Graphics Software in Applied Arts

• Computer graphics software is used to create designs in applied arts, with a need for software in design, drawing, production, presentation, and editing.
• All fields and programs in applied arts require graphics software.

Software Used in Different Programs

• Media Design and Graphics Program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, After Effects, XD, and Cinema 4D.
• Cinematography & Television Program: Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, Lightroom, Audition, Final Cut, and Davinci Resolve.
• Interior Design and Furniture Program: Adobe Photoshop, 3Ds Max, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit.
• Apparel and Fashion Program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Gerber, Wilcom, and Clo3D.
• Textile Engineering Program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Ned Graphics, Easy Weave, Wave Maker, and Ramsete.
• Ceramics and Glass Program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino, 3ds Max, and Solidworks.
• Product Program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino, 3ds Max, and Solidworks.
• Photoshop is common in all Applied Arts Programs to create Designs and Products.

Raster vs. Vector Images

• There are two main types of image files which are Raster and Vector.
• Raster images are created with pixel-based software or captured with a camera or scanner.
• Raster images are common in formats like TIFF, JPG, GIF, and PNG, widely used on the web and for printing.
• Vector graphics are math-defined shapes and are created with vector software, they are not as common.
• Vector graphics are used in 2D Illustration, CAD/engineering, 3D animation, and graphic design processes like engraving and cut stencils.

Raster (Bitmap) Characteristics

• Pixel-based.
• Best for editing photos and creating continuous tone images with soft color blends.
• Cannot be scaled without losing quality.
• File size is large.
• Common programs include Photoshop, Paint Shop, and GIMP (free).
• Common file formats are TIFF, JPG, GIF, and PNG.

Vector Characteristics

• Shapes are based on mathematical calculations.
• Best for creating logos, drawings, illustrations, and technical drawings.
• Not ideal for continuous tone images with blends of color or for editing photographs.
• Can be scaled to any size without quality loss.
• File size is small.
• Common programs include Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Inkscape (free).
• Common file formats are AI, CDR, SVG, EPS, and PDF.

Photoshop Interface Elements

• The Document Window is the large area in the center of the interface that displays the image being edited.
• The Document Tab is at the top of the Document window.
• The Document Tab displays the name and file type of the document and allows switching between document windows.
• The Toolbar contains all of Photoshop's tools for making selections, editing, retouching images, painting, and adding type or shapes.
• Expanding the Toolbar can be done by clicking the double arrows at the top to switch between a single or double column layout.
• The Toolbar contains hidden tools nested within the visible tool icons, accessible by clicking and holding on a tool's icon.
• The Options Bar displays options for the currently selected tool in the Toolbar.
• The Menu Bar is located at the very top of Photoshop's interface, it groups various options and commands into categories.
• The Panels are located on the right side of the interface and provide access to commands and options for different tasks.
• Panel Groups are used to save screen space by grouping related panels together (e.g., Layers, Channels, and Paths).
• To switch between panels in a group, click on its tab.
• More panels can be found under the Window menu in the Menu Bar.

Workspaces

• A workspace in Photoshop is a preset collection and arrangement of interface elements.
• Workspaces control which panels are displayed and their arrangement.
• The default workspace is "Essentials", a general, all-purpose layout.
• Additional built-in workspaces customize the interface for specific tasks.
• The Workspace option is located in the upper right corner of Photoshop (represented by an icon in Photoshop CC).

Creating a New Workspace

• To create a new workspace, go to Windows > Workspace > New Workspace.
• Name the workspace and click "Save".

Opening Files

• To open a file, go to File > Open and select the file.
• Multiple images can be arranged from Window > Arrange.

Changing Screen Mode

• Screen mode can be changed using the icon in the tool bar.
• Alternatively, the "F" key can be pressed to switch between screen modes.

Zooming and Panning

• Zoom in or out using the zoom tool and click CTRL + (+) or CTRL + (-).
• The Hand tool allows you to move the image when zoomed in to more than 100%.

Saving Files

• To save changes to the current file, choose File > Save.
• To save a file with a different name, location, or format, choose File > Save As.
• Choose PSD if you need to edit the file in the future.
• Save as JPG to post photos and images online.
• Choose PNG file if you need to save the file without a background.

Creating a New File

• To create a new file, go to File > New.
• Documents can be created using Blank Document Presets for multiple categories and device form factors.
• Before opening the presets, you can modify their settings.
• Use a resolution of 300 Pixels/inch and CMYK Color Mode for printing purposes.
• Use a resolution of 72 Pixels/inch and RGB Color Mode for non-printing purposes.

Changing Image Size

• To change the size of an image, go to Image > Image Size.

Cropping

• Crop photos using the Crop tool.

Undo and Redo

• Undo moves one step back in the undo chain: Edit > Undo, or Ctrl + Z.
• Multiple steps can be undone using Ctrl + Alt + Z.
• Starting with the October 2018 release of Photoshop CC (20.0), you can undo multiple steps in your Photoshop document using Control + Z
• Redo moves one step forward: Edit > Redo, or Ctrl + Z + Shift.