Swapping colors in the foreground and background could be the change that makes your design win a local competition or provide the perfect backdrop for your logo. So how do you swap the foreground and background colors in Photoshop?

Press X to swap the colors of the foreground and background. If you get into a rhythm of changing colors and want to switch back to black and white, you have to push the D key, which will revert the foreground color to black and the background color to white.

Some many options and hotkeys allow shortcuts on Photoshop. Learning to use the program takes a while, and working on it can be intimidating. Take a deep breath and concentrate. You’ve got this! Read on and learn everything you need to know about swapping foreground and background colors in Photoshop.

Swapping Foreground and Background Colors in Photoshop

Swapping the background and foreground colors is a breeze in Photoshop. With key inputs, you can work around the project screen and issue commands that will appear on the screen. There are several other ways to get around using the colors, and using the keyboard is the easiest. 

Using the Keys Will Change Colors in Photoshop

You swap the colors on your panel by hitting the X key and can continue working without other options. Using the X key works excellently to change colors quickly and keep the flow of the project moving. Keeping the flow constant when working with color is essential to avoid missed areas.

A few essential selections that increase color functionality are:

• Color Selection – One thing sure when coloring is that you will need different colors. While they might all be blue, you could need different shades to show depth, and having quick access to the color panel is imperative. By pushing Alt-Shift and Right-Clicking, you can open the color wheel and select your colors quickly.
• Color Inversion – When you have colors in your project that you want to invert, there’s a quick and easy way to change the colors on the item. Command/Control-I will take the line color from a layer and invert the colors.

There are also ways to customize the hotkeys and create whatever function you need for your task. Remember that working with color could require you to save specific shades and tones in a separate area to use them. Keeping your color wheel open and on screen is an excellent way to keep up with the color changes.

Working With Color Requires Knowing How They Work

Colors are a complicated area of design. They must be complementary to each other and not be garish. When choosing a color from the color wheel, remember a few things that will make your design successful and unique.

A few things to remember when working with color in Photoshop are:

• Background Percentage – The color you choose for your background will populate a large percentage of the project. This color must be more subdued than the others and not as sharp to create a feeling of safety and comfort.
• Foreground Colors – The foreground colors should be selected to attract the types of clients you seek. By knowing your crowd, you can have a foreground color that serves its purpose while being attractive and engaging.
• Color Picker – There’s a way to pick the color for the background and add it to a quick key that will swap the color of your brush. By using the keys Ctrl-Alt-Shift-K on Windows and Command-Option-Shift-K on a Mac. These keys open a menu allowing you to choose the color you want as a hotkey and where it will be located.

Knowing a few shortcuts and guidelines will be necessary when using Photoshop. It will decrease the time it takes you to complete tasks and give you a starting point when beginning a new project.

The Color Picker isn’t Just for Shortcuts

One of the handiest tools that you can use in Photoshop is the Color Picker tool. This tool allows the user to speed through coloring and shading by pressing unused keys on the keyboard. Speed is critical for designers as the more they can create, the more they can make for their businesses and families.

The steps to open the Color Picker tool are:

• Go to Edit – On your Photoshop job screen, look for the row of options on the top. There should be one labeled Edit. Click on that and scan the options until you find the Keyboard Shortcuts option.
• Tools – Once in the Keyboard Shortcuts menu, you should see an option labeled Tools. Tools are one of the most in-depth menus in Photoshop, so be careful not to get lost looking around in the options. Somewhere in the list, you will see the Foreground Color Picker option.
• Picker – Now that you are in the color picker, you have choices. The first is what color you wish to assign. It’s recommended that you choose the color you will use the most. Once you have the color picked, you should choose a letter. Choose something that lacks functionality or problems.

Color picker is a hidden gem in Photoshop. When coloring using one of the brushes or creating a fine line, you must be able to choose the color at intermittent times to complete the work. Picker makes grabbing a most used color easy and will increase your work speed.

Conclusion

Swapping the foreground and background colors in Photoshop requires you to hit the X key. Once the colors are swapped, you can switch to black and white by hitting the B key, and switching and swapping colors aren’t the only thing you can do with hotkeys.

There are button combinations that will allow you to choose the most used color in the project and add it to a key. This means that instead of going through the color choice process, you only need to push a button each time you need to use it, and the color will populate on your coloring tool. 

Adobe Photoshop allows you to design nearly anything you can imagine; the use of patterns is just one of the many features that designers love about the software. If you are still learning the ins and outs of Photoshop you may be wondering how to rotate a pattern to enhance the look of your design.

For information about using patterns in Photoshop and how to rotate them so you can increase the quality of your designs continue reading.

Types of Patterns for Photoshop Designs

If you are still learning how to use Photoshop and patterns it is helpful to have a basic understanding of patterns.

There are different types and styles of patterns that we see in our daily lives all of which can be useful when properly incorporated into a design.

The types of patterns are listed below:

• Symmetrical – Both sides of the pattern are the same, mirror image
• Asymmetrical – More random, natural, not symmetrical but fits together
• Fractured – This is a symmetrical type of pattern in a way as consists of multiple details, elements, or images combined and then repeated throughout the space
• Centralized and Radial – Any design where there is a central focal point with a repetitive design radiating outward such as a seashell, mandala, or a wheel of a bicycle
• Grid – Geometric-like patterns generally made up of repetitive squares in a grid style
• Linear – A pattern consisting of straight repetitive lines or in which the elements within the pattern are positioned linearly in the design
• Spiral – Certain shells, staircases, and whirlpools are examples of a spiral pattern

Now, let’s see what you can use patterns for.

