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Adobe Photoshop 2020 for Mac v21.2.4 Tutorial

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I. Software Positioning and Version Features

Adobe Photoshop 2020 (version 21.2.4) is the industry-standard tool in the field of image processing, holding an irreplaceable position in digital painting, photo editing, graphic design, UI/UX design, and other areas. This version introduces several important updates, including an improved Object Selection tool, cloud document integration, and preset panel optimization, significantly enhancing work efficiency and the possibilities for creative expression.

Core Version Features

  1. Enhanced Object Selection Tool: AI-based intelligent selection functionality
  2. Cloud Document Support: Seamless cross-device workflow
  3. Preset Panel Improvements: More intuitive management of brushes, gradients, and patterns
  4. Intelligent Properties Panel: Context-aware property adjustments
  5. Improved Transform Warp: More precise perspective and distortion control

II. Installation and System Configuration Optimization

System Requirements and Installation Preparation

  • Operating System: macOS 10.13 or later
  • Memory Requirements: Minimum 8GB, 16GB or more recommended
  • Graphics Card Requirements: Metal-supported graphics card
  • Disk Space: At least 4GB of available space, SSD recommended
  • Display: 1280×800 resolution or higher, true color support

Preferences Optimization Settings (Key Steps)

  1. Performance Settings (Photoshop > Preferences > Performance)
    • Memory Usage: Allocate 70-80% of available memory to Photoshop
    • Graphics Processor Settings: Enable “Use Graphics Processor”
    • History States: Set to 50-100 (adjust based on memory size)
    • Cache Levels: Set to 4-6, tile size 1024K
  2. Interface Settings (Preferences > Interface)
    • Appearance Color: Choose a dark or light theme based on your work environment
    • UI Font Size: Adjust according to monitor resolution
    • Borders: Check “Show Transform Controls” and “Show Guides”
  3. Tool Settings (Preferences > Tools)
    • Enable Flick Panning: Check
  • Zoom with scroll wheel: choose according to your habit
  • Align vector tools with transform and pixel grid: check
  • File Handling (Preferences > File Handling)
    • Image Preview: select “Always Save”
    • File Extension: use lowercase
    • Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility: select “Ask”
  • Scratch Disk Settings (Preferences > Scratch Disks)
    • Primary Scratch Disk: select an SSD drive
    • Secondary Scratch Disk: select another high-speed drive
    • Avoid using the system drive as the primary scratch disk

    • III. In-Depth Analysis of the Workspace and Interface

    Core Workspace Layout

    1. Menu Bar: Main function entries such as File, Edit, Image, Layer, etc.
    2. Options Bar: Property settings for the currently selected tool
    3. Toolbar: A collection of tools grouped by function
    4. Panel Area: Floating panels such as Layers, Channels, Paths, Color, Adjustments, etc.
    5. Document Window: The main image editing area
    6. Status Bar: Displays document information and zoom ratio

    Workspace Presets and Customization

    1. Preset Workspaces
      • Essentials: Default layout
      • Photography: Highlights photography-related panels
      • Painting: Optimizes brush and color panels
      • 3D: Displays 3D-related tools
      • Motion: Video timeline and animation panels
    2. Custom Workspace
      • Adjust panel position and size
      • Create panel groups: drag a panel tab onto another panel
      • Save workspace: Window > Workspace > New Workspace
      • Shortcut assignment: Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts

    Panel Management Tips

    1. Show/Hide Panels: Press Tab to hide all panels, Shift+Tab to hide side panels
    2. Reset Panels: Window > Workspace > Reset [Workspace Name]
    3. Collapse Panels: Double-click a panel tab to collapse/expand it
    4. Panel Group Management: Drag panel tabs to create custom groups

