If you are setting up a new Twitch profile, you will want to add custom items to your channel. This can include the panels, which show up under your video stream and allow you to display important information in one place. But how do you make them in Photoshop?

To create the Twitch panels in Photoshop, you will need to keep in mind the correct dimensions for the image to work well on the site. Also keep in mind the color scheme and how cohesive it looks with the rest of your Twitch channel. The use of Photoshop tools can make creating custom panels much easier!

In this article, we will take a look at how you can use Adobe Photoshop to create Twitch panels, save them, and consider important elements that will help you stand out. If you are designing custom panels, this is the perfect resource! So let’s get started!

How To Create Panels For Twitch In Photoshop

The panels on Twitch are an important part of your channel. This is because they can be used to share information to your audience at a glance. This can be things such as your social media accounts and how often you stream! If you are ready to get started creating custom Twitch panels, let’s explore the steps in this section!

Setting Up Your Document

First and foremost, you need to be able to create the right document so it can perfectly fit within the panel. The worry is, if you create something small, it will look pixelated. However, larger images can also look blurry because they are then adjusted to the accurate size.

The panels on a Twitch channel should be 350 px in width, but you can choose the height according to what you want to create. The most standard approach is to go for a landscape oriented panel, so you will see users use dimensions such as 350 px and 150 px.

A great idea is also to use a transparent background, so you get to decide if you want to create a transparent image. Keep in mind that Twitch has a light and dark theme, so using transparency can work to your advantage! Just design while considering the themes.

Setting Up The Twitch Panel

Now that you have the basics in mind let’s get to the creation of the Twitch panel using Photoshop. While there is no exact tutorial, you can apply your creative skills to make the panel look how you like. However, these basic steps will give you a general outline to follow so you can create cohesive Twitch custom panels:

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop on your computer.
2. Create a new document using the above-mentioned dimension parameters.
3. Choose a transparent background and click OK to create your document. 
4. Use different layers, text boxes, shapes, and other tools to create your Twitch design.
5. Once you are happy with the result, save your file.
6. If there is transparency in the image, save the file as a PNG.

With all of this, you will be able to create beautiful-looking TWitch panels in no time! One of the best tips to consider is to use the default shapes in Photoshop to your advantage. For example, using the Ellipse tool can be a great way to showcase your logo, and you can use the Rectangle tool to add text boxes to your design. 

Additional tools, such as rounded corners, can also help to elevate your design even further. Another great tip is to create a color palette that works well with your logo or profile image, so the entire channel’s design looks cohesive. 

The Text tool in Photoshop is also very important. This tool will be useful in adding crucial links and information. Make sure the font is readable and in a size that doesn’t look too big or too small on the screen. After all, you want to make sure everyone can see the information presented in the text boxes!

Saving The Twitch Panel

Now that you have the design ready, it is time to look at how to save it so you can use it on the website. Here are the steps to consider. 

1. Once your panel design is complete, ensure all background layers are hidden.
2. Now, click on the File menu in the top bar on Photoshop.
3. From here, choose the option ‘Save As…’
4. Select your format. PNG can be preferred if the image is transparent.
5. Choose the file location, and then click ‘Save.’

Your panel image is now saved and ready to be used on Twitch!

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, creating Twitch panels in Photoshop is relatively easy once you have a clear plan of what you want to make. Make sure to try different things and experiment – you never know what to come up with!

If you have ever spent hours trying to create an artwork in Paint Tool SAI and wanted it to be saved as a transparent image, only to find out it has a background, you know the feeling of disappointment very well. So how can you make things transparent in Paint Tool SAI?

The best way to create transparent images on Paint Tool SAI is to choose a transparent canvas, delete any solid background layers, and save your artwork as a PNG image. This will help preserve the transparent part of the artwork. 

This article will tell you everything you need to know to get the perfect transparent image saved in Paint Tool SAI. Whether you are creating work for printing, online images, or social media, this nifty trick will save you a lot of time in the future!