What Are Patterns Used for On Photoshop?

Patterns can be used in design for many different applications.

Such as:

• Adding texture to different surfaces
• Creating depth and scale
• Examples of desired design aesthetic
• To draw the eye to a specific area

Understanding the different types of patterns and how to use them properly can help your designs look more professional. Many of the patterns listed above may require rotating before they look like they fit into your design.

The way in which you are using a pattern can also affect the direction you rotate and position it within a shape or area of the document. Continue reading to learn more.

How to Rotate a Pattern In Photoshop

When using photoshop there will be a time when you need to rotate a pattern whether it is within a specific shape or an entire layer the steps are easy.

Rotating patterns in Photoshop is an invaluable skill to learn if you want top-notch designs that are well thought out rather than tacky and unprofessional.

Create Your Pattern

First, you need to create your shape or define the layer/area in which you need the pattern. Then it’s time to decide which pattern you want to use.

Photoshop offers several options for patterns in a preset menu that you can choose from or you can import an image or pattern that you have created in another program into Photoshop.

You can import an image or pattern into Photoshop that will be loaded into the preset pattern menu. Once you have selected the pattern you want to use it will appear in the desired area.

Rotate the Pattern

Now for the fun part, rotation. You need to be thoughtful when rotating your pattern. Think about how the eye naturally moves across a page/screen.

Be considerate with your pattern placement so that it is attractive and not distracted from the actual content.

Begin by accessing the “Image” menu and scroll down until you see the “Image Rotation” option with the arrow to the right. Click or hover over the “Image Rotation” until the secondary menu pops out.

The secondary menu will give you multiple options for rotating your pattern such as:

• 180°
• 90° Clockwise
• 90° Counterclockwise
• Arbitrary (free movement – you can move the pattern at any angle with the cursor)
• Flip Horizontally
• Flip Vertically

These options give you the freedom to rotate or position your pattern however you need to give your design the right look.

Continue reading to learn more about how these options can enhance your designs.

Examples of When Pattern Rotation Is Needed In Photoshop

It is helpful to understand where certain rotation options may apply and when they work best. The following section gives a few examples of how these settings can be used.

Arbitrarily Speaking – This Is One of the Best Options

The Arbitrary option can be extremely helpful, especially in interior or architectural designs.

This is because you can use patterns to define certain textures such as:

• Countertops
• Flooring
• Exterior siding

The patterns can be arbitrarily moved to an angle that looks realistic and gives depth to the design.

Flipping for Full Effect

When using any of the other rotation or flipping options under the “Image Rotation” menu the primary use is to reverse or mirror the pattern.

This is often helpful if you are using a pattern as a border. The pattern can be flipped to face a specific direction and look more natural rather than contrast when it comes in contact with other images or parts of the border.

Flipping a pattern can be helpful if you are creating a double-page spread. Flipping the pattern vertically or horizontally will create a mirror effect and make it flow together better and appear seamless.

When Exactness Is Necessary

Using the preset rotation options is good if you are using duplicate shapes with patterns and want your design to be symmetrical.

Using the 180°, and 90° rotation options allow you to create a perfectly geometrical design as each shape will be at the same angle.

Properly Placed Patterns Produce Primo Pieces 

As you have learned from the information above, learning how to properly incorporate patterns into your design can bring you to the next level as a designer. Working with patterns and shapes to create eye-catching designs is a lot of fun and can add a lot of depth, dimension, and interest to your design.

Inkscape is a great program to use when you are creating digital art, whether it is for intricate pieces or when you are using simple logos. Sometimes we need to edit pictures and put them into different layers.

When you download an image into Inkscape, there is only one layer, but you can separate them. Here is everything you need to know to separate the layers so you can edit and fix the image on these layers.

How to Separate Layers in Inkscape

Separating layers can be a little difficult if you don’t know where to start. But after you learn these simple steps, you will be separating those layers in no time.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Import image
2. Separate design
3. Add new layers
4. Move to the desired layer
5. Edit each layer
6. Save your project

As you continue to use these steps and work within Inkscape, you will be quicker and quicker at finishing your projects.

Import Image

First, you must import the image in which you want to separate layers. This can be an image saved to your computer, or it could be one online. There are several ways you can do this. If the image is saved to your computer, then open the image in Inkscape.

If you search the internet, you don’t have to save the image to your computer. You can just copy the image and paste it into the Inkscape program. This can save you the step of saving the image and then searching for it to open.

You can use the shortcut CTRL+C to copy the image and CTRL+V to paste the image. This will make things easier. Or you can right-click on the image and choose to copy it. There are many options for how to do this.

Separate Design

You can separate the design into groups or each part individually. This is up to you. If you want to separate into groups, select everything you want to be in that group. Once you have done this, you can use CTRL+G, and it will separate that group.

Or you can separate each individual part, say you want one layer to be a girl’s hair in an image, while another layer the facial features. You would have to separate each of these by selecting the individual image and copy or cut it.

The shortcut to using the “cut” feature is CTRL+X. This will remove the selected item from the original layer, so you won’t have to delete it later, unlike copying the item. You will have to take an extra step to delete it from the original later when you use copy.

