Are Your Lightroom Photos Private?

Are Your Lightroom Photos Private?

Lightroom is a popular photo editing software, and it has quite a lot to offer. Lightroom’s photo-sharing capabilities are great for photographers who share their edited photos with their clients. If you are learning the ropes of Lightroom or simply do not wish to share your photos with others, chances are that you want your Lightroom photos private. Are your Lightroom photos private?

Lightroom photos are private until you publish them to the public. Similarly, you can choose if you want your Lightroom photos to be public by publishing them. If you want your Lightroom photos to be private, rest assured that they are.

Read on to learn more about whether your Lightroom photos are private. It is also worth learning what you need to do to check the privacy settings of your Lightroom photos, how to change your preferences, and whether it is safe to store your photos on Lightroom.

Are Your Lightroom Photos Private?

Your Lightroom photos are private if they have not yet been published. After editing, you can decide whether you want your photos private to keep to yourself or public to share with clients, friends, family, and more.

Lightroom is software that allows you to edit and store photos. If you need reliable software to help keep your work organized, Adobe Lightroom may be the first place you look. However, if you prefer to work privately, you might be nervous about the possibility of your photos being public. Lightroom photos can be public or private, and changing your settings to match your preferences is easy.

While you may prefer that your work stays private for the time being, many people use Lightroom to connect more efficiently with their clientele. Lightroom can keep your photos private but is also a useful tool for client-proofing.

Why Can Other People See My Lightroom Photos?

If other people can see your Lightroom photos and you are unsure why, it is because you have shared the photos before, thus allowing them to be public. When you publish your Lightroom photos, they are no longer private. People can see your Lightroom photos if:

  1. You publish your photos
  2. You share the photos directly with another party
  3. Another party has access to your Lightroom account

Along with publishing your edited photos on Lightroom, you can choose who you wish to share them with. If you share your photos with clients, friends, family, or anyone else, they will have access to those photos, and the photos will no longer be private.

When you import a photo into Lightroom, it is shared across all devices that are signed into your Adobe Lightroom through the Creative Cloud. If for any reason you signed onto your Lightroom account on a device that belongs to someone else, they will have access to your photos.

How To Make My Lightroom Photos Private

If you do not want your Lightroom photos to be public, read below for three simple fixes. As this is a matter of preference, there is not much complexity involved with keeping your photos private.

If you do not wish for your Lightroom photos to be private, simply do not publish them. Whether you want to keep them for yourself or are not yet ready to share your work with the world, refraining from publishing your photos is the best way to keep them from spreading. In the same way, you can choose to not share your photos with any individuals if you do not want to or until you are ready to do so.

If you worry that someone else might still have access to your Lightroom photos for an unknown reason, consider whether you have signed into Lightroom on another device recently. If you forgot to sign out of Lightroom, that device will likely continue to receive data through the Creative Cloud whenever you import photos, make edits, etc.

In rare cases, perhaps someone has breached your Lightroom account. If you suspect anything like this, it is important to change your password, log out, log back in, and contact Adobe Support.

Is Lightroom a Safe Place to Store Photos?

Particularly if you are new to Lightroom, you might be wary of storing your photos in the software. If you are used to storing your photos to another software or your computer’s basic catalog, trusting Lightroom to take over may pose questions. It is safe to store your photos in Lightroom; in fact, Lightroom does not technically store your photos. Instead, it keeps track of where in your computer your images are stored.

When you import an image into Lightroom, the edits are stored within Lightroom’s catalog, but the image itself remains on the hard drive, USB, or wherever it was initially stored. Put simply, Lightroom keeps track of your photos, so you can rest assured that it is a safe place to store your images.

Lightroom takes on the task of storing all of your edit changes, making it easier for you to save space on your hard drive for other needs. Lightroom even keeps your edited photos if the original photos are no longer stored elsewhere on your computer.

Publicizing Lightroom Photos

On the other hand, perhaps you want your photos to be public. If you have put in the time and effort to create your best work, you might be ready to share your photos with the world. You can do this by publishing your photos or choosing who to share them with.

If you want to share your photos with a client, you can do so with Lightroom’s album-sharing feature. After your client creates a free Adobe sign-in, you can create a client-proofing URL that can be shared directly with the client so that they can look over your work. This can make the photo selection process between the photographer and the client much more manageable.

Placeit For Graphic Design

For perhaps the simplest method of editing your photos, consider Placeit as your hub for graphic design. Placeit allows you to create the designs you have been searching for with thousands of free mockups, templates, logos, and ideas to guide you along your graphic design journey. Build creations in Placeit from your photos alone, or check out the customizable options of Placeit.

Takeaway

Your Lightroom photos are private until you choose to share them with others. Lightroom allows you to keep your work to yourself until you are ready to share it, and sharing it is as easy as ever.

Can You Change the ISO of an Image in Lightroom?