Creating Transparent Images On Paint Tool SAI

It can be very frustrating when you think you saved an image as a PNG, but it turns out there is still a background to your image. If you are struggling with this on Paint Tool SAI, you no longer have to worry! We will explore how to create such PNGs with this tool. 

How To Create A Transparent Background

When you are looking to create transparent images, there are a few things that you should know. So, let’s look at the foolproof method to create a transparent PNG image on Paint Tool SAI. By keeping certain steps in mind, you can create a drawing that can easily be saved in this format without any worries later on. Here is what you need to do:

1. On your device of choice, launch the Paint Tool SAI software.
2. Now, choose the option File, and then choose New.
3. When shown the new file options, focus on the background box.
4. Over here, choose the transparency you are looking for. 
5. Select the option ‘OK’ to create your new file. 
6. Create the artwork that you want to make on the new file.
7. Once you are done, save the image as a PNG file. 

The last step is one of the most crucial in understanding what a transparent image is. Saving an image in PNG allows you to keep the transparency. Other formats, such as JPEG cannot show this transparency and a background will be applied no matter what. 

Switching Out The Canvas Background

The method described above is the perfect way to do this. However, things don’t always go to plan. For example, what if you already have a file with an existing canvas? Luckily, there is a workaround to this using a tool to switch the background transparency. Here’s how:

1. Launch Paint Tool SAI and then open up the file with the canvas.
2. From the top menu in the software, choose the ‘Canvas’ tab.
3. From here, choose the option Canvas Background. 
4. Select the transparency option that works best for you. 

You will now be able to change out the canvas on an existing file! This is a great way to create transparent images without having to do all of the work again. 

Removing The Background Layer

One of the other ways that you can create a transparent background is just to delete the layer that is adding color to the background. This is usually the background layer, which will be white. All you need to do is find this layer and delete it! Then, when you save the image as a PNG file, it should be transparent!

Some users use other methods, such as changing the blend mode of the background layer. Whatever you choose to do, all you need to know is that as long as there is no solid color at the background of the image, it should easily save as a transparent PNG file with no issues. 

You can try using various techniques to see which is the best way to get the result that you are looking for. At the end of the day, the best techniques are the ones that work best for you! So make sure to experiment so you can find out what the right method can be.

If you are looking for more information, you can also check out a visual tutorial to see how to create transparent images in Paint Tool SAI. Here is an excellent recommendation:

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, transparent images are crucial, whether you need them for print or web media. If you want to make this happen, try using some of the methods above – don’t forget to save them as a PNG file when you are done!

Using vertical text is a way to bring diversity into your work by interestingly aligning the written content. Many creators wonder how they can achieve this look when using Photoshop to work on their design projects. 

You can create vertical text using Photoshop in one of three ways. The first is through the Vertical Type Tool. Secondly, you can convert horizontal text to vertical by using the ‘Text Orientation’ button. Finally, you can also rotate the text for a different effect.

So, if you want to change text orientation in your next Photoshop project, you are looking through the right resource! Keep reading this blog for an in-depth look at the three main methods you can use to create vertical text in Photoshop!

How To Create Vertical Type In Photoshop

As we mentioned above, there are three main ways that you can create vertical-oriented text when you are using Photoshop software. This section will explore the three methods in detail, along with instructions you can follow!

Using the Vertical Type Tool

The typical Type Tool on Photoshop, by default, writes text in a horizontal orientation. Since this is the most intuitive reading style for humans, it is the default. However, vertical text can also be created using a specialized tool called the Vertical Type Tool. Here’s how:

1. Launch Photoshop and start a new file.
2. Now, in the toolbar, click and hold the Type Tool.
3. Wait for the rest of the type options to show up.
4. From here, choose the option ‘Vertical Type Tool.’
5. The cursor of the Type Tool will change, and you can now write vertically!

You can easily write whatever you like and display it vertically on Photoshop! This tool is usually used to enter just a word or two rather than entire paragraphs. The reason behind this is that the text can become hard to read as there needs to be clear spacing between words as you have in the horizontal orientation. 

