will darken the areas you corner point to convert it to a smooth
paint over. point.

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 and hold Shift as you drag to draw a
perfect circle.

7. Horizontal Type Tool * ( T )

Known simply as the Type Tool in
Photoshop, use the Horizontal Type 15. Triangle Tool ( U )
Tool to add standard type to your The Triangle Tool draws triangle
document. shapes. Hold Shift to draw an equilateral
triangle, or use the Radius option to
round the corners.

8. Vertical Type Tool ( T )

The Vertical Type Tool adds type
vertically from top to bottom.
16. Polygon Tool ( U )
The Polygon Tool draws polygonal
shapes with any number of sides. Use
9. Vertical Type Mask Tool ( T ) the Star Ratio option to turn polygons
Rather than adding editable text to your into stars.
document, the Vertical Type Mask Tool
creates a selection outline in the shape
of vertical type.
17. Line Tool ( U )
The Line Tool draws straight lines or
arrows. Use the Stroke color and weight
10. Horizontal Type Mask Tool ( T ) to control the appearance of the line.
Like the Vertical Mask Type Tool, the
Horizontal Type Mask Tool creates a
selection outline in the shape of type.
However, the type is added horizontally 18. Custom Shape Tool ( U )
rather than vertically. Photoshop's Custom Shape Tool lets
you select and draw custom shapes.
Choose from Photoshop's hundreds of
built-in custom shapes or create your
11. Path Selection Tool * ( A ) own.
Use the Path Selection Tool (the black
arrow) in Photoshop to select and move F. Navigation tools
an entire path at once.

1. Hand Tool * ( H )
12. Direct Selection Tool ( A ) The Hand Tool lets us click and drag an
Use the Direct Selection Tool (the white image around on the screen to view
arrow) to select and move an individual different areas when zoomed in.
path segment, anchor point or direction
handle.

2. Rotate View Tool ( R )

13. Rectangle Tool * ( U ) Use the Rotate View Tool in Photoshop
The Rectangle Tool draws rectangular to rotate the canvas so you can view
vector shapes, paths or pixel shapes, and edit the image from different angles.
with sharp or rounded corners. Press
and hold Shift as you drag to force the
shape into a perfect square.
3. Zoom Tool * ( Z )
Click on the image with the Zoom
Tool to zoom in on a specific area.
14. Ellipse Tool ( U ) Press and hold Alt (Win) / Option (Mac)
The Ellipse Tool draws elliptical vector and click with the Zoom Tool to zoom
shapes, paths or pixel shapes. Press out.
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Image Enhancement Tools in Adobe Photoshop
 Purpose: Image enhancement tools improve the visual quality of images (brightness, contrast,
sharpness, color).
 Key Tools:
o Brightness/Contrast: Controls how light or dark the image is.
o Levels: Adjusts shadows, midtones, and highlights for better balance.
o Curves: Provides more detailed control over contrast and color.
o Hue/Saturation: Changes the intensity and color balance of the image.
o Sharpen Tool: Makes the image clearer by highlighting edges

Adjustment Layers in Photoshop

Adjustment layers are non-destructive tools in
Adobe Photoshop that allow you to apply color and tonal
adjustments to your image without altering the original
image or layer. They are essential for photo editing, color
correction, and creative effects.

Benefits of Using Adjustment Layers

1. Non-Destructive Editing: The original image
remains untouched, allowing you to revert
changes or edit adjustments anytime.
2. Layer Masking: Apply adjustments selectively using masks.
3. Flexibility: Easily modify or turn off adjustments without permanent changes to the image.
4. Organized Workflow: Adjustment layers stack in the Layers panel, keeping edits separate
from the original image.

Types of Adjustment Layers and Their Uses:

1. Brightness/Contrast
o Adjusts the brightness (lightness) and contrast (difference between dark and light areas)
of an image.
o Useful for correcting underexposed or overexposed images.
2. Levels
o Adjusts the tonal range of an image by modifying shadows, midtones, and highlights
using a histogram.
o Commonly used for balancing overall light and dark tones in a photo.
3. Curves
o Provides more control over brightness and contrast through a graph-based interface.
o Allows precise adjustments of individual tonal areas and can also manipulate colors.
4. Exposure
o Adjusts exposure, offset, and gamma correction to fine-tune lightness and contrast.
o Useful for HDR images and fixing lighting issues.
5. Hue/Saturation
o Adjusts the hue (color tone), saturation (intensity of color), and lightness of an image.
o Enables you to change specific color ranges, such as making a blue sky more vibrant.
6. Color Balance
o Adjusts the overall mix of colors in highlights, midtones, and shadows.
o Useful for correcting color casts or achieving a specific mood.
7. Black & White
o Converts your image to grayscale while allowing customization of how colors are
mapped to gray tones.
o Great for creative and dramatic effects.
8. Photo Filter
o Simulates traditional lens filters to apply color tones (e.g., warming or cooling effects).
o Enhances the mood or fixes color temperature in images.
9. Channel Mixer
o Combines and adjusts the color information from different channels (Red, Green, Blue).
o Useful for creating monochrome images or adding creative color effects.
10. Selective Color

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 o Adjusts individual color components (e.g., Red, Yellow, Cyan) for fine control over colors
in an image.
o Useful for targeted color correction.

11. Gradient Map

o Maps gradients to the tonal range of an image, replacing dark and light areas with
colors from the gradient.
o Great for artistic effects and color grading.
12. Invert
o Inverts the colors in the image, turning black into white and vice versa.
o Often used for creative effects.
13. Vibrance
o Adjusts the intensity of less-saturated colors without affecting already vibrant colors.
o Helps make subtle enhancements to color tones.

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