ISO is the measurement of your camera’s light sensitivity. The ISO of your camera is determined by the type of film and strength of the digital sensor. These critical elements ensure clarity and engaging photos. Having incorrect ISO can create tracers on moving objects. So, can you change the ISO of an image in Lightroom?

No, the ISO of the image cannot be changed by the time it reaches Lightroom. Lightroom can be used to repair photos that are overexposed or oversaturated. Some tools allow you to remove grainy sections, but once a shot is taken, the ISO has been set, and nothing can unring that bell. 

Learning photography can be a headache and become a full-blown nightmare when you begin editing photos with Lightroom. Keep your cool! By learning key terms, you can create a solid base for your love of photography. So read on and learn about changing the ISO of an image in Lightroom.

How ISO Impacts Your Photography

You can’t change ISO in Lightroom because ISO impacts the sensitivity of light let into the shot. Photography relies heavily on what it calls the exposure triangle. The ISO, along with the aperture and shutter speed, will determine how much or little light is let into the shot. Knowing how light impacts your photos is very important to your craft.

The Effects of ISO are Editable in Lightroom

Noise in pictures is oversaturated and can be shown as light bubbles or reflections from particles. One of your best options to remove the noise created by high ISO is to use the tools inside Lightroom. Some brushes and masks will allow you to cut out all the excess light that floods into your shot.

A few tools you can use in Lightroom to decrease the ISO fallout in your pics are as follows:

  • Masks – Clipping masks are a way to cut around any make sections of the photo free of debris and spots. By using a clipping mask, you can choose an unaffected part of the screen and strategically place it in areas to even out the damage. Clipping masks can work great for detailed areas and large portions alike.
  • Brushes – Another great way to decrease the impacts of ISO gone wild is with brushes. Brushes are helpful tools that can blend parts of the photo. You can create a brush that will blend like a crayon as you color or cover large swatches of space. This works great for large areas as they can be colored quickly.

While you cannot change ISO’s effects once the shot has been taken, there are ways to mitigate the disaster in Lightroom. Using the software tools, you can choose areas with less or more light pollution and blend them with other clear photo parts. Play around with tools to get a feel for their function before using them on essential projects. 

The Three Pillars and ISO using Lightroom

Another way to combat the ISO issues in Lightroom is to rely on the Three Pillars of Photography. By leaning on the roots of the craft, you get a chance to prevent the blemishes of light gone wild and learn how the ISO on your camera works. Doing a bit of homework is never a bad idea if you find your craft is suffering because of a lack of knowledge.

The Three Pillars of Photography are as follows:

  • Shutter Speed – The shutter’s opening allows light to penetrate the sensor in your camera and adds tails and tracers to the moving pieces of the shot. Using Lightroom will allow you to add some dark spaces and reduce the impact of tracers and lines. Long exposures are suitable for night shots but could be problematic for low ISO shots.
  • Aperture – Another big thing that can impact the ISO of your shot is the aperture. The opening in your lens allows light to get into the camera. If it is open wide, it lets in lots of light, and when it closes quickly, it works best for night shots. Lightroom will allow you to darken photo sections with brushes and outline subjects.
  • ISO – ISO is the sensitivity of the light in your camera. A higher number, 1600, will have qualities that allow you to shoot in a room with low light or outside at night. Lower numbers work for shooting outdoors in the bright sun. Lightroom has trouble working with overexposure but can darken and alter using tools.

The Three Pillars are a great way to control the ISO in your shots before it is taken. By paying attention to the limits of your film or setting, you can keep overexposure and darkness out of your photos and negate the need to fix them with Lightroom. Practice is the best way to learn any craft; working with light takes time and experience to master. 

The ISO is About Sensitivity

Most people might not understand that ISO is about how sensitive your camera is to light. ISO is a setting on your camera and a level for film types if you are shooting old-school. Its sensitivity impacts film differently than modern digital cameras. The most important thing to remember is that Lightroom can only affect it so much once the shot is taken.

Conclusion

ISO is a camera setting that impacts the shot and not the photo. Lightroom software works with uploaded images to improve imperfections or add elements. Lightroom has a wide array of tools that can fix problems with incorrect ISO settings by coloring in backgrounds and shading areas with oversaturation.

By knowing how light and your camera work, you can manage your ISO setting in a way that benefits your photography and is not a detriment. If you are shooting with film, you must have the appropriate ISO level of film for the type of activity or location that you are shooting. ISO is not something that can be changed in Lightroom, only uploaded images.

Are Stream Overlays Expensive? [What You Need To Know]

To gain the most followers to your streaming site you want overlays that look professional and are relevant to what you are streaming rather than just flashy nonsense. This may have you wondering if stream overlays are expensive and how best to use them to attract and retain followers.

Stream overlays can be considered expensive to some, however, using professionally created overlays generally is well worth the investment. Free overlays can be beneficial when used correctly, but oftentimes they don’t have the same effect on viewers.