If you want to see how this works visually, you can also take a look at this video which shows how you can use the Vertical Type Tool in Photoshop to create this kind of text effect:

Converting Horizontal Type To Vertical

If you already have text written out using the default Type Tool, there is no reason for you to start from scratch and write everything all over again. This is because Photoshop has a very useful feature where you can convert the orientation, all using the following steps:

1. In Photoshop, highlight the text that you want to change to vertical text.
2. Make sure that the Type Tool is selected as you do this.
3. Navigate to the Options menu from the topbar on Photoshop.
4. From here, look for the dropdown menu for Font Selection.
5. Toggle the ‘Text Orientation’ according to the look you are going for.

Suppose the text you selected was originally horizontally oriented. In that case, you will be able to shift it to the vertical orientation, and vice versa if you would like to reverse the process. 

Using The Rotate Tool

Finally, one way to work around the fact that vertical text isn’t readable is to use the rotate tool to change the angle of the text. This way, there is still horizontal spacing, making it much easier to read. Here’s how to achieve this with just a few steps on Photoshop:

1. Use the default Type Tool to write your text in Photoshop.
2. Select the paragraph or text that you created.
3. Now, you use the Move Tool from your toolbar. 
4. Rotate the text. You can choose a specific angle depending on the look you are going for. 

With this method, you will be easily able to move the text around without worrying about it impacting the readability of the message you are trying to convey. This is an amazing way to have stylistic text, that stands out. And the best thing is that using the rotate tool on Photoshop is incredibly easy.

Final Thoughts

Now, with a few different methods, you can elevate any text box in your new Photoshop project by switching it on its head and using Vertical type! We hope this article helped you understand this and remember – the more you practice, the more you will learn about how it all works!

Packaging is a great way to share files you create on Adobe Illustrator. Using this method, you can share the file, fonts, and even all of the graphics used inside. This makes it much easier to share or sell your work. But how exactly does this work?

To package files on Adobe Illustrator, you can use a special saving method. This makes it much easier to save all of the information you used. The complete file can include the file, linked fonts, graphics, and a report of all of the contents.

Do you want to get started on packaging files from Adobe Illustrator? If that is the case, you can get started using this tutorial. With just a few steps, you can also create packaged files that have all linked information! So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Packaging Files Using Adobe Illustrator

The use of packaging helps you create ready-to-use files that you can share with other people. This can be done using built in tools with Adobe Illustrator. The ability to do this is available on Adobe Illustrator CS6, Adobe Illustrator CC, and newer versions! So, if you are ready to learn how to do this, here are the steps that you will need to follow:

1. Run Adobe Illustrator, and then open up the file you want to package.
2. Now, click on the File tab on the top menu bar on Illustrator. 
3. Choose the Package option, which will prompt a dialog box to open.
4. Specify settings for your package on Illustrator.
5. When you are happy with the settings chosen, click Package.

A new package will be created, which you can now share with anyone you would like! If you would like to see a tutorial of this process, check out this video:

Packaging Options On Adobe Illustrator

When you are about to save a file as a package on Adobe Illustrator, you will see a number of settings in the dialog box. If you want to learn more about what you should add in, here is an explanation of what each setting will do. 

First and foremost, the Location will help determine the part of the computer where the packaged folder will be saved. Next, the Folder name is how you can decide on the package folder’s name. If you don’t edit this, it will be taken from the name of the Illustrator document you are originating it from. 

Now, you can change other options in the package. The Copy Links option will help you decide if you want to add all the files and graphics you used in the document. There is also another option ‘Collect Links in a Separate Folder.’ This helps you create a new folder where all of the linked items will be placed, as opposed to the same file. 

The ‘Relink Linked Files to the Document’ option allows you to change the links to the package folder, concerning its location. There is also a ‘Copy Fonts’ option which allows you to create copies of the used files in the folder. 

Keep in mind that the entire font family will not be copied, just the files necessary for the document. Another thing to consider is that you will be prompted to make sure that you have the correct license to use fonts. So always make sure that you are using fonts with a license that allows you to share them for different purposes. 

