Learning the Tools

• A diagram of the photoshop tools
  
  In the default workspace, Photoshop's tools can be seen on the left hand side. The first tool on the list is the "move tool". The "move tool" is used to move objects or text around the canvas. The "move tool" can also be turned into the transform tool by placing a check mark in the box that says "show transform controls".
  
  The "shape selection tools" would be used for selecting simple objects or for creating simple fills or gradients on the canvas.
  
  The "lasso tools" are used for more precise selections. The regular "lasso tool" is freehand and is probably more likely to be used by someone with a very steady hand or a graphics tablet. The "polygonal lasso tool" can be used for selecting obscure shaped objects and is easier and steadier to use the the regular lasso tool. The "magnetic lasso tool" sticks to the edges of nearby pixels. This is best for selecting places on a complex object to fill, such as coloring an anime character or a drawing of a car.
  
  The "magic wand tool" selects the area between pixels. For example, place the tool inside a circle and click and the entire interior of the circle will be selected. The "quick selection tool" does basically the same thing, but it said to be slightly more accurate. Use whichever is more comfortable.
  
  The "healing brush tool" is used to fix blemishes along with the "spot healing brush tool" and the "patch tool". The "red eye tool" is self-explanatory. The "brush tool" is used to create brush strokes. Custom brushes can be made through Photoshop as well. The "pencil tool" can be used to create paths.
  
  The "stamp tools" are used to stamp patterns and would be used for a variety of situations such as creating a "flowery" background. The "background eraser tool" is helpful for trying to erase a certain portion of the canvas without effecting another. The "magic eraser" is virtually the same as the "background eraser".
  
  The "blur tool" causes an area to become less visible and the "sharpen tool" does the opposite. The "smudge tool" is used for smudging colors. The "dodge tool" lightens and the "burn tool" darkens. The "pen tools" create paths. It isn't ideal to use Photoshop's pen tools for line art as they can be hard to control.
  
  

Using Layers, Channels, and Paths

• The layers panel
  
  The layers panel is essential to knowing how to maximize the potential of Photoshop. In the layer panel there are layers, channels, and paths. When a new document is created, Photoshop automatically creates a background layer. Before placing anything on the canvas, create a new layer and give that layer a name.
  
  It is ideal to create a new layer for each major step of the process. For example, a basic character drawing done in Photoshop should have layers called: line art, base color, shade, light, and background.
  
  Channels are more used for photo editing but are still essential to know. The default channels are RGB, Red, Green, and Blue. Channels can be added just like layers.
  
  Paths are created with the pen tool. The default name for a path is "work path". However, the name can be changed to anything that fits. The best way to learn how to work with layers, channels, and paths is by experimenting with them. Different projects call for different uses of each one.