To learn more about the cost of stream overlays and tips for retaining viewers’ attention continue reading.

Are Stream Overlays Really That Expensive?

First, you need to ask yourself what is expensive. Oftentimes expensive is in the eye of the beholder. If you don’t have any money, a dollar can be considered expensive.

It’s all relative, a matter of perception, so here in this article, we will discuss the different costs and price ranges of different screen overlays and package types and also explain why oftentimes it’s better to pay for them than to opt for the free versions.

Get Out What You Put In, And Then Some

The old saying that you get what you pay for holds true when it comes to using stream overlays to attract a viewer’s attention to your site.

Although there are some quality free versions of stream overlays available the people who get taken most seriously and gain the largest followings usually pay for their stream overlays.

If your viewers see that you are willing to pay money for professionally designed content that is relative to what you are streaming they are more likely to remain an active follower.

For information and approximate pricing for some of the most popular stream overlay sites continue reading.

Top Paid Stream Overlay Services

Below are some examples of popular stream overlay providers who offer a range of packages and services to customize your stream.

1. PlaceIt

The PlaceIt design team prides itself on three main factors:

  • Their services are easy to use
  • They offer hundreds and hundreds of templates
  • They have competitive pricing that nearly anyone can afford

You can pay for a monthly subscription that runs between $7.50 – $15.00 or choose an annual subscription option for around $90.00.

Either way, you are sure to be pleased with the many options and the creativity offered by their vastly trained design team.

2. Streamlabs Prime

Streamlabs has a team of well-versed designers that spans across the globe. They are a company dedicated to helping live streamers of any level to promote their sites.

They strive to help streamers to create a way to make money and retain followers. An average annual subscription can cost around $149.00.

3. OWN3D + OWN3D Pro

OWN3D offers packages that can be purchased one time and used infinitely as the streamer sees fit. These packages generally cost between $40.00 – $80.00 depending upon the design and what comes with them.

For those who like to keep their viewers on their toes and want to change their overlays more frequently, a subscription can be purchased for around $13.50 per month.

4. Nerd or Die

Nerd or Die is another versatile overlay provider who works in conjunction with many other services such as:

  • Twitch
  • YouTube
  • Streamlabs OBS

Some free overlays can be downloaded via this site and others can range from $5.00 to $30.00 or higher depending upon what is included in the package.

5. Fiverr

Fiverr is also a platform where prices will vary mainly because the pieces you are purchasing are made by freelance designers who are selling their work.

Overlay packages can start as low as five dollars and go well above fifty dollars depending upon the content and design.

No Money – No Problem, Follow This Advice

When budget is an issue and you simply cannot afford to purchase your stream overlays remember to keep things simple.

  1. Use content that is relevant to what you are discussing and posting
  2. Keep things simple and not too flashy or distracting from the main content
  3. Save your pennies so you can purchase professional overlays in the future

Investing in Yourself Shows Followers You Are Serious

As you can see, some overlays are more expensive than others, but the main thing to take away is that if you are willing to invest in yourself your followers will be too. Viewers appreciate a well-designed stream that does not overpower the main content. Sometimes simplicity can attract more followers than too many distracting overlays popping up. 

How to Find the Average Color in Photoshop

When working in Photoshop, there may come a point where you need to calculate or pinpoint the average color of an image. While it can be easy to determine averages in photos with minimal color, things can get a bit tricky for more detailed images. So, what can you do?

Generally, there are several different ways to determine the average color of an image in Photoshop:

  • Use Gaussian blur
  • Reduce the resolution to create a single pixel
  • Apply a pixelate filter to create averages in tones within the image

Whether you are trying to create a color pallet or make text stand out in your design, knowing which coloring to use will surely help. Keep reading to learn three different ways to find the average color of an image in Photoshop.

How to Find the Average Color in Photoshop

Finding the average color in an image isn’t always an easy task. In coding, this is generally done by using languages like Python or JavaScript to add all the colors together and find the mean. In Photoshop, the same thing somewhat applies but is achieved in a different way.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method to finding the average color in Photoshop, there are a few tried and true ways to accomplish this that many designers swear by. The key here is to test them out yourself and find the one that fits your style.

Finding the Average Color With Blur

One of the more popular ways to find the average color is by using the Gaussian blur filter. By applying a strong blurring effect to the image, the colors are blended together. This then allows you to grab the color with your eyedropper tool, giving you the average color in that area of a photo.

To do this, open up your image in Photoshop and click on the Filter tab in the menu bar. Next, navigate to Blur and select Gaussian Blur. You should see a new window appear on your screen.

In the Gaussian Blur window, you can choose how much blur you would like to achieve by adjusting the slider at the bottom of the window. You’ll want to create quite a bit of a blur to find the average color within the photo. Then hit OK.