Finally, the last option to consider is the report. The Create Report option is a great way to summarize all the information in your packaged folder. This is a report of the objects included, the used fonts, and all of the linked images and assets. The report can be a great guide on what is included and how to use it properly. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, being able to create a packaged file with all linked objects, images, and fonts you use can be a huge asset in Adobe Illustrator. This way, you can easily share files and make changes as a team to work that you have created. 

Some people may even use this as a way to sell their original works, so always make sure you have the appropriate licenses to be able to do this!

When creating and working with paths on Photoshop, it can seem incredibly complicated. When making such paths, you may wonder how exactly to make changes. To transform a path, you will need to use a specialized tool to make this happen.

Moving a path in Adobe Photoshop is incredibly easy and just requires a few steps. All you need to do to make this change is to use the Path Selection Tool available in the toolbar on Photoshop. You can move paths to new spots in your document with just a few clicks.

If you have been wondering how to change a pathway’s placement on Adobe Photoshop, you are reading the right tutorial! With this article, we will show you how to move an entire path without disturbing the anchor points you placed there originally. 

How To Move Paths In Adobe Photoshop

You can use Adobe Photoshop tools to create paths that are made up of different anchor points. In this case, you will realize that moving the entire path can be difficult. This is because the program, by default, will attempt to move anchor points instead.

If you want to drag and drop an entire path, you will have to use another tool, known as the ‘Path Selection Tool,’ to transform the path. The method to do this is described below.

If you want to see how this works out visually, you can also take a look at this video tutorial which shows you how to move paths in Photoshop:

In any case, here is how to drag and drop a path to a new spot in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Launch the Adobe Photoshop program on your computer or device.
2. Create a new file, or open a file with a path already drawn.
3. To draw a new path, use the Pen tool to create a path. 
4. Now, select the path that you want to move on Photoshop.
5. Hold down the ‘Direct Selection Tool’ on the toolbar to show more options.
6. From the options that show up, select the ‘Path Selection Tool.’
7. Now, if you click and drag the path it will be able to move. 
8. Once you are happy with your path, you can go back to editing.

If you want to edit an anchor point or two, you can also use the Direct Selection Tool available at the same spot to edit the anchor placement and angles. Basically, the Path Selection tool allows you to edit the entire path, but the Direct Selection Tool allows you to make changes to individual anchor points without impacting the whole path.

It is also important to remember that you can also use the Free Transform to make other changes to your pathways. To do this, you can use the Edit menu, and then choose ‘Free Transform Path. This allows you to make changes such as:

• Make changes to the size
• Adjust the rotation angle of the path
• Distort or skew your pathway

If you want to make adjustments to your path, using the transform tool can make this process much easier. 

How To Move Multiple Paths In Adobe Photoshop

Sometimes, you will need to move multiple paths at the same time on Adobe Photoshop. In this case, you can use the same core method we explained above with just a few changes to select the multiple paths. Here’s how this will work:

1. Launch Photoshop and open up the document you want to edit.
2. Hold down the Shift key, and then select the layers with the multiple paths. 
3. Now, click on the Path Selection tool.
4. Click on the paths and drag to their new spot on your document.
5. Release the paths to place them.

This way, you can easily make bigger changes to your Photoshop without having to carry out a complicated process. Luckily, Photoshop has a great built-in tool that allows you to move paths without any worry. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the process of moving paths can seem difficult, but it is actually down to selecting the right tool. With the path selection tool on hand, you can quickly change where a path is located on your canvas and move it to a new spot with no worries! 

We hope this tutorial was helpful and made moving a path much easier for the future! Good luck!

One of the ways to save time and disk space when using editing tools like Paint Tool SAI is to merge your layers. This is especially helpful when you want to apply effects to the entire layer without repeating the workload. But how exactly can you accomplish this?

The process of merging layers in Paint Tool SAI is pretty easy. All you need to do is use the layer panel to merge all of the visible layers. However, there are ways you can get specific merging results when using Paint Tool SAI.

If you are intrigued and want to make the process of merging quick and efficient, you are reading the right article! In this tutorial, we will show you how you can merge layers when using Paint Tool SAI, and how that can make your work much smoother.

