Photoshop Tricks is like a bottomless treasure chest—just when you think you know it all, you discover another hidden gem. I’ve been using Photoshop for years, and I still stumble upon tricks that make me wonder, Why didn’t I know this sooner? If you’re a graphic designer looking to speed up your workflow and unlock Photoshop’s full potential, here are ten secret tricks that will change the way you work.
10 Secret Photoshop Tricks Every Graphic Designer Must Know
1. Instantly Select Any Object with One Click
Gone are the days of tediously tracing objects with the Lasso Tool. Photoshop’s Select Subject feature is a game-changer. Just go to Select > Subject, and Photoshop will use AI to pick out the main object in your image. It’s not perfect, but paired with the Select and Mask tool, you can clean up edges in no time.
2. Use the Hidden “Scrubby Zoom” Feature for Precision
Ever tried zooming in and out only to get frustrated with clicking? Hold Ctrl + Spacebar (Cmd + Spacebar on Mac) and drag left or right—boom, smooth zoom! This trick lets you zoom in and out seamlessly without interrupting your flow. Perfect for detailed retouching or working on complex layers.
3. Turn Any Image Into a Custom Brush
This one blew my mind when I first learned it. If you need to reuse a texture, signature, or logo, you can make it a custom brush. Just go to Edit > Define Brush Preset, name it, and now you can paint with it like any other brush. It’s especially useful for creating unique textures and watermarking your work quickly.
4. Quickly Match Colors Between Images
Color matching can be a nightmare, but Photoshop makes it ridiculously easy. Open both images, then go to Image > Adjustments > Match Color and select the source image. Photoshop will automatically blend the colors to make them look cohesive. This trick saves tons of time when working on branding projects or composites.
5. Remove Objects with the Content-Aware Fill
If you’re still manually cloning out unwanted objects, stop right now! Use Content-Aware Fill instead. Select the object with the Lasso Tool, then press Shift + Backspace and choose Content-Aware. Photoshop will intelligently fill in the area, and nine times out of ten, it looks flawless. If not, a little touch-up with the Spot Healing Brush should do the trick.
6. Apply Edits Non-Destructively with Smart Objects
Ever made an edit, saved the file, then regretted it later? We’ve all been there. That’s why Smart Objects are a lifesaver. Right-click on a layer and choose Convert to Smart Object before applying filters or transformations. This way, you can edit non-destructively and go back to the original anytime.
7. Create a Perfectly Centered Guide in Seconds
Aligning elements perfectly can be a hassle, but there’s a shortcut. Press Ctrl + R (Cmd + R on Mac) to bring up rulers, then click and drag from the ruler while holding Shift to snap a guide to the center. If you want Photoshop to do it for you, just go to View > New Guide Layout and set everything up precisely.
8. Instantly Straighten a Crooked Image
Crooked photos drive me nuts, but fixing them is super easy. Select the Crop Tool (C), then click the Straighten button in the toolbar. Drag along a horizon or straight edge in your image, and Photoshop will automatically rotate and crop it perfectly. No more eyeballing it!
9. Unlock the Power of Blend If for Seamless Blending
Blend If is one of those Photoshop features that sounds complicated but is actually amazing once you get it. Double-click on a layer to open Blending Options, then use the Blend If sliders to blend textures or adjust transparency based on brightness. Holding Alt (Option on Mac) while dragging the sliders makes the transitions even smoother.
10. Speed Up Your Workflow with Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Photoshop is packed with shortcuts, but did you know you can create your own? Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and customize commands you use frequently. For example, I set Ctrl + Shift + E to “Merge Visible” because I use it constantly. Once you start using shortcuts, you’ll never want to go back.
Final Thoughts
Photoshop is a powerhouse, but knowing these hidden tricks will make you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re removing distractions, matching colors, or setting up custom brushes, these techniques will boost your efficiency and creativity. The best way to master Photoshop? Experiment, mess up, and keep discovering new tricks. Happy designing!