Once the blur filter is applied, grab the eyedropper from the toolbar and select an area of the photo to grab the color. This will give you the average color of that area.

Using the Resolution Reduction Method

Another way to get the average color value from the entire image is to limit the image to one pixel. This is done by reducing the resolution.

Click on the Image tab in the menu bar and select Image Size. I new window should appear with options to change the size of your image in various ways. In the Document Size section, you will see a box for Resolution. Change the number of the resolution to 1 pixel.

Once you hit OK, Photoshop will resample the image and display an average value from all of the previous pixels in the image. You can now use the eyedropper tool to grab that color.

Keep in mind that this is a destructive editing style. It’s a good idea to do this on a copy of the image file so that you don’t mess up any work previously done on the image.

Pixelate The Image To Determine Average Tones

The final method you may want to try out is using the Pixelate filter. A pixel is the smallest square of information that makes up a photo. Generally, this information includes:

  • Hue
  • Saturation
  • Light

When you see a single pixel, you are only going to see one color. For the most part, we don’t usually see the individual pixels in a photo. However, when pixelation happens, the pixels become more visible. By pixelating an image, the colors are blended so that only one average color remains in an area.

To do this, click the Filter tab, navigate to Pixelate, and select Mosaic. This filter will redraw the photo as individual blocks of color, giving you the average value of the area. The more pixelated the image, the closer you will get to the average color of the photo.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article helped you find a method of determining the average color in Photoshop that best suits your editing style. While knowing ht average color isn’t always necessary, this is a great skill to have and can really enhance your design ability.

How to Enable OpenGL in Photoshop [6 Steps]

OpenGL is an application programming interface that can be more straightforward to use than other options like DirectX. OpenGL focuses on graphics, which makes it a great addition to Photoshop.

There are some particulars to consider when enabling OpenGL in Photoshop. If you are interested in using this interface with Photoshop, read on below to find out more about this process.

Access 3D Settings Options

Before using OpenGL in Photoshop, you will have to first configure 3D settings in the NVIDIA control panel. As OpenGL is created by NVIDIA, using it will enable you to access the NVIDIA control panel on your Windows PC.

In the NVIDIA control panel, you will find ‘manage 3D settings’ under the 3D Settings main menu on the left side of the screen.

Select the Preferred GPU

Once you are in the ‘Manage 3D Settings’ menu, you will see an option for ‘OpenGL rendering GPU’. In that section, the default selection will be ‘use global settings’, which will automatically determine the default GPU that will be in use for Photoshop.

This can cause some problems, especially if you have two different units, such as one from Intel and one from NVIDIA. The GPU choice may alternate between the two, which may prevent OpenGL from running.

To avoid this problem, you will have to select the GPU you prefer to use. This will save your preference and ensure that you will have access to OpenGL whenever you use Photoshop.

Reboot the System

After selecting your preferred GPU in the NVIDIA control panel, you will need to reboot your system to ensure the change takes effect. Once the reboot is complete, you will have OpenGL enabled in Photoshop, which will make graphics programming easier.

Rotate the Canvas

Once you have completed the reboot, you can open Photoshop. To test that OpenGL is enabled, you should attempt to rotate the canvas. You can do this by selecting the Rotate View Tool, or simply by pressing R on your keyboard, which is the default shortcut.

Use the Registry Editor

If you get an error message while you’re attempting to rotate your canvas, you may need to try a different approach to enabling OpenGL. You can achieve this by using the registry editor. First, you will need to open it by typing ‘regedit’ in the search box on the taskbar.

Another way to find the registry editor is to open the start menu and select ‘run’, followed by typing ‘regedit’ next to ‘open:’. This will bring up the registry editor, where you will be able to access Photoshop settings.

When you are in the registry editor, follow the path:

  1. Computer
  2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER
  3. SOFTWARE
  4. Adobe
  5. Photoshop
  6. 150.0

After clicking on the 150.0 folder, you will see a file list on the window to the right. In that same window, you should right click and select ‘new’ to create a new file. Select QWORD (32/64-bit) Value.

Once you’ve created the file, proceed to rename it ‘AllowOldGPUs’. This will enable OpenGL by default, and it is one of the best options to use on new versions of Photoshop that may not recognize your preferred GPU.

Restart Photoshop

After using the registry editor, you should restart Photoshop. The next time you use it, you will have OpenGL enabled. To test it, try out the same method of rotating the canvas. The error message should have disappeared, and the rotation should work as normal.

Once you use OpenGL for your 3D graphics programming, you can enjoy your creation with the online design tools offered by PlaceIt.

How to Enable OpenGL on a Mac

If you have a Mac OS, you may not know how to enable OpenGL in Photoshop, which may make you think that there’s no way of using it. OpenGL can be enabled in Photoshop on a Mac by clicking on the Photoshop menu on the left side of the top bar.