How To Merge Layers WIth Paint Tool SAI

Being able to merge layers with Paint Tool SAI is an easy yet effective method, especially when you want to create specific effects. No matter what you are looking for, we recommend organizing your layers before you start. This will make the process much easier. 

If you are looking for tips on how to do this, you can take a look at this tutorial, which covers both the organization and merging of layers in Paint Tool SAI:

Now that you are ready to start, here are the three ways you can accomplish this task:

Merging Layers One At A Time

Sometimes, you will want to merge layers individually on Paint Tool SAI. This can be accomplished by using the menu available in the Layer panel. It may take more time, but it might be necessary for some circumstances. Here is how this process works. 

1. Launch Paint Tool SAI and open up the document in question.
2. Find the layers you want to merge within the Layers panel. 
3. Click on the layer that you would like to merge.
4. Select the Merge Down layer in the menu of the Layers panel.
5. The layer will be merged with the layer underneath it. 

You can repeat this process as much as you want so you can have the perfect effect you are looking for. While this can be time-consuming, it may be necessary for your project.

Merging Multiple Layers Into One

Another way to merge is to select various layers and merge them into one layer. This will be a great way you can save up on space and time in a document that has a lot of layers. In this case, the steps will be slightly different than before. 

1. Launch the software and open up your document.
2. Now, look for the layers you want to merge in the Layers panel.
3. You can select one layer and then hold down shift to select multiple layers at once.
4. When you have all the layers selected, now it is time to merge them all.
5. In the Layers panel, choose ‘Merge Selected Layers’ from the menu.
6. All of the layers will be merged into one layer.

Now, all of the layers that you selected will be merged into just one layer. This is sometimes a great way to make more complicated documents simpler. 

Merging All The Visible Layers

Finally, the last method, and perhaps one of the most commonly used merging processes, is to merge all the visible layers. This way, you don’t have to worry about hidden layers showing up in the final later. This easy process can be completed with these steps:

1. Open up the file in Paint Tool SAI.
2. Hold down the Eye icon in the layers panel to hide layers you don’t want.
3. Now, click ‘Layer’ from the top menu.
4. From the next menu, choose the option ‘Merge Visible Layers.’

Now, all of the visible layers will be merged together, and all hidden layers will be excluded. Alternatively, if you don’t want to hide any layers, you can choose Flatten Image to merge all layers of the document into one big layer. The approach you take depends on what kind of layers you have in your existing document. 

Final Thoughts

With just a few simple steps, you can easily merge layers in Paint Tool SAI and end up with a more organized document. Good luck!

One of the ways that artists make their creations in Illustrator look and remain consistent is through the use of symmetry. You will often see designs that have a basic symmetrical pattern, as though the two sides will mirror each other. How do you achieve this outcome?

As humans, it is hard for us to create perfect symmetry in a drawing. However, that can be made easy when you are using the Reflect and Live Mirror features in Photoshop. This way, you can get an identical copy of your work to the other side. 

If you are struggling to keep your illustrations on the Adobe Illustrator program consistent, try out these features today! In no time, you will be able to create perfect mirrors that just have a distinct mirror look that gives your work a very uniform look.

Using the Reflect Tool On Photoshop

One of the easiest ways to get started with mirroring on Illustrator is to use the Reflect Tool that is built into the system. To achieve this effect, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Open up Adobe Illustrator on your computer.
2. Open the image or create one half of your illustration.
3. In the Layers tab on your software, select and duplicate the layer.
4. Select one of the layers, and then click on the Reflect Tool. 
5. Alternatively, from the Object menu, choose transform, and then Reflect.
6. In the dialog box that opens up, choose Horizontal or Vertical Mirroring.
7. Click OK to apply the effect onto the layer. 

As you can see, now you will have two images completely mirroring each other. This will help to create symmetry in your work on either the X or Y axis. If you want to see the reflect tool in action, you can also take a look at this tutorial:

This tutorial also shows you how to incorporate symmetry while drawing on Illustrator, which we will cover in the next section of this tutorial.