    IV. Document Management and Basic Operations

    New Document Strategies

    1. Preset Selection
      • Print: Standard sizes such as A4, A3, and Letter
      • Photo: Common photo ratios and resolutions
      • Web: Standard web dimensions (1920×1080, etc.)
      • Mobile Devices: Device dimensions for iPhone, iPad, etc.
      • Film & Video: Standard video resolutions
    2. Key Parameter Settings
      • Width/Height: Set according to purpose, pay attention to units
      • Resolution: 300 ppi for print, 72 ppi for web, 144 ppi for screen design
      • Color Mode: RGB for screen, CMYK for printing
      • Background Contents: White, Background Color, Transparent
      • Advanced Options: Color profile, pixel aspect ratio

    Opening and Importing Files

    1. Opening Methods
      • Open directly: Supports PSD, JPG, PNG, TIFF, and other formats
      • Open As: Specify the format to open as
      • Open as Smart Object: Preserves editability
      • Open in Camera Raw: RAW format photo processing
    2. Import Methods
      • Place Embedded: File > Place Embedded
      • Place Linked Object: File > Place Linked Object
      • Import: Video Frames to Layers, Notes, etc.

    Document Navigation and View Controls

    1. Zoom Tool (Z)
      • Click to zoom in, Option+click to zoom out
      • Drag to draw a zoom area
      • Shortcuts: Command++/-, Command+0 to fit on screen
    2. Hand Tool (H)
      • Drag to move the canvas
      • Hold the Spacebar to temporarily switch to the Hand Tool
      • Double-click the Hand Tool to fit on screen
    3. Rotate View Tool (R)
      • Drag to rotate the canvas (view rotation only)
      • Reset view: click “Reset View” in the options bar or press Esc
    4. Multi-Document Management
      • Arrange documents: Window > Arrange
      • Float windows: Window > Arrange > Float All in Windows
      • Match zoom and location: synchronize multi-document views

    V. Core Techniques for Selections and Masks

    Traditional Selection Tools

    1. Rectangular/Elliptical Marquee Tool (M)
      • Basic selection: drag to create
      • Add to selection: Shift+drag
      • Subtract from selection: Option+drag
      • Intersect with selection: Shift+Option+drag
      • Fixed ratio/size: set in the options bar
    2. Lasso Tool Group (L)
      • Lasso Tool: freehand selection
      • Polygonal Lasso: click to create straight-line selections
  • Magnetic Lasso: Automatically snaps to edges, ideal for high-contrast images
  • Quick Selection Tool (W)
    • Brush size adjustment: Bracket keys [ ]
    • Auto-Enhance: Check the option bar to improve edge quality
    • Sample All Layers: Select across layers

    • Smart Selection Tools (Highlights of the 2020 Version)

    1. Object Selection Tool (New AI feature)
      • Rectangle mode: Drag a rectangular box to automatically select objects within it
      • Lasso mode: Hand-draw an area to automatically select objects
      • Select Subject: One-click selection of the main subject in an image
      • Select and Mask: Fine-tune selection edges
    2. Select and Mask Workspace
      • View mode: Overlay, On Black, On White, etc.
      • Edge detection: Radius, Smart Radius
      • Global adjustments: Smooth, Feather, Contrast, Shift Edge
      • Output settings: Decontaminate Colors, Output To New Layer

    Color Range Selection

    1. Basic operation: Select > Color Range
    2. Sampling methods: Eyedropper, Add to Sample, Subtract from Sample
    3. Select range: Skin Tones, Highlights, Midtones, Shadows
    4. Localized Color Clusters: Restrict the selection area range
    5. Range slider: Adjust color tolerance

    Masking Techniques System

    1. Layer Mask
      • Create: “Add Layer Mask” at the bottom of the Layers panel
      • Edit: Black hides, white reveals, gray is semi-transparent
      • Disable/Enable: Shift+click the mask thumbnail
      • Apply/Delete: Right-click the mask and select
    2. Clipping Mask
      • Create: Option+click the divider between layers
      • Principle: The shape of the lower layer restricts the display of the upper layer
      • Release: Option+click the divider again
    3. Vector Mask
      • Create: Layer > Vector Mask > Reveal All
      • Edit: Modify using path tools
      • Features: Lossless scaling, crisp edges