Then select ‘preferences’, followed by ‘performance’. In the performance settings, you will see an option for ‘use graphics processor’. Once that is ticked, OpenGL will be enabled in Photoshop on your Mac.

If you are experiencing issues with error messages or if Photoshop shows that OpenGL is disabled, you should try updating your GPU drivers. This can be easily done by keeping your Mac up to date at all times.

Conclusion

Enabling OpenGL in Photoshop can be achieved in six easy steps. This will allow you to more easily access and manage 3D graphics, no matter if you have a Windows operating system or a Mac.

How to Change the Color of a Logo Without Photoshop

In today’s world, it’s easy to find a logo online without needing Photoshop to build one from scratch. But that doesn’t mean that the logo you find will best represent your brand. You may have found the perfect logo in terms of style, but the colors aren’t quite on par with your branding. So, what can you do?

The colors of a logo can easily be changed without Photoshop with the help of an online editing tool. There are also logo makers available such as Placeit or Canva, that can assist in logo creation and adjustments.

Whether you have purchased a premade logo or made one yourself, it’s important to make sure the colors are on point with the rest of your scheme. Keep reading to learn how to change the color of a logo without the use of Photoshop.

Changing the Color of a Logo Without Photoshop

While Photoshop is a go-to tool for many designers, it is not the only way to make edits to your designs. In fact, many designers and small business owners create stunning designs for their brands without the use of Photoshop at all.

However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t making edits or using qualified tools. There are many online editing tools available for anyone looking to create a brand or design their own marketing materials. You just have to know which ones to use.

For example, if you are looking to change the color of a logo, you will want to find an editing program that has that capability. One that is more geared toward creating layouts or making simple photo edits isn’t going to do the trick.

Finding an Online Editing Tool

If you are going to change the color of a logo, you need an editing program with color replacement tools. In fact, you’ll want to find one that is almost the equivalent of Photoshop, without the heavy price tag or the need to download.

Here are a few online editing programs you may want to consider:

Not all of these programs support the same tools and the same types of editing. While each one of them should be able to change the color of a logo, if you have more edits that need to be made, it is a good idea to play around with different programs until you find the one that best suits your needs.

Upload Your Photo and Make Edits

Keep in mind that though many online editors have the look and feel of Photoshop, each one has its own tools and effects, so having you edit your logo will depend on the program you choose. For the most part, you’ll start by uploading your file to the website and then start to apply your edits.

For example, if you decided to use Pixlr to change the color of your logo, you would:

  1. Click the Open Image button in the center of the screen.
  2. Let’s say you have a logo that is a yellow box with your brand name centered in the middle, but you would like that box to be a pale blue.
  3. Locate the two overlapping circles in the toolbar on the right hand side.
  4. Click the one on top and select the color you would like to change your logo to.
  5. Find the Color Replace brush in the toolbar. This looks like a paintbrush with a curved, two-pointed arrow.
  6. Select the brush and start painting over the yellow box.

This should change the color of the box without affecting the design in the middle.

Making Color Changes with Placeit’s Logo Maker

Placeit’s Logo Maker is another great tool to keep in mind. This allows you to create a logo from premade templates and endless customization options. Simply enter your company’s name, pick your industry, and select the template that best suits your brand.

Once your template is selected, you can change everything from the font to the logo’s colors. You can even switch up the entire layout if you feel like it. This is a great alternative to using premade logos that you may find attached to other brands.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right logo can be one of the most important parts of creating a brand. Hopefully, this article gave you a few ideas on how to change your logo color without Photoshop, so that you can have all of the elements of your brand following a cohesive and aesthetic color scheme.

How to Allow Photoshop to Access Your Desktop

Photoshop needs access to your desktop so that you can upload documents and images to edit or change. You may have accidentally said no during the initial installation of the program and now need to change that setting, or maybe the option had yet to be offered.

Whether you got the option or not, it is always good to figure out how to allow photoshop access to your desktop. Here are ways to do this on your Windows desktop and iOS system. We all know each system is not the same.

How to Allow Photoshop to Access Your Desktop

Most of the time, there should be an option when you open your program that asks whether you want to allow access to your computer. This doesn’t always happen, so you may need to find a way to allow access. 

When you don’t allow full permission to your system, it can restrict certain functions that can be made on a document. It may even make it where you can’t open anything. So you will need to allow that access. Here is how based on what type of system you have.

Access on a Windows Computer

When you can’t gain access to your folders on your Windows, this is to keep your computer safe and secure. You don’t want just any unauthorized or unsafe app accessing and changing your files. This could be dangerous, and that’s how important information can get leaked.

To change the access, you must go into your system settings instead of going through the Photoshop program. Follow these easy steps to give Adobe access:

  1. Go to the “Start” Menu.
  2. Find “Settings” and open it up.
  3. Go to “Update & Security”
  4. Next, find “Windows Security” and then find “Virus & threat protection.”
  5. Under the “Virus & threat protection” tab, you will find “Manage settings” and select it.
  6. Find the “Controlled Folder Access” and choose “Manage Controlled Folder access.”
  7. There you will switch the “Controlled folder access” to on if it is turned off.