Using The Symmetry Tool While Drawing

Another way that you can achieve the same symmetrical look you are going for is to use the Symmetry feature available in the software. This will create segments across your canvas and help you replicate your work across those segments. So let’s take a look at how this feature can work one Adobe Illustrator:

1. Launch Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
2. Now, use the Rectangle tool to create a rectangle bigger than your artboard.
3. Switch on the Ruler Tool on your document.
4. Create a horizontal and vertical guide intersecting at the document’s center.
5. Create any path on one office of the artboard.
6. Now, select the layer in the layers panel.
7. Click on the Effect menu, and then choose the option Distort & Transform.
8. From the next menu, choose the option ‘Transform…’
9. A dialog box will open up. Choose the axis and the number of copies. 
10. You can preview what this will look like in the dialog box. Click OK when you’re done.
11. Now, you can use the available drawing tools to create your illustration.

This is a great way to create a symmetrical image. However, there are some limitations. For one, the pathway that crosses the axis cannot connect with the copy of its path. Another issue that you should consider is that you are limited to the rectangle over the artboard. 

While live symmetry is currently a limited feature in Adobe Illustrator, there are third-p[arty plugins that you can try using that may offer a similar path but with far more options. It is up to you to decide what is the better choice for you as you create a symmetrical drawing.

The best course of action is to create a rectangle bigger than the artboard, so you have more area to play with. You can also create a design that carefully avoids crossing over the axis lines so there are no disruptions. 

At the end of the day, there are still enough options where you can use this tool to make beautiful and fascinating illustrations. 

Final Thoughts

Symmetry is one of the best ways to bring balance and consistency into your Adobe Illustrator projects. With just a few steps, you can create symmetry and make your designs and illustrations stand out!

Being able to quickly and easily move selections that you make in Photoshop can be a huge asset. Using this function, you can usually make quick changes to your work, and it is especially helpful when you want to create change to a specific region that is otherwise difficult to move. But you may be wondering how this can be done.

To move selections in Photoshop, you can use a combination of different selection tools, and then using the Move Tool, can transform and change the position of whatever falls inside your selection. This way, you can move specific areas of the canvas with ease.

So, if you are trying to understand how this little Photoshop trick works, you no longer have to worry! This is a relatively simple Photoshop hack that you can use, and we will show you exactly how to accomplish this goal with these tools. Let’s get started!

Moving A Photoshop Selection

As we mentioned above, one of the ways to edit your Photoshop layers is to combine the Selection tools and the Move Tool to create interesting results. If you want to achieve the same effect, you can do so by following these instructions: 

1. Run photoshop on your computer, and then open up a new file.
2. Whatever you want to select, do so using the tool of your choice.
3. You can use Object Selection, Quick Selection, and a myriad of other tools.
4. Once you have a selection ready, choose the Move Tool. This is a tool you can find from the Photoshop toolbar on the left hand side.
5. The area that you selected will now have a blue selection over it.
6. Click wherever you would like on the blue area over your selection.
7. Click and drag the selection wherever you would like on your canvas.
8.  At the same time, you can also resize or rotate the area.

If you move the selection on the same layer, it will leave an empty spot in the background. However, you can get around this by copying and pasting the selection as a new layer. Now, when you move it, the original image or background will not be affected. 

Using The Content-Aware Move Tool

In the last section, we talked a little bit about the background in Photoshop layers. As you can see, there can be a little bit of disruption when you move a selection, and you don’t extensively try to replicate the background. You can, of course, create a new layer. However, what do you do with the object you didn’t want in the original position? 

If you want the background to revert back, there is another interesting tool you can use in Photoshop. This is known as the Content-Aware Move Tool and it helps the background stay consistent, even when you are working within the same layer. 

