Free Graphic Designing Course || Lecture 7 || Understand Blending, alignment

Summary

In this graphic design lecture, Disha Tundan walks through key Photoshop techniques, including alignment, layer manipulation, and blending modes. She revisits design concepts from the previous lecture, showcasing how to center, left, and right-align text and elements using shortcuts and tools. The tutorial also explores how blending modes like ‘screen’ and ‘multiply’ can alter layer interactions, enhancing design aesthetics. Additionally, Disha demonstrates how to find and apply design elements like textures and images from resources such as Freepik. The session emphasizes practical tips for creating visually appealing designs and explores further design inspiration and techniques in upcoming lessons.

Takeaways

• 😀 Master alignment tools in Photoshop to arrange text and layers accurately (left, center, right).
• 😀 Use **Ctrl+A** to select the entire canvas and **Ctrl+D** to deselect the selection, making navigation faster.
• 😀 Learn to align text layers and elements using the alignment panel, including distributing spacing evenly.
• 😀 Blending modes in Photoshop can dramatically alter how layers interact, from darkening to lighten effects (e.g., Multiply, Screen, Color Dodge).
• 😀 Applying **Ctrl+J** duplicates layers, allowing for quick iterations of design elements in your project.
• 😀 Photoshop's alignment tools help center-align or left/right-align elements to the edges or center of the page.
• 😀 Distribute spacing between layers to ensure even, professional-looking layouts in your design.
• 😀 Master the transform tool (**Ctrl+T**) for resizing and rotating layers to fit your design's needs.
• 😀 Learn to incorporate textures into your design by finding external resources, like from Freepik, and adjusting them using blending modes.
• 😀 To add visual effects like drop shadows, use the layer effects options to create depth in your design.
• 😀 Explore external design elements (e.g., textures, travel photos) and integrate them into your work to enhance visual appeal.

Q & A

What technique was covered in the previous lecture (lecture 6) of the graphic design course?

In lecture 6, the technique of layer masking was covered, where two layers (sky and ground) were merged using layer masking. Additionally, a car image was placed on the ground, and text content, such as headings, subheadings, CTAs, and offers, was generated through ChatGPT and incorporated into the design.

What is the purpose of alignment in Photoshop, and how does it enhance a design?

Alignment in Photoshop helps position elements relative to each other or the canvas, ensuring a balanced and organized design. It improves the visual flow and readability of the design. In the video, various alignment options such as left, center, and right alignments were demonstrated.

How can you align multiple layers to the center or edges in Photoshop?

To align multiple layers in Photoshop, you can select all the layers and use the alignment options available in the properties panel. You can align the layers to the left, center, or right edge of the canvas, or distribute the spacing between them evenly.

What is the shortcut to select the entire canvas in Photoshop?

The shortcut to select the entire canvas in Photoshop is Ctrl + A. This allows you to select everything on the canvas for alignment or other operations.

How can you distribute layers evenly with equal spacing in Photoshop?

To distribute layers evenly with equal spacing, select all the layers you want to align, then click on the 'Distribute Spacing' option in the properties panel. This ensures that the layers are spaced equally apart from one another.

What does the Ctrl + J shortcut do in Photoshop?

The Ctrl + J shortcut is used to duplicate a selected layer in Photoshop. It creates an exact copy of the selected layer, which can be moved or edited independently.

How does the blending mode work in Photoshop, and why is it important?

The blending mode in Photoshop determines how two layers interact with each other. By changing the blending mode, you can control how the colors and textures of one layer mix with those of the layer beneath it. It's useful for effects such as darkening, lightening, or adding special textures.

What is the difference between 'Normal' and 'Multiply' blending modes?

'Normal' blending mode shows the layer as it is without any alteration. On the other hand, 'Multiply' darkens the colors of the layer, effectively blending it with the background and creating a darker result. Multiply is often used to enhance shadows or to combine textures.

How can you find the right textures and elements for your design in Photoshop?

You can find the right textures and elements by searching websites like Freepik for backgrounds, textures, and images. Once downloaded, you can incorporate them into your design by adjusting their resolution, blending modes, and layer settings to suit the project.

What role does the color overlay effect play in Photoshop?

The color overlay effect in Photoshop allows you to apply a solid color to a layer, which can be used to adjust the color of an image or element. It's useful for creating specific color moods or blending elements into a consistent theme.