If you find that the folder access is already turned on, then it could be another program impeding your access. Check for virus protection software and other programs that could cause this problem.

Access on a iOS System

Allowing Adobe Photoshop access to your account is slightly different on your macOS system than on a Windows system. The program needs consent to access all folders and files so that you can use them in photoshop more smoothly. 

You must complete these system adjustments through your computer settings and not within the Photoshop program. This is what you need to do:

  1. Open your general settings menu on your macOS.
  2. Find the little house icon for “Security & Privacy” and click on it.
  3. Find the tab “Privacy” and click on it.
  4. Find the little lock icon and click on it.
  5. A window will pop up and request either your password or touch ID.
  6. Go to “Accessibility” next.
  7. Press the little plus sign, where you will add Photoshop to that list.
  8. Find the latest Adobe Photoshop folder and click on it.
  9. Once you have added that, go to “Full Access” and click on it.
  10. Press the little plus sign again for this section.
  11. Find the latest Adobe Photoshop folder and add it.
  12. Ensure you press the lock icon at your screen’s bottom left-hand corner to return your privacy settings to secure.
  13. Restart your computer.

Once you have completed these steps, you will want to open the program to ensure the adjustments stick. Now you should have full access to the folders and files with the Adobe Photoshop program.

What if I Still Can’t Get Access?

If you have adjusted your system settings to allow Adobe Photoshop access to your folders and files, you still can’t do this. There may be software on your computer that is causing this restriction.

Sometimes it can be your security software that isn’t allowing access. You may need to open that program’s settings to see if it is causing the problem. This process is different with each software company, so you may need to go to that website to find those steps.

If there is nothing on your computer that should be causing this problem. Always check for an update from Adobe. This may be the issue, and the update will solve this glitch. Restart your computer and the program after an update to ensure the settings are correct.

If you still seem to have issues with this access, you can use the last resort of uninstalling the program and re-installing it back onto your computer. This takes a few more steps but sometimes resolves everything.

How to Uninstall and Reinstall Program

Uninstalling a program on your Windows computer and your macOS is pretty similar. You may need to change your words to figure out how to do this. But follow these steps to uninstall your Adobe Photoshop program and reinstall it again:

  1. Go to your settings menu on your desktop.
  2. Find “Apps.”
  3. There should be three dots for other options. Click on uninstall.
  4. Once it has been uninstalled, go to the Adobe Photoshop website.
  5. Click on the Buy Now or download option.
  6. Follow the steps to download.
  7. Log into your account.

Ensure that you click yes to allowing Adobe Photoshop access to your computer. If you don’t, you will have to manually go in and allow access, which can be annoying and quite daunting. It is easiest to allow access at the beginning of the process and then change it later.

With the macOS, you may see a message that says “open settings” or deny. Click on the “open settings.” It should take you straight to the settings where you can turn on full disk access or add the program to the list that can access it.

Outro

Not having access to your desktop disables your ability to use Adobe Photoshop, which means you have the program for nothing. There needs to be that access. If you continue to have this issue, always contact Adobe and then your computer’s manufacturer.

How to Start With a Black Background in Photoshop

Though white is generally the default background color when creating any new document in Photoshop, this doesn’t mean that it always has to be that way. Depending on the design you are working on, sometimes it’s best to start off with a black background. But how is it done?

A black background can be achieved with the start of a new document in Photoshop by adjusting the Background Content setting in the New Document dialogue box. Here, users have the ability to set the starting background to white, colored, or transparent.

Whether you need to work with a colored background for a one-time project or black is your preferred starting point, establishing your background color at the beginning can help eliminate steps later on. Keep reading for a breakdown of how to start with a black background in Photoshop.

How to Start Photoshop With a Black Background

While it’s simple enough to change the background after you’ve created your file, there are easier ways to achieve the look you want without taking a bunch of extra steps. This can save you time in the long run, as well as keep your mind on the list of more important tasks you need to accomplish.

To start with a black background in Photoshop, you will need to make a few changes to your settings upon creating a new document.

Creating a New Document With a Black Background

To start, open up Photoshop and navigate to the File menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Then, select New to create a document from scratch. This can also be done by hitting Ctrl/Command + N on your keyboard.

Once the New Document dialog box opens, you’ll see various options to customize your document. This includes:

  • Width
  • Height
  • Orientation
  • Resolution
  • Color mode
  • Background contents

Each of these elements can be adjusted and saved as a blank document preset. This is also where you will set the starting background color.

Find the setting for Background Contents and click the drop-down menu. If you’ve never adjusted this setting before, the default should be set to White. From the menu, select Custom instead. Now, next to the drop-down menu, you should see a square box. Here is where you will select your color. In this case, you’ll want to change the background color to black.