You can take a look at this video tutorial to see how these steps play out visually:

If you want to learn more and repeat the same process, here are the steps you need to know to create this effect in Adobe Photoshop:

1. On Photoshop, open up an image and then select a part of it.
2. Hold the Spot Healing Brush in the toolbar to see other tools.
3. Now, select the option ‘Content-Aware Move Tool.’
4. Select the move mode to either expand or contract your selection.
5. Choose structure to decide how much the spot should look like the image pattern.
6. Decide on a color-blending selection depending on the look you want. 
7. When you drag and move the object, the background layer will automatically adjust on the basis of the settings you created for the tool.

When you are using this tool, there are two modes that you can use, as described above. Move mode is great when you are dealing with a basic background pattern that can easily be replicated. However, extend works better when there is more in the background, as it can allow the patching to happen at different planes to give a more accurate look.

Final Thoughts

You now know how to make and move sections on Adobe Photoshop easily! Try practicing this technique now so you can master it! Soon, you can easily make any changes you want when editing images!

Are you beginning to get annoyed by all the back-and-forth movement in the brush panel while creating a diverse and complex piece of art? Your brush panel is lacking in organization and adequate arrangement. It may be slowing you down. 

To organize brushes in Photoshop, go to the brush panel, select all the brushes you would like to group together, go to the cog wheel icon, and click “New Brush Group” Name your brush folder and hit OK. You have a folder based on your selected theme or style. 

Please continue reading to learn more about the Photoshop brush panel and the little tricks that might help you achieve better efficiency. 

Why Is Organizing Your Brushes Important?

Organizing brushes in Photoshop helps you find the brush you need faster, making your workflow more efficient. It also allows for easier management of your brushes and helps you keep them organized in a way that makes sense for your projects. Organizing brushes also allows you to quickly identify which brush is best suited for the task, saving you time and effort. It may also help ensure that you don’t accidentally delete brushes that you may need later.

How To Sort The Brush Panel In Photoshop?

The brush panel in Photoshop is completely customizable. If you want to sort it to your liking, open the brush panel and go to the cog wheel icon. A drop-down menu will show you a number of options. We shall go through some of these to help you understand why they are important and to help you decide whether you want to display them. All these options have tick marks next to them; you can remove them by clicking once. 

Let us get into these. 

Brush Name – This option will display the name of each brush you use. By turning this off, you might need some clarification. We advise this is kept on.

Brush Tip – This option allows you to see a preview of the brush that you use. If you are a beginner or using a new brush, keeping this on helps distinguish between all your options. 

Brush Stroke – This is another option that shows a preview of how the brush stroke would display on the canvas.

Show Additional Preset Info – This shows you other extra details about the preset you are using, which may be unnecessary at times. 

Show Recent Brushes – If this is turned on, the brush panel will show your recently used brushes. While working on one art project, this is quite helpful and saves time. 

How To Add Brushes To Folders In Photoshop?

The best way to organize your brushes and save them in one place based on certain themes or styles is to put them in labeled folders. Photoshop allows its users to do this very easily. 

Follow the instructions below to get guidance through the whole process. 

1. Select the brush tool. 
2. Now go to the control panel and choose the icon which shows the tip of your brush. 
3. This will open up a window that shows all your brushes. 
4. To add a set of brushes that you most like into a folder, select them.
5. To select them, hold down the command or control key. Now click on all the ones you want to add to your new folder. 
6. Once you are done selecting, go to the icon that looks like a cog wheel. 
7. Click this, and look for the “New Brush Group.”
8. A window will pop up where you will be asked to name the folder. 
9. Name your folder.
10. All your selected brushes will show under this name. 

For further help, please refer to this Youtube video: 

How To Drag And Drop Brushes To Brush Folders In Photoshop?

Once you have made a folder, add some new brushes to older, pre-existing folders. To do so, you can drag and drop your brushes. 

We have laid out some instructions below to help you better understand and follow the procedure. 

1. Select the brush tool and go to the icon with brush types. 
2. Here, find the folder in which you want to add the brush. 
3. Click on the arrow on the left side of the folder’s name. 
4. This will drop down all the brushes that are already in the folder.
5. Now go to the brush you wish to add here, click on it, and drag it to this folder. 
6. Now release your mouse to drop the brush. 
7. The brush will be added to the folder. 