Add New Layers

Once you have copied the first group or individual piece, you must create a new layer within Inkscape. There should be a plus sign that you can press to add a new layer. At this point, it is best to do a few layers if you plan on having several layers.

You can also add the layers as you go so you don’t have extra layers. It is up to you how you want to add the layers. You can even name these layers, which will help you if you are using many layers. You don’t have to search through them to see what is on each layer.

Move to Desired Layer

Now it is time to move the first group or individual piece to your new layer. You just need to paste it into that layer. You will repeat the previous steps until you have separated each group and individual piece.

Remember to name your layers if you plan on using a lot of layers. This will help you keep everything organized, and it is better to do the renaming as you go than to wait until the end. You would then have to search through each layer to determine what is on each.

If you don’t name your layers, it automatically assigns them by number. It really isn’t necessary to name your layers if you are only using a few. This is usually the case for less complex images or when you group parts of the original image.

Edit Each Layer

Now that you have separated your image into layers, you can edit each layer. You can resize the image, change colors, and move it around. You can pretty much edit the layer however you want more easily than if it were one image.

Save Your Project

Always, always, always save your project.  You don’t want to make all those edits and have it all disappear. Ensure you have saved the project before leaving the program. It would suck to lose all the work you spent time on.

You can automatically save your image by using the shortcut CTRL+S or as you exit from the program, and it will ask you to save it. It is best to save the project as a new file and rename it to something that will be easy for you to find.

Why Should You Separate Layers in Inkscape?

So why should you separate layers when downloading an image? You can easily save the image and try to edit the entire image as a whole rather than separating the image. You can do this, but you may not get the best outcome of the image.

You cannot make specific edits when you edit an image on one layer. It can also make the image distorted or blurry. It makes it harder to edit the image as well.

Separating the image into different layers will make it easier for you to edit it. This is the best option if you are trying to go for details. You can edit each layer of the image and provide more detail and edit with precision.

Outro

Separating your image into layers is not only easy but beneficial for you. You can do so much more with the image, and you don’t have to worry about the entire image becoming distorted. It will help you create a better, edited image.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen when creating something with a pattern in Illustrator is that the patterns can move when you don’t want them to. This can ruin a design you had in mind and force you to go back and correct the issue, wasting time. How can a user stop patterns from moving in Illustrator?

To stop a pattern from moving in Illustrator:

1. Go into the Transform Tools/ Pattern menu
2. Uncheck the box that says Transform Pattern

When patterns move, it causes projects to take longer than expected. So, read on to find out more about how to stop patterns from moving when working in Illustrator.

What Is a Way to Keep Patterns From Moving in Illustrator?

When you are applying a pattern to an object in Illustrator, the pattern will move with the object by default, This causes the pattern to distort and shift which ruins work. To stop the pattern from moving, you have to lock it in place.

To lock a pattern in place, navigate to the Transform Tools/Pattern menu and uncheck the Transform Pattern box. This will prevent the pattern from moving so that it stays in the place you want.

Why Do Patterns Move In Illustrator?

Patterns on clothing move naturally, but they should rain fixed when working on digital or traditional art pieces because they are not three dimensional.

The most likely reason why patterns move in Illustrator is that:

• The user may press them accidentally while working
• A setting may be enabled that causes the pattern to move with the object it is on

Since patterns can be placed on objects at will, they can be moved just as easily.

Why Is It a Problem When Patterns Move?

Patterns not staying in place is a common issue reported within the Illustrator community. Since it is an issue that regularly occurs, maybe the developers will come up with a streamlined way to lock patterns in the future.

The reason is because it can throw off the look of what someone is trying to create and cause them to waste time fixing the movement, which hinders the design process. When patterns move, it can undo hours of carefully precise work.

Why Are Patterns Used In Art?

Patterns are repeated elements arranged in a specific way, and the brain is wired to recognize them as a survival tool. Patterns help us escape danger, but also to recognize people, things, and events in the environment. They are captivating to the human mind.

Artists in any medium use patterns to set the tone for their work and draw in the viewer. They have been part of artistic mediums since the beginning of time. Anything repeating within a work can be described as a pattern.

Types of Patterns

There are three main categories of patterns that exist.

These are:

• Natural patterns- patterns happen all the time in the world around us, like the patterns on tree and animal species, and even the patterns of functioning within the human body
• Man-made patterns- these are new patterns created by people, and the most common patterns seen in modern art, such as checkerboard. Humans can also try to recreate patterns they see in nature, like floral patterns
• Irregular patterns- when one pattern changes into another abruptly, used to add an element of surprise and throw off the viewer

Patterns are versatile and can be made of almost anything, from squiggles to floral motifs. Choose the type that best suits your art style and see what magic you create!

Famous Patterns

The repeated swirling lines and stars featured in Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh are perhaps some of the most famous patterns in art.

There are several other well-known patterns including:

• The subtle floral and vine patterns in Japanese Bridge by Claude Monet
• The repeating mountain slopes of various heights in Alpine Lake by Edward Payne
• The detailed patterns found on the human clothing in A Girl with a Dog by Anders Zorn

There are so many patterns hidden throughout the world and in  art pieces, we just have to look closely to see them all. What is your favorite pattern?

Uses for Patterns

Patterns can be used in a variety of ways in art pieces.