Now, all you need to do is click the blue Create button and your new document should load up with a black background.

How to Change the Background After Creating a New File

If you’ve already created your new document with a white background, no worries. Changing the background of a document is one of the easier things to do in Photoshop, and there are several ways to get it done. Below, you’ll find a quick rundown of how to do this in the two most popular ways.

Creating a New Background Layer

The easiest way to change the background color of an existing document is to create a new layer. Simple click on the Layers tab in the menu bar and select New Fill Layer. From here, you’ll want to click Solid Color. Once the new layer is created, you can select your custom color from the color palette.

You may also want to give your layer a name so that you don’t get it mixed up with other layers. Just double-click the name in the Layers panel and type out your preferred name. In this situation, something simple like Black or Background Color might be best.

Painting Over Your Background

Another simple option is to simply paint over the existing background layer. While this isn’t as non-destructive as creating a new layer, this is easy to achieve and can be done quickly.

To paint over your background, start by grabbing the paint bucket from the toolbar. Next, make sure your color is set to black by clicking on the color palette. You can also click the arrows next to the little black and white overlapping square for a quick switch between colors.

Now that your color is set, simply click anywhere on your canvas and the entire thing should turn black. Keep in mind that if you use the erase tool, it will remove the black paint that you have just created.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide gave you a few ideas on how to start with a black background in Photoshop. Whether you’re just looking to switch things up or you have a specific design in mind, having your background color in place from the get-go can help things run smoothly.

How to Merge PDF Files Using Photoshop

Sometimes there are many PDF files you want to merge. It may seem like a complicated mess but you can do this using photoshop. So how do you merge your PDF files when you have the Photoshop program?

Merging your files is much easier than you may initially think. It is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete the process. Here is everything you need to know about merging your files using Photoshop.

How to Merge PDF Files Using Photoshop

Some programs may be difficult to merge PDF files but with Adobe’s Photoshop, you can do this quite easily.

All you have to do is follow these several steps:

  1. Open the files you want to merge.
  2. Ensure you “Constrain Proportions.”
  3. Merge the files within the program.
  4. Reduce the file size.
  5. Save when done.

Once you have completed all these steps, you will have your files merged just to your liking. Nothing too complicated.

Open the Files You Want to Merge

You will need to have your photoshop program open. Here you can click on the “Open File” button and choose the files you want to merge. You will have to open each one individually.

You can also drag the files collectively you want to merge. This is quicker than looking up each file. It is easiest if you have all the PDF files saved in the same folder and you don’t have to send as many attachments.

Ensure You “Constrain Proportions”

Your PDF file will open each image at the same size as the first image. This can cause some of your images to come out different, blurry, or just different than the original image. To ensure that this does not happen, check “Constrain Proportions” before you open all the files.

You can also set the width and height of your PDF file so that it is the size you need it to be. This will keep your document from becoming disfigured and ensure there is a fluidity within your documents.

Merge The Files

Once you have opened the files and adjusted them to the width and height you want, follow these next steps:

  1. Go to the File tab.
  2. Scroll down to Automate and click on it.
  3. Another window will open, choose “PDF Presentation.”
  4. Ensure the box that says “Add Open Files” is marked.
  5. Put the list of images in the order you want them saved.
  6. Select “Sort by Name” if you want the list to be automated by the program.
  7. Check the “Compatibility” box for the right version of Adobe you are using.
  8. Click on “Save as Multi-page document” instead of “Presentation.”
  9. When done, save the document.

Once you have saved the document, ensure you name it so that it is easy for you to find. The documents will be all in one place so you don’t have to open each individual file.

Reduce File Size

Sometimes when you merge your files, the final product can be quite large. If your file is too large, you can always reduce the size. This is an optional step you can take but it isn’t always necessary.

When you are saving the file, a “Save Adobe PDF” window will pop up. Here is where you normally change the compatibility of the file or you can change the “Compression” of your file. Change the quality of your image to a lower status to reduce the file size.

Just remember that if you do reduce the quality of the image, this can make some aspects of your file blurry, especially if they weren’t the best quality to begin with.

Check the File

Once you have saved the file, it is always good to go back and check the file. Open up the file and scroll through it to ensure everything was saved properly. You may realize that some parts of the file may have been saved improperly.

You will have to go back and adjust the file settings again to ensure the best solution to your file. This won’t take long but it can be a little taxing. As you continue to use this method, you will become better at figuring out which settings are best for you.

Outro

Merging your PDF files don’t have to be difficult. Follow these simple steps to have the best results for a merged file. It will only take a few minutes of your time and you won’t have to open each individual file moving forward. It’s also great for merging scanned documents!

How to Find Your Photoshop Files on Mac

Whether you want to browse your Photoshop files on Mac or recover them, you will need to know how to find them. There are various things you can try, all of them very straightforward and quick to do.