    VI. In-Depth Application of the Layer System

    Layer Types and Characteristics

    1. Pixel Layer: The most basic image layer
    2. Adjustment Layer: Non-destructive adjustments that affect all layers below
    3. Fill Layer: Solid color, gradient, and pattern fills
    4. Shape Layer: Vector shapes with lossless scaling
    5. Smart Object: Preserves original data and can be re-edited
    6. Text Layer: Editable text content
    7. Video Layer: Video frame sequences
    8. 3D Layer: 3D model data

    Layer Management Tips

    1. Layer Organization
      • Layer Groups: Create with Command+G for easy management
      • Layer Linking: Link related layers for synchronized transformations
      • Layer Alignment: Align and distribute multiple layers
      • Layer Locking: Lock position, pixels, and more
    2. Layer Styles (double-click a layer to open)
      • Drop Shadow: Adds a sense of depth
      • Inner Shadow: Creates an inset effect
      • Outer Glow/Inner Glow: Glow effects
      • Bevel and Emboss: 3D立体效果
      • Color/Gradient/Pattern Overlay: Fill effects
      • Stroke: Edge outline
    3. Blend Mode Categories
      • Normal group: Normal, Dissolve
      • Darken group: Darken, Multiply, Color Burn, etc.
      • Lighten group: Lighten, Screen, Color Dodge, etc.
      • Contrast group: Overlay, Soft Light, Hard Light, etc.
      • Comparative group: Difference, Exclusion
      • Color group: Hue, Saturation, Color, Luminosity

    Smart Object Workflow

    1. Creating Smart Objects
      • Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object
      • File > Place Embedded
      • Copy and paste from Illustrator
    2. Editing Smart Objects
      • Double-click the smart object thumbnail to edit in a new document
      • All instances update automatically after saving
      • Layer > Smart Objects > Edit Contents
    3. Advantages of Smart Objects
      • Non-destructive transformations (scaling, rotating, distorting)
      • Reusable, edit once and update everywhere
      • Preserves original image data
      • Apply Smart Filters

    VII. In-Depth Guide to Painting and Retouching Tools

    Mastering the Brush System

    1. Brush Tool (B)
      • Brush presets: Size, Hardness, Opacity, Flow
      • Brush panel (F5): Shape Dynamics, Scattering, Texture, etc.
      • Brush settings: Transfer, Wet Edges, Smoothing, etc.
      • Custom Brush: Edit > Define Brush Preset
    2. Mixer Brush Tool
      • Simulates realistic paint mixing
      • Wet, Load, and Mix parameters
      • Ideal for digital painting and photo artistry
    3. History Brush Tool (Y)
      • Restores the image to a previous history state
      • Art History Brush: stylized restoration

    Retouching and Restoration Tools

    1. Spot Healing Brush Tool (J)
      • Content-Aware: automatically samples surrounding pixels
      • Create Texture: maintains texture consistency
      • Proximity Match: matches surrounding texture
    2. Healing Brush Tool
      • Sample source point: Option+click to set the source point
      • Aligned: maintains the relative position of the sample point
      • Ideal for repairing textured areas
    3. Patch Tool
      • Source mode: drag the selection to a sample area
      • Destination mode: copies the sample area to the selection
      • Transparent: preserves texture and matches color only
    4. Content-Aware Move Tool
      • Move mode: moves the object to a new position
      • Extend mode: copies the object to a new position
      • Structure and Color parameter adjustments
    5. Red Eye Tool
      • One-click red eye removal
      • Pupil Size and Darken Amount adjustments

    Stamp Tool Group

    1. Clone Stamp Tool (S)
      • Sampling: Option+click to set the source point
      • Aligned: Maintains the relative position of the sampling point
      • Sample: Current Layer, Current & Below, All Layers
    2. Pