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Photoshop

Learning how to use Photoshop’s Smart Objects for editing and other techniques that don’t destroy files

Learning how to use Photoshop's Smart Objects for editing and other techniques that don't destroy files

Learning how to use Photoshop’s Smart Objects for editing and other techniques that don’t destroy files

Adobe Photoshop has grown into much more than just a way to change photos over the years. One of its best features is the Smart Object, which is helpful for both new and experienced users. When you use Smart Objects, you can work in a way that doesn’t hurt the original file. This means you can change things, try new things, and make your photos better without permanently changing the original file.

This article will help you learn more about Smart Objects, why they are important, and how to use them well in your Photoshop workflow.

1. Can you tell me what smart objects are?

A Smart Object is a container that can keep the original picture data of a file or layer. Photoshop treats a layer like a protected enclosure when you turn it into a Smart Object. This means you can change, filter, and transform things without hurting the pixels that are the source.

2. Why smart objects are important for non-destructive editing

You can change the size, shape, or angle of a Smart Object without losing its resolution, which keeps its quality.

  • Editable filters: You can change the filters that are applied to Smart Objects at any time.
  • The flexible workflow lets you switch out materials while keeping the same effects and changes.
  • When you change Linked Smart Objects, they are updated in many files at once, which makes it easier for people to work together.

3. A Guide to Drawing Smart Objects in Photoshop Step by Step

There are a few different ways to change a layer into a Smart Object:

  • To change a layer into a Smart Object, right-click on it and choose the option.
  • Go to the Layer menu, then the Smart Objects section, and choose the Convert to Smart Object option.
  • When you drag and drop files into Photoshop, they will automatically turn into Smart Objects. Vector drawings and other PSD files are examples of these kinds of files.

4. Using Embedded Smart Objects Instead of Linked Smart Objects

  • The Smart Objects that are embedded are saved right in the Photoshop file. The file size is bigger, but it can be moved.
  • Linked smart objects need a reference to a file outside of them. A smaller PSD file size, and any changes made to the original file will be automatically shown during updates.
  • Think about whether you want updates in real time (linked) or the ability to move them (embedded) before you make your choice.

5. Changing yourself without hurting it

  • When you resize a raster layer many times, the picture loses detail and becomes pixelated. Using Intelligent Objects:
  • There is no loss of picture quality when you scale down and then back up again.
  • You can change more complicated transformations, like perspective distortions, later without having to start over.

6. Smart Filters: Effects That Can Be Changed

  • You can make Smart Filters by putting filters on Smart Objects.
  • You can see all the Smart Filters that are below the Smart Object layer in the Layers panel.
  • You can delete the filter, change its visibility, and change its settings at any time.
  • The filter mask lets you apply effects to only certain parts of the image.

For instance, you can use the Gaussian Blur filter as a Smart Filter and then change its power without losing any of the details.

7. The act of changing the contents of a smart object

  • To change things inside a Smart Object:
  • Double-click on the Smart Object thumbnail to see it.
  • When you click on the content, a new window will open. This could be another PSD or Illustrator file, for example.
  • Changes you make will show up right away in the main document.

This feature is especially useful for updating logos, mockups, or text across different designs.

8. Using Smart Objects in Mockup

People often use Smart Objects to make mockups of products and brands.

Designers make Smart Objects, which are the placeholders.

You only need to change the content, and it will automatically fit the style and frame of reference of the mockup.

This is a great chance to show off designs for clothes, digital devices, or packaging.

9. Use Adjustment Layers and Smart Objects together.

To make it even more flexible:

  • You can add adjustment layers that don’t hurt the Smart Object application, like Curves or Hue/Saturation.
  • You can change the color in specific areas by clipping them to the Smart Object.

You can change or undo these changes at any time.

10. Some of the limits of smart objects

Smart Objects have a lot of potential, but they also have a few problems:

  • This makes the file size much bigger.
  • Some tools, like the Brush tool, can’t be used directly on a Smart Object. Instead, you’ll have to change the Smart Object’s contents separately.
  • Having too many Smart Objects might slow down older computers.