If you have Photoshop on Mac, there are several methods for how to find your files when you need them. Read on below to discover more about what these methods entail.

Open Recent Items

When you need to easily find your Photoshop files on Mac, the quickest way is to look at your recent items. For example, if you are searching for a particular .psd file that you have recently been working on, you should use one of these two methods to find it.

The first method to employ in finding a recent file in Photoshop can be done from the start screen:

  1. When you open Photoshop, you can go to the home menu, where you will see a selection of files.
  2. Set the sorting for these to ‘recent’ to find what you are seeking.
  3. When you are already working in Photoshop, you will find the ‘file’ option on the menu bar at the top.
  4. There, you can scroll down to ‘open recent’ where you should see your desired file in a list featuring the ones you’ve recently been working on.

Now, let’s see the next method.

Search for the File

Another easy way to find your Photoshop files on Mac is to search for them via your Finder. This will require you to remember at least part of the file name.

Here’s how:

  1. Once you want to find it, go to any Finder window on your Mac and click on the Search tab. This tab is usually in the top right corner of the screen, and easily identifiable thanks to the magnifying glass on it.
  2. Type in as much of the file name as you remember, then hit enter.
  3. Check that the search is set to ‘this Mac’ to make sure that the search covers every folder, not just a specific one. This will make it easier to find your file, which you can then open once you see it in the search results.

Keep reading to find another method to find your Photoshop field on Mac.

Search for the Extension

In case you don’t remember the name of the file you want to find on your Mac, there is another option to try out.

You can use the same Finder search method but instead of typing the name, you can simply type the extension:

  1. When you want to find one of these files, go to the Finder and type .psd in the search box, next to the magnifying glass.
  2. You will then see a list of all the .psd files on your Mac.
  3. If you want to narrow down the search, you should click on the three horizontal lines at the top of the menu and choose to sort the list by icons. This will allow you to see the file, which will help with recognizing it.

After you find your .psd file and finish your work, remember to upload it to PlaceIt to make the most out of your art and designs, from posters to prints.

Check the Autosave Folder

If you have autosave turned on, you won’t have to worry about potentially losing a file if Photoshop crashes. You can set the autosave function to save recovery information every five, ten, fifteen, and thirty minutes, or even an hour.

Usually, when Photoshop crashes, you will see the file you were working on before it did when you next open the application. If you don’t, you can find your Photoshop files on Mac by manually checking the autosave folder.

To do so:

  1. Open any Finder window
  2. Hold down the Option key (⌥)
  3. Click on Go in the top menu
  4. Click on Library
  5. Click Application Support
  6. Click Adobe
  7. Under Adobe, you will see an Adobe Photoshop folder.
  8. In this folder, you will find another one called AutoRecover.

Your autosave files will be there for you to find.

Access the Temp Folder

At times, you will need to recover a Photoshop file that has not been autosaved. To achieve this, you will need to know how to find it on your Mac. A safe bet would be using the Terminal to access the Temp folder, where temporary information is stored as you work on it.

The Terminal can be accessed either from the Launchpad, where you will find it in the Other or Utilities folder, from the Finder, or by using Spotlight. For the latter option:

  1. Hold the Command and Space keys
  2. Type in Terminal.
  3. Type “open $TMPDIR” without the quotes.
  4. You may be prompted to enter your admin password for security reasons. This command will open a new menu.
  5. Scroll to Temporary Items and look for whichever file you were working on in Photoshop.

Now, let’s see the next method.

Check File Saving Options

If you are unsure where a Photoshop file on Mac might be found, you should check the file saving settings.

To find them:

  1. Click on Photoshop in the top menu bar
  2. Click Preferences
  3. This will open the Preferences menu, where you should select File Handling on the left.
  4. The File Handling section has a few pertinent settings, including the autosave function we mentioned before.

To make file finding easier, you should check if the Save As to Original Folder option is ticked in the File Handling menu. If it is, it will narrow down the search, because it will automatically save whatever you are working on to the folder you imported it from.

Use Time Machine to Recover Files

Photoshop files on Mac can sometimes be lost or accidentally deleted. If you would like to recover them and find them once more, you may have to use the Time Machine. On a Mac, the Time Machine is the back-up system.

If you have Time Machine enabled on your Mac, it is a highly useful assistant that prevents the loss of files. To find a Photoshop file through the Time Machine, you simply need to:

  1. Attach the device where you are saving your back-ups.
  2. Open Time Machine and search for the Photoshop files you need on it.
  3. Once found, select the file and click on Restore.

This will help you to once again have access to your Photoshop files on Mac.

Conclusion

To find your Photoshop files on Mac, you have several methods at your disposal, from the recent items tab to a quick search, to using the back-ups stored on the Time Machine. No matter which method you pick, you will be able to find the files you need.