Such as:

• To create contrast between elements
• As the landscape for a piece
• As part of the environment for a piece
• To create repetition for a piece
• To add embellishment or decoration to a nearly completed piece
• To make artwork more interesting and visually appealing
• To express emotion in art

Patterns are just one of many techniques used to bring art to life and convey a wider meaning. Whether or not you choose to use them is up to you, but they do give both traditional and digital art a unique flair.

How to Make Patterns

These methods can be applied in both traditional and digital art. You can make a pattern by repeating shapes, objects, direction, changes in lines and design, colors, images, and brush marks.

To create a pattern in Illustrator:

1. Choose the piece you want to make into a pattern
2. Navigate to the Object menu
3. Select Pattern and Make

You can also edit a pattern by double clicking it and navigating to the Object Menu, then Pattern, and Edit Pattern.

Once you create a new pattern, you can choose the pattern layout, change the height and width, and access other customization options. Patterns can be made by hand or digitally created, feel free to make a pattern in whatever way suits your work best.

Conclusion

Patterns moving in Illustrator is a common issue, and the way to stop it is by unchecking the Transform pattern box inside the Transform Tools/Pattern Menu. This will lock the pattern in place so that it will not move with whatever object you have it on.

Mac desktop and laptop computers are equipped with several features that are designed to make the user’s experience easier and more convenient. One of these features is the mac automatically launching one or more programs on startup; usually ones that are used regularly or were still open when the mac was shut down or entered sleep mode. While this might be helpful on occasion, it can also be quite irritating to always have to close programs you don’t intend to use, like Photoshop.

In this article, we will provide a brief but detailed guide on how to stop Photoshop from opening on startup on your Mac device. As you read, you’ll learn what settings to alter in the various methods we listed to help solve this issue.

Turn off the “Open at Login” Setting on Photoshop

There are a few ways that Photoshop might be triggered to open on startup on your Mac, and the easiest place to start is to alter Photoshop’s settings directly from your dock.

For this method to work, you’ll need to have a Photoshop icon present in your Mac dock. You’ll then right click on the Photoshop icon and then hover over the “Options” menu. From here, you’ll see a setting listed as “Open at Login.” If this setting has a checkmark next to it, you’ll want to uncheck it.

After you’ve done this, quick restart your Mac device or log out and then log back in to your profile to see if this setting alteration has solved the problem.

Remove Photoshop From Your List of “Login Items”

Another setting that might be responsible for this irritating problem is the Mac’s “Login Items” feature, which automatically triggers any listed programs to open when the Mac starts up. Usually, these are standard programs your device needs in order to operate properly, or ones you’ve manually added.

However, sometimes a program will find its way onto the “Login Items” list if you’ve been using it regularly.

To remove Photoshop from your Mac’s “Login Items” list, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Apple menu
2. Select the “System Preferences” option
3. Choose the “Users & Groups” option
4. Click the appropriate account name (ex. Current User)
5. Open the “Login Items” menu found at the top of the window
6. Select Photoshop and click the “Remove” button

If you notice there are several programs, websites, and/or applications within this list that you don’t want to open when your Mac starts up, you can alternatively select all of the login items found within this menu, click the “Remove” button, and them restart your device.

Disable Adobe Creative Cloud

Another setting option that might be responsible for your Photoshop persistently opening when your first turn on your Mac is Adobe’s “Creative Cloud” application. Normally, this application will automatically open to the Creative Cloud menu, but it might trigger Photoshop instead.

The easiest way to resolve this issue is actually to follow the steps listed above and remove Creative Cloud from your Login Items list. However, sometimes this setting alteration won’t work, and you’ll have to change the preference settings within the Creative Cloud application itself.

To disable Adobe’s “Creative Cloud” from opening on your Mac’s startup, follow the steps listed below:

1. Open Adobe’s “Creative Cloud” application
2. Click the icon for your account in the upper right-hand corner
3. Select the “Preferences” menu
4. Toggle off “Launch Creative Cloud at login”
5. Press “Done”

Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to launch Adobe’s Creative Cloud application manually by opening the Apple menu, then selecting the “Applications” menu and double clicking the “Adobe Creative Cloud” folder.

Uninstall and Reinstall Photoshop

In most cases, the methods listed above will ensure Photoshop no longer opens automatically when your Mac starts up. If yours seems to be the exception and you notice the program is still being triggered at login, a last resort might be to uninstall the program completely and reinstall it.

To uninstall Photoshop on your Mac device, open the “Applications” folder, and double-click Creative Cloud to launch the application. Within Creative Cloud, select the “Apps” tab and find Photoshop. Lastly, click the “More” button (three dots) next to “Open” and click “Uninstall.”

If you don’t intend to use Photoshop ever again, then this is the ultimate solution to your problem. Of course, since Photoshop is a popular and pricy program, we can imagine you’ll want it back. You can do this by opening and logging in to your Creative Cloud application again and following the same steps listed above but selecting the “Install” option instead.

Final Thoughts

After trying one or more of these methods, your Mac’s Photoshop application should only open when you manually select its folder or icon. If the issue continues, your best option would be to either reach out to Adobe’s team at Adobe Support Community or contact one of Apple’s customer support options for assistance.