11. The Best Ways to Use Smart Objects

You should turn important layers into Smart Objects at the start of your process.

  • If you have a lot of projects going on at once, you should use connected Smart Objects.
  • Clearly naming your Smart Object layers will help you keep things in order.
  • To get the best results, you need to find a balance between using Smart Objects and rasterized layers.

Smart Objects are one of the best things about Photoshop when it comes to letting you edit things without breaking them. This lets you try things out, make changes, and go back to your original work without worrying about losing it. If you learn how to use Smart Objects, your drawings, pictures, and other creative projects will be of the highest quality. This will save you time and make sure you get the best results.

Categories
Photoshop

Easily Correcting Photos That Are Both Overexposed and Underexposed

Easily Correcting Photos That Are Both Overexposed and Underexposed

Easily Correcting Photos That Are Both Overexposed and Underexposed

When it comes to photography, managing the light is just as important as capturing moments throughout the process. The brightness of each and every photo does not come out completely balanced, which is a regrettable reality. The contrast between overexposed and underexposed photographs is that the former seem washed out, with bright regions losing definition, while the latter appear overly dark, making it difficult to notice key parts. You may save both your photographs and your time by learning how to remedy exposure errors, regardless of whether you are a hobbyist photographer taking pictures of family gatherings or a professional working on projects for clients.

1. Comprehending the Differences Between Overexposure and Underexposure
Overexposure happens when an excessive amount of light strikes the sensor of the camera, which results in regions that are excessively bright and often have highlights that are blown out. Contrarily, underexposure occurs when the sensor does not get sufficient light, which results in shadows that are excessively dark and features that are difficult to see. The adjustment of light levels, which should not compromise the natural appearance of the picture, is the key to mending them.

2. Exposure problems that are caused by common causes
Exposure problems may be caused by a number of different factors:

  • Erroneous settings for the camera (including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO)
  • When shooting against sources of intense light ,
  • Lighting that is insufficient inside the building

When traveling between different light situations, forgetting to update the settings or parameters
If you understand the reason, you can avoid making the same error again.

3. Why Repairing Exposure Is So Important
A well-exposed photograph will maintain the colors, textures, and details of the subject. Not only can correcting exposure increase the aesthetic appeal of your photographs, but it also makes it simpler to print, publish, or utilize them in a professional setting. Even if they catch significant events, photographs with poor exposure might give the impression of being unprofessional.

4. Making Precise Adjustments Through the Use of Histogram
One of the most helpful tools for photographers is the histogram. A representation of the distribution of bright and dark regions inside a picture is shown by editing software. Histograms of photographs that are overexposed are clustered to the right, while histograms of images that are underexposed are severely skewed to the left. It is possible to get balanced outcomes by adjusting the settings based on this visual advice.

5. Using Editing Software to Correct Photos That Have Been Overexposed Using Photoshop, Lightroom, or other comparable programs:

Recovering detail requires lowering the sliders for exposure and highlights.

Whites should be adjusted carefully to avoid turning out flat.

To restore the sense of depth, include a little increase in Shadows.
In mobile applications, you may achieve a similar effect by adjusting the “Brightness” or “Highlight” settings.

6. How to Correct Photos That Are Underexposed Using Editing Software For photographs that are underexposed:

The exposure or brightness should be progressively increased.

Raise the shadows to bring out features that were previously buried without destroying the picture.

For a more pristine appearance, slightly enhance the whites.
It is important to avoid increasing the exposure too far, since this might result in the introduction of noise.

7. For improved data recovery, use the RAW file format
Take photographs in RAW format rather than JPEG if at all feasible. You have more freedom to repair blown-out highlights or brighten deep shadows without sacrificing quality when you use RAW files since they hold more data than other file formats.

8. Modifications at the local level for specific fixes
There is not a single component of a picture that requires the same repair. For the purpose of brightening just dark parts or reducing brightness in certain overexposed zones, you may make use of tools such as adjustment brushes or gradient filters. The photograph retains its natural appearance because to this focused technique.