Conclusion

Organizing and managing your brushes smartly can help improve efficiency and performance by a great margin. Getting some clarity when working on a project allows you to focus more on your work than the logistics of it. Use our tips and guidelines to help enhance your performance in Photoshop.

Did you accidentally create more layers while working on your art than you could handle? It happens to the best of us. An easy way to deal with this issue is to merge some of the layers. We will teach you how to do this in Illustrator. 

To merge specific layers in Illustrator, select the layers from the layers panel, go to the options, and select the “Merge Selected” bar. If you wish to merge all of your layers in the artwork, go to the options in the Layers panel and select “Flatten Artwork” from the drop-down menu. 

Please continue reading the article if you wish to learn these methods in detail. We go into detail about merging layers using the two distinct methods and then show you how you can merge objects in Illustrator using two different techniques. 

Merging Layers In Illustrator

The method that is demonstrated below is the most recommended one by us. It gives artists adequate control over the layers they are working with. If you have ten layers, you can still choose only two or three to merge while leaving the rest alone. 

Follow the instructions below to try your hand at merging layers in Illustrator. 

1. Decide the two layers that you want to merge.
2. Go to the windows menu from the top panel. Select the Layers option.
3. A window will open up on the right side of your screen.
4. Now you need to select the layers. To do so, hold Shift and click on the layers you wish to merge together.
5. Look for an icon that looks like multiple horizontal lines on the top right above the layers. 
6. Click on this icon.
7. In the drop-down menu, select the Merge Selected option. 
8. All of your layers will stop showing as individual layers, and you will only be able to see one layer.

Merging Layers By Flattening The Image In Illustrator

Adobe always has a variety of ways of doing things. Another way to merge the layers in Illustrator is by flattening the image. The only difference while using this technique is that you need to be wary of the fact that this merges all the layers in the layers panel. This is a quick shortcut if you do not want to spend time selecting each layer individually. 

To do so, please follow the instructions given below. 

1. Go to the Layers panel and select the icon which opens up the options.
2. Go to Flatten artwork and select it.
3. All the layers will be merged into one layer. You do not need to select specific layers because this tool consolidates each layer in the artwork by default. 

Here is a quick video that summarizes the two methods in less than 40 seconds:

Why Is Flattening Artwork Not Recommended?

This tool takes away some control from the artist. If you go for this shortcut, you do not get to select the specific layers that you wish to merge. It will automatically merge all the layers for you. 

On the other hand, the merge-selected options provide much more control and variety in maneuvering the layers according to your liking. 

Does Merging Layers In Illustrator Merge The Objects?

Merging layers only brings all the objects on the two layers together onto one layer. It does not merge all the objects or move them around; each object remains independent of all the other objects. 

How To Merge Objects Together In Illustrator Using The Shape Builder Tool?

The shape builder tool is one of the most useful tools in Illustrator, especially for artists who wish to draw complex shapes. 

To merge objects by using this tool, follow the steps given below. 

1. Look at all the objects you have on a canvas in one layer. 
2. Now, decide how you would like to set them together. 
3. Once you have a rough mind map, begin setting them as close to each other as possible.
4. Select all the objects when you have a final result you are happy with.
5. Go to the Shape Builder Tool in the tools panel. 
6. Now drag your cursor across all the objects drawing a line through them. 
7. The objects will be merged to make a new shape. 

How To Merge Objects Together In Illustrator Using The Pathfinder?

The pathfinder tool is another wonderful way to merge objects together. It identifies the objects and allows you to unite them together. To achieve this, look at the steps given here. 

1. Adjust your objects together to make the shape that you want. 
2. Now in the properties panel, go to the Pathfinder tool. 
3. Click on the icon that represents Uniting the objects together. This looks like two rectangles partially overlapping and colored in white. 
4. The objects will be merged. 

Conclusion

Arranging and managing layers is a task of its own, but merging some of them makes it easier to move around the layers and make changes to your art the way you want. Similarly, merging objects helps to declutter the canvas. We walked you through both techniques to help you out.