Logo brushes are an easy way to add some personal touch to your Illustrator project. Unfortunately, the standard brushes given by Adobe are, at best, passable and, at worst, a series of dots that make no sense. So how do you make a brush in Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator has the best functionality of vector graphics software but can also be difficult for people to use and understand. A lot of time and effort is involved in becoming proficient with the software. Don’t sweat it! Read on and learn how to make a logo brush in Adobe Illustrator.

Making a Logo Brush In Illustrator

Illustrator is one of those programs where you can make your dreams a reality. There are tools for creating images and text that can make logos for your start-up for invitations for an anniversary or birthday party. Creating a logo brush is helpful if you want to add flair to your lettering or a personal touch to your content.

Create Your Brush

Creating your brush is tons of fun. It is also a great way to learn what the power of Illustrator can accomplish. There are ways to create shapes and patterns that can make a one-of-a-kind logo that you can use as a watermark for pictures or graphic art.

Some of the functions to use while creating your brush are:

• Effects – There are ways to change the appearance of the line that borders your shape. The effects panel allows you to choose several pattern alterations for the shape’s stroke. Effects are fun to play with, and the preview gives an idea of what the effect does to your brush pattern.
• Pathfinder – Another excellent tool for stroking your letters and shapes is Pathfinder. It allows you to join or exclude sections of the line. Then, it takes those lines and makes a solid shape that can contain different colors.

The number of ways you can alter the stroke of your brushes is impressive. It opens up the creative toolbox and lets you enhance your projects with personal touches that could be the basis for a successful brand and business. Be sure to save the item, as you will come back to retrieve it later.

Use the Brush Panel

The Brush panel is a good area that will allow you to alter and add brushes to your arsenal of Illustrator tricks. It can be found in the Window panel and will have tons of other options alongside it. If you have trouble finding it, you can press F5.

The steps to create a brush in the Brushes panel are as follows:

• Click + – The first thing to do is add the new brush. By clicking on the + button, you open the next screen and can choose what kind of brush you want. Ensure you know what brush you want to use, as you have more options than the one you saved previously.
• Brush Type – There are a few different types of brushes you can choose from. The one we are looking for is Pattern Brush. It is one of the most difficult to make, but the pattern we designed earlier will solve the worst part of the equation.
• Get Cracking – Once you have chosen your brush, you should be able to get out there and get to work. All you have to do to use the brush is to click on it and move the color in the area where you want it to appear.
• Editing – It might seem like a weird time to edit, but you should understand that too much of a thing can be the death of a design. Learn to be sparing but effective with your coloring; doing a final edit is an intelligent way to ensure your success.

Illustrator can be intimidating. The number of windows it brings up and the options in each drop-down menu show all the roots of a grand tree of functionality. However, remember that nothing on the software can’t be undone, so being intimidated is more about a lack of knowledge than fear of catastrophic errors.

Conclusion

Creating a Logo Brush in Illustrator is a straightforward job once you know how to navigate the drop-downs. The most important thing to do is to make the brush you will use. If you have a logo in mind, you could save it and choose it later. Illustrator has a step-by-step process to get your feet wet if you need to design one.

Once your brush is ready, add it and give it a unique name. You can easily pull it from the list of options populated by giving it a unique name. No matter what you name it, your logo brush created with Adobe Illustrator will improve your designs by leaps and bounds.

As a graphic designer and digital artist, you may work with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. While both platforms have undoubtedly made your life easier in many ways, there is no denying the frustration that occurs when you want to work with an Illustrator file in Photoshop. Is there any way to open an AI file in Photoshop without rasterizing and losing control of quality?

Fortunately, there are a couple of nifty tricks you can use to avoid the dead end that is rasterizing. You’ve just got to know what steps to take. Keep reading to discover 4 simple steps to open an AI file in Photoshop without rasterizing.

4 Steps to Open an AI File In Photoshop Without Rasterizing

Use the following 4 steps to quickly avoid rasterizing an AI file in Photoshop.

1. Prepare to Export Your AI File

The first step to preserving editable layers for your AI file in Photoshop is to correctly prepare the AI file for export.

This is easily accomplished in Illustrator using the following process:

1. Open the file to be exported in Illustrator
2. Click “File” on the task ribbon at the top of the program screen
3. Select “Export” from the drop down menu (it is near the bottom of the menu)
4. Click “Export As” from the task box

Following these steps should bring a new, larger “Export” task box to the forefront of your screen.

2. Convert the AI File to Photoshop Format

This is the key step.

In the “Format” section of the task box, the default will be an Illustrator file (AI). This needs to be changed to a Photoshop file (PSD) to ensure editability when opened in Photoshop.

Toggle the “Format” field until “Photoshop (psd)” appears as the file type.

3. Export the File

Now you are ready to export. It is recommended that you rename the file (top field in the task box) for easier identification when opening Photoshop, but failure to rename the file will not influence file quality.

Follow these steps:

1. Click “Export” at the bottom right of the task box.
2. This will produce yet another task box titled “Photoshop Export Options.”
3. Click the dot to activate “Write Layers”
4. Check the box next to “Preserve Text Editability”
5. Check the box next to “Maximum Editability”

Once all of these fields are appropriately highlighted, click “OK” at the bottom right of the task box to complete the export.

4. Open the File in Photoshop

Now it is time to open your Illustrator project in Photoshop as an editable PSD file.