9. Preventing Flatness That Occurs Following Exposure Correction
In the process of adjusting exposure, it is simple to render the picture lifeless and uninteresting. In order to avoid this:

Following the adjustment of the brightness settings, reintroduce contrast.

You may restore details by adjusting the clarity or the texture.

White balance should be fine-tuned in order to preserve the natural skin tones.

10. Preventing Potential Exposure Issues in the Remaining Years
The editing process is a strong tool; yet, prevention is preferable than treatment:

Become familiar with the exposure compensation feature on your camera.

Take a number of photographs using a variety of settings (also known as bracketing).

Take into consideration the fluctuating light conditions.

11. Tips for Managing Exposure When Using a Mobile Device for Photography
When using a smartphone, touch the area that you wish to be appropriately exposed, and then use the slider that appears on the screen to adjust the brightness. If the camera software you’re using permits it, lock exposure so that changes in lighting won’t alter your image in the middle of the frame.

12. The Finishing Touches Following the Adjustment of Exposure
After you have adjusted the brightness, you may apply the final touches:

Lightly improve the colors to make them more vibrant.

Bring out the most critical elements.

Crop the image to improve the composition if necessary.

13. In conclusion, the master of light is the master of photography
Controlling light is one of the fundamental abilities in photography, and fixing images that are overexposed or underexposed is not only about rescuing terrible shots; it is about mastering one of the essential talents in photography. With enough experience, you will be able to recognize issues in a short amount of time, make effective corrections to them, and even prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Categories
Windows 10

A Guide to Troubleshooting Common Printer Problems in Windows

A Guide to Troubleshooting Common Printer Problems in Windows

A Guide to Troubleshooting Common Printer Problems in Windows

Printers are one of those items that function well, right up to the point that you discover that you really need them. An mistake may be quite aggravating, regardless of whether you are attempting to print a picture or a document that is of the utmost importance. Those who use Windows are confronted with a broad variety of printer-related concerns, ranging from issues with connectivity to problems with print quality. You will be relieved to learn that the majority of these issues may be resolved without the assistance of a professional if you are aware of where to search and what actions to take. This tutorial addresses the most frequent printer problems that occur in Windows and offers remedies that are applicable to each of those problems.

1. Windows does not recognize the printer.
A situation in which Windows is unable to identify the printer is one of the most typical sources of annoyance. Printers that are linked to a network, wifi, or USB might all have this issue. To begin, check that the printer is turned on and that it is connected in the correct manner. It is recommended that you try a new USB port or connection if the printer is connected. Your computer and the wireless printer should both be connected to the same Wi-Fi network in order for the printer to function properly. In addition, you may manually discover it by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and clicking the “Add a printer or scanner” button found there. The majority of the time, transient connectivity troubles may be resolved by restarting both your personal computer and your printer.

2. Printer drivers that are either out of date or corrupted
The drivers for your printer serve as a connection point between Windows and your printer. It is possible that the printer will not function properly if the files are faulty or out of date. Open Device Manager, identify your printer, right-click it, and choose “Update driver” from the menu that appears. This will update your drivers. The most recent version of Windows may be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, or you can choose to let Windows search automatically. If the problems continue, you should remove the existing driver and then install it again from the beginning. Not only does keeping drivers up to date guarantee compatibility with Windows updates, but it also addresses any problems that may arise.

3. Remaining in the Print Queue with the Printer
There are occasions when print jobs get stuck, which ultimately prevents fresh papers from being handled. When a document is too big or when a previous print process experienced an issue, this is a common occurrence. This issue may be resolved by going to the Control Panel > Devices & Printers, right-clicking on your printer, and selecting the option to “See what’s printing.” Get rid of all the pending tasks. It is also possible that you will need to restart the Print Spooler service. To do so, go to the Start menu, type “services.msc,” locate “Print Spooler,” and then click “Restart.” As a result, the line is cleared, and you are able to begin again.

