If you’re new to Photoshop, you may be wondering where all the tools are. Photoshop has a lot of them, and they’re not all in plain sight. Here’s a rundown of where to find some of the most commonly used tools in Photoshop.
The Toolbar
The toolbar is probably the first place you’ll look for a specific tool. It’s located at the top of the Photoshop window, and it contains many of the most commonly used tools.
To select a tool, simply click on it in the toolbar. Some tools have multiple functions, so you may need to click and hold to see all the options. To learn more about a specific tool, hover your mouse over it and read the tooltip that appears.
The Options Bar
The options bar is located just below the toolbar. It changes based on which tool you have selected, so it’s a good place to look for options related to the tool you’re using. For example, if you have the brush tool selected, the options bar will give you options for controlling the size and shape of your brush.
The Layers Panel
The layers panel is essential for working with layers – one of Photoshop’s most powerful features. You’ll find it on the right side of the screen, grouped with several other panels.
The layers panel shows you all the layers in your document, and it lets you control how they’re arranged. You can also use it to add new layers or delete existing ones.
The Paths Panel
If you want to create a custom shape or path, you’ll need to use the paths panel. Like the layers panel, it’s located on the right side of the screen.
The paths panel contains options for creating and editing paths. It also lets you stroke a path with a brush or pen tool.
Conclusion
Now that you know where to find all of Photoshop’s essential tools, you’re well on your way to becoming a power user!