Here’s how:

1. Open Photoshop
2. Click “File” from the top task ribbon
3. Select “Open” and choose your recently created PSD file

Notice that all of the layers from your old AI file are visible and ready to edit in the “Layers” panel.

What Is Rasterizing?

The file format used by Photoshop, PSD, is known as a raster file.

This is a file format composed of pixels, of which photographs are composed. Therefore, when you “rasterize” a file, you convert it from its original file format into a pixel-based format, or raster file.

From a visual perspective, there usually is not much of an issue rasterizing AI files–they typically look good. The trouble comes when you try to edit. AI layers usually don’t translate correctly when rasterized and result in a single, immutable layer.

This is obviously an issue for graphic designers who want to combine and edit their digital artwork, Placeit logos, and photographs into a single piece of art. Hence, the need for taking the aforementioned steps for converting an AI file to PSD prior to opening it in Photoshop.

Why Do Illustrator and Photoshop Use Different File Formats?

Although it is highly inconvenient for graphic artists who frequently use both of these Abode platforms when creating, there is a rhyme behind the reason for using different file types.

Illustrator File Format

Illustrator is a platform ideal for making graphics. As a result, it uses vectors, composed of a series of connected dots and algorithms, when creating its files. This enhances mutability–the ability to change–and ensures that graphics do not become distorted as they are scaled.

Photoshop File Format

Photoshop, on the other hand, is a platform for working with photographs. As photographs are composed of pixels, this is the format in which files are stored in the program. This helps artists when editing photographs because they are able to set the rules for how each pixel behaves and appears, enhancing the quality of the photograph.

The issue when dealing with pixels is that image quality can change drastically when resized. Therefore, when rasterized files are manipulated in Photoshop, the result can be very substandard, so artists really want to have the file readily converted in multiple pixelated layers to have the best chance of success when editing in Photoshop.

Do AI Files Lose Quality In Photoshop?

There is no way around it–your AI files run the risk of losing quality when resized in Photoshop, even if you avoid rasterizing. However, you can take steps for preserving the quality of your AI files in Photoshop if you take advantage of the platform’s Smart Objects tool.

Making your AI files a Smart Object prevents them from losing quality in Photoshop. This means you can:

• Undo any edits made in Photoshop and revert back to the original
• Scale up or scale and preserve project quality, preventing any blurring or distortion

To leverage Smart Object features, you can simply copy and paste your AI project into Photoshop.

How to Use Smart Object In Photoshop to Prevent Quality Loss

You need to make sure your Illustrator copy and paste settings are configured correctly to allow this process.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Illustrator
2. Click “Edit” from the task ribbon
3. Click “Preferences”
4. Click “File Handling & Clipboard” from the drop down menu
5. When the task box with clipboard handling preferences appears, be sure to select “SVG Code” on copy and “AICB” on quit
6. Select the objects you want to paste into Photoshop by choosing “Edit” and then “Copy”
7. Open Photoshop to the project you want to work in
8. Select “Edit”
9. Select “Paste.” This will produce a task box that asks how you want to paste the file.
10. Choose “Smart Object” and click “OK”
11. The project will now appear in Photoshop layers as a Vector Smart Object

You can now go back into Illustrator and edit the original file, with the edits appearing simultaneously in Photoshop in the same high quality. Pretty cool!

The Easy Way to Open AI Files In Photoshop Without Rasterizing

Although it is easy to open an AI file in Photoshop, it will automatically be rasterized to convert to the correct file type, essentially ending any further editing efforts. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By using the pro tips listed above, you can easily open your AI files in Photoshop without rasterizing!

Blender is an open-source GNU GPL software. It is owned by a company that freely gives it as a tool to anyone who would like to use it. It allows people to create in a 3D space that makes shapes and logos for all types of industries. So how do you make a 2D logo using Blender?

Working with new software can be a bit challenging for anyone. Just because something is open source doesn’t mean it can’t be complicated and frustrating. Don’t let that stop you! Read on and learn how to make a 2D logo using Blender.

How to Make a 2D Logo Using Blender

Using Blender to make a 2D logo is par for the course. However, the typical usage for Blender is to create a 3D logo or art that can be used for video, additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. Blender is a handy software that becomes easier to use and create with the more hours you work with it.

Opening a New Project is the Best Place to Start

A new project is one of the first things you need to do when starting your build. Blender is straightforward, and if you watch a couple of YouTube videos, you get a general idea of how easy it is to use. You only need to click FILE in the top left corner and move down to NEW>General or 2D Animation if you want to animate later.

Clearing the Project is the Next Step

When you open the Blender software, there are some things you might need to do before moving on to creating your 2D logo. First, there’s a good chance your window populates with the Blender cube dead center; if it does, you should close or delete it.

The steps to clear your new project are as follows:

• Double Tap A – When the Blender software boots, a cube will be in the middle of the screen, along with some vector markings. By tapping, you deselect anything that could populate, and by double tapping, you select everything in the workspace. Blender could populate with saved work, so save before you delete everything.
• Hit X – Once everything is selected, you should hit the X key. Once you hit the X, everything will be deleted from the workspace. This means you can have an open area to work on your logo without harming other pieces or projects.

Now that the area is clear of other projects, you can begin to lay in the base for your new logo design. Remember that animating or changing your logo to 3D will require a few extra steps than a regular 2D logo. Blender is a 3D animation software. Making a logo with only two dimensions is not using the software to its true purpose or potential.

The Grease Pencil is Your 2D Tool of Choice

Now that your workspace is clear of other project bits, it is time to work with the Grease Pencil. It is the tool used to create animations in 2D that allow you to work in the 3D space of Blender. It is a marvel to use, creating some amazing logos that are primed for animation or just as nonmoving logos. Hold D and move the mouse to draw with the Grease Pencil.

Some things you can do with the Grease Pencil are:

• Shift-A – By hitting Shift-A, you can switch back and forth between the pencil tool. The critical thing to remember is that the Grease Pencil has several levels of functionality beyond the Primitives and can be programmed with lots of awesome things to help with your 2D logo.
• Primitives – Primitives are an excellent tool for drawing lines with or without strokes and even a bit of clipart fun. For example, there’s a Monkey primitive that will enable you to place a pic of the Blender monkey in the animation area. These are fun tools; you should play with them to discover how they work in different projects.

The Grease Pencil is your key to making 2D logos with Blender. By plotting out the main shape of the logo, all you have to do is add some lettering and colors, and you have a logo that works for your business or activity.

Conclusion

It is a breeze to make a 2D logo with Blender. The tools are easy to use, and once you know the 3D workspace and how it operates, you can make some great logos that generate a buzz for your business or event.

Making a 2D logo with 3D animation software seems overkill, but some great functions in the software are good for any drawing or animation style. The thing to remember is simplicity. Using Blender for 2D should not be a struggle but should allow you to incorporate some animation tools, like depth, into a boring logo.

We’ve all been there — you’re trying to resize an image in Photoshop, but the image distorts as you drag the handles. This leads many people to ask, “how do I lock an aspect ratio in Photoshop?”

Below, we’ll discuss exactly how you can resize your images or layers in Photoshop without affecting the aspect ratio. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

How to Lock Aspect Ratio in Photoshop

Until 2019, you had to hold down the Shift key as you dragged the transformation handles to maintain a layer’s aspect ratio as you resized it. Newer versions of Photoshop have changed this, so resized images now maintain their aspect ratio by default.

If you’re running Photoshop CC 2019 or newer, all you have to do to maintain a layer’s aspect ratio is drag the transform handles. To do this, click the “Edit” menu, then choose “Free Transform.” You’ll see the transform handles appear automatically on your selected layer.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to select the Free Transform tool. These shortcuts vary based on the operating system you use:

• Windows: Ctrl+T
• Mac: Command+T

Adobe has essentially reversed the transform functions in newer versions of Photoshop. Clicking and dragging, which used to scale layers un-proportionally, now scales them proportionally. And, while holding the Shift key as you dragged a layer used to scale it proportionally, it now scales it un-proportionally.  

When you’re ready to scale an image, just select and drag any of the squares that appear around the layer after selecting the Free Transform tool. These are called “transform handles.”

While most people prefer to scale their images from the corners, you can also do so from the middle of the image. To scale an image from its center while maintaining the aspect ratio, hold down the Alt key on a Windows computer, or the Option key on a Mac, as you drag the transform handle. 

What Types of Layers Does Photoshop Scale Proportionally by Default?

Since 2019, new versions of Photoshop have included a new feature that allows you to maintain a layer’s aspect ratio as you resize it automatically. This is not only true for image layers, but for the following layer types as well:

• Bitmaps
• Text layers
• Placed smart objects

While the 2019 Photoshop update did not include shape layers in this new feature, it has since been updated. As long as you’re running Photoshop CC 2020 or newer, you’ll be able to automatically maintain a shape layer’s aspect ratio using the Free Transform tool.

How to Unlock Aspect Ratio in Photoshop

Unfortunately, there is no direct way to unlock the aspect ratio while using Photoshop’s Free Transform tool in current software versions. But, it is still possible to resize an image un-proportionally.

To resize an image without maintaining the aspect ratio in current versions of Photoshop, all you need to do is hold down the Shift key as you drag the transform handles. 

You can also scale a layer un-proportionally from its center. To do this, you will need to hold down both the Shift and Alt (on Windows computers) or Option (on Mac computers) as you drag the transform handles.

Can I Revert to the Old Free Transform Tool?

If you’ve recently updated your Photoshop software after using an older version for a few years, you may want to revert to the old Free Transform tool to continue using the controls you’ve gotten used to. 

Luckily, Photoshop has added a way to do just this. If you’re using a Windows computer, select the “Edit” menu, then choose “Preferences,” and finally, “General.” If you’re using a Mac computer, select the “Photoshop CC” menu, then navigate to “Preferences” and “General.”

You can also open this menu using keyboard shortcuts. Press Ctrl+K on Windows computers or Command+K on Mac computers.

Here, you should see an option that says, “Use Legacy Free Transform.” Check the box next to this, then close the Preferences menu. You should see your changes take effect immediately.

You can also change your preferences manually if you don’t see this option. Follow these steps to do so:

Open a text editor on your computer. Any application that will allow you to save a document in .txt format will work. Type “TransformProportionalScale 0” into the document, then save it as “PSUserConfig.txt.”

Now, you’ll need to drag the document into your Photoshop settings folder. This folder’s location will vary based on the operating system you use:

• Windows: Installation drive > Users > (your username) > AppData > Roaming > Adobe > Adobe Photoshop CC (version year) > Adobe Photoshop CC (version year) Settings 
• Mac: Users > (your username) > Library > Preferences > Adobe Photoshop CC (verson year) Settings

The next time you open Photoshop, you should see these changes take effect. 