4. Poor Quality of the Printing
In spite of the fact that a printer is functioning properly, the results are not always satisfactory. Text that is hazy, colors that have faded, or prints that are streaky are often signs of low ink or toner levels. You may check the state of the ink or toner by using the control panel or software on your printer. If the levels are correct, the issue may be caused by filthy print heads or cartridges that are not aligned properly. The majority of printers are equipped with built-in maintenance toolkits that allow users to clean heads, align cartridges, and test prints. Always be sure you choose the appropriate kind of paper, and then adjust the print settings so that they correspond to the quality of the paper.

5. Issues Accompanying Wireless Printing
In the event that the Wi-Fi connection is poor or there is interference, wireless printers may not be dependable, despite the fact that they are handy. Make sure that your printer is linked to the appropriate network and that it is within range of the router at all times. If you find that the printer regularly loses connectivity, you should configure your router to give it a static IP address using the settings. In order to determine whether or not the issue is connected to the network, you may alternatively temporarily connect the printer using the USB port. The majority of the time, wireless compatibility difficulties may be resolved by updating the printer’s firmware.

6. The printer is currently offline.
It is possible for Windows to label printers as “Offline” even while they are connected to the computer. There is a possibility that this is the result of wrong settings or temporary communication problems. You may ensure that “Use Printer Offline” is not selected by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, selecting your printer, and moving on to the next step. You may try uninstalling and re-adding the printer if it continues to report that it is offline. It is also possible to reestablish the connection by restarting both the printer and the router.

7. Concerns Regarding Compatibility Following an update to Windows
On occasion, a Windows update may result in printer issues by altering the settings of the system or by causing compatibility issues. It is recommended that you visit the manufacturer’s website for updated drivers or firmware if your printer was functioning normally prior to the update. In certain instances, functionality may be restored by reverting to an earlier version of the printer driver or by uninstalling the update that caused the issue. Whenever you make modifications to your system, you should always back it up.

8. Slow speeds of printing speeds
If your printer is printing at an exceptionally slow rate, the problem might be caused by high-resolution settings, drivers that are no longer supported, or delays caused by the network. Reduce the print resolution for papers that are not of crucial importance in order to speed up the procedure. It is recommended that wireless printers be connected to a cable connection in order to reduce network slowness. The print queue should be cleared, and the printer should have sufficient memory. Both of these things may be helpful.

9. Problems with Feeding of Paper and Paper Jams
Paper jams are a common source of frustration for printers. Always use paper that is compatible with the requirements of the printer, and be sure you keep it in a dry location to avoid it from curling. If you have a jam, you should turn off the printer before removing the paper in order to prevent any damage to the internal components. After opening all of the covers that are accessible, carefully remove the sheet that is stuck without destroying it. In addition, jams may be avoided by cleaning the paper feed rollers on a regular basis.

10. Printing Pages That Are Blank
Ink cartridges that are empty, nozzles that are blocked, or a driver mistake are often the causes of blank pages being produced by a printer. To begin, check the levels of the ink or toner. If they are in good condition, you should use the maintenance menu of the printer to perform a nozzle cleaning cycle. When using Windows, check to ensure that the appropriate paper size and type are chosen. The printer driver should be uninstalled and then reinstalled if you continue to get blank pages.

11. Correcting Error Messages
Paper jams, low ink levels, and connection issues may all cause printers to produce errors that are difficult to understand. Code explanations may be found on the manufacturer’s support website or in the handbook that came with the printer. Simply restarting the printer and the computer may fix a significant number of issues. It may be essential to do a factory reset on the printer in order to resolve persistent issues; nevertheless, it is important to remember to change the network settings when the reset is complete.

12. Avoiding Problems with the Printer in the Future
Keep the device clean, update the drivers on a regular basis, and use authentic ink or toner to reduce the likelihood of a problem with the printer. It is important to avoid overflowing the paper tray and to perform maintenance duties on a regular basis. When the printer is not being used, be sure to turn it off to avoid it from overheating and wearing out.

It may seem that printers are sophisticated equipment; yet, the majority of the most frequent problems that occur in Windows may be resolved with only a few troubleshooting steps. It is possible to save time, money, and irritation by first gaining a knowledge of the reasons and then implemented these remedies. Not only does a well-maintained printer provide superior output, but it also has a longer lifespan, which guarantees that you will always be prepared to print whenever it is required.