Final Thoughts

As long as you’re using Photoshop CC 2019 or newer, your image or layer’s aspect ratio will automatically lock when you use the Free Transform tool. If you ever want to resize an image un-proportionally, just hold down the Shift key as you drag the transform handles.

If you need to duplicate a logo, using Photoshop to create the duplicate can be intimidating. However, once you learn which tools are relevant to the job and the right way to use them, duplicating your logo in photoshop will be a breeze. So, how do you duplicate a logo in Photoshop?

To duplicate a logo in photoshop, you first need to duplicate the background layer by selecting it and using CTRL+J (CMD+J for Mac users). Once you’ve duplicated the background layer, choose the tool for selecting the logo. Then, select the logo and use the appropriate steps to duplicate it.

Below you will find step-by-step instructions for the easiest methods of duplicating your logo in Photoshop. Keep reading to avoid wasting time and frustration on a simple task.

How Can You Duplicate a Logo in Photoshop?

You can easily duplicate a logo in Photoshop by using one of the following methods:

• Copy/Paste the logo
• Dragging a new copy from the original
• Painting a duplicate with the Clone Stamp Tool
• Use the Lasso Tool

If your logo is simple in design, any of these methods will provide a quick and easy way to duplicate your logo. However, if your logo is more complex in design, it’s best to avoid using Copy/Paste or the Lasso Tool to create your duplicate.

Copy and Paste to Duplicate a Logo

The easiest method to duplicate your logo in Photoshop is the Copy/Paste method. This method is quick, simple, and to the point. This method is best for simple logos.

Unfortunately, this method may not work for complex designs. If the logo you need to duplicate features an intricate design, you may want to skip to other options.

How to Use Copy/Paste to Duplicate a Logo in Photoshop

1. Use the selection tool of your choice to select your logo as precisely as possible. It usually helps make a more precise selection if you loom in on the logo.
2. Once the logo is selected, use CTRL+C to copy your selection.
3. Use CTRL+V to paste the duplicate copy of your logo.

Duplicate the Logo by Dragging It

The dragging method is another one of the easiest ways to duplicate a logo in photoshop. When you follow all the steps correctly, this method will allow you to click the logo and drag an exact copy to the placement of your choice.

How to Use the Drag Duplicate Method in Photoshop

1. Open Photoshop on your computer and add the image with the logo you want to duplicate.
2. Click on the original background layer tab located on the right side of your screen. Once the layer is selected, use CTRL+J on yourwindows computer’s keyboard to duplicate the layer. If you’re using a Mac computer, use CMD+J to duplicate the layer.
3. Select the new layer that appeared.
4. Go back to your toolbar to the left and click the selection tool that will best outline your logo. If your logo is not a standard shape, the Lasso tool will be best.
5. Use the tool to outline your logo as closely as you can.
6. Press V on your keyboard to select the Move tool.
7. Press and hold ALT on your keyboard, then click the logo and drag it to the side while still holding the ALT button. If you want to keep the logos in line with one another, you can hold ALT+SHIFT while clicking and dragging the copy of the logo.

Duplicate the Logo with the Clone Stamp Tool

The Clone Stamp Tool is another easy way to duplicate a logo using Photoshop. The best part about using this method is that you don’t need to manually select the logo, removing the challenge of precisely outlining it.

Once you go through the preparation steps, you can click once on the logo and then paint an exact duplicate wherever you choose.

How to Duplicate with the Clone Stamp Tool in Photoshop

1. Open photoshop and add the image you wish to use to duplicate your logo to the background layer.
2. Go to the Layers Panel and click the background layer to select it.
3. Use CTRL+J to duplicate the layer.
4. Click the duplicate layer you just created to select it.
5. Select the Clone Stamp Tool from your toolbar on the far left.
6. When the options appear to choose the brush size, choose the size that will be easiest to clone your logo with. For example, if the logo is small, you should use a smaller brush. The same applies if your logo is medium to larger sized.
7. At the top of your screen, ensure that you have “Aligned” checked and that the drop-down menu is set to Current and Below.
8. Press and hold ALT while clicking to select your logo with the clone stamp tool.
9. Choose where you want to place your duplicate logo and start painting by clicking without holding the ALT key.

Use the Lasso Tool to Duplicate Your Logo

1. Add the image you need to pull your logo from to the background layer in photoshop.
2. Select the lasso tool from the toolbar.
3. Click to loop the lasso around your logo. It’s best to be as precise as possible during this step to avoid imperfections.
4. With the area selected, use CTRL+J to duplicate. You should now see a new layer that only has your logo.
5. Press V on your keyboard, or go to the toolbar to select the move tool.
6. Click the area you duplicated and drag it to your desired new location.

If you notice that your duplicate logo doesn’t blend the way it should, you can double-click on the layer where the duplicate is located and adjust the Blend Slider until it looks right.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, you have many options for duplicating your logo. While some methods work better than others depending on the type of logo you need to duplicate, trial and error is the only sure way to know which method will be best for your logo’s design.

Now you know exactly how to duplicate a logo in Photoshop. Once you discover the best method for you, you’ll be a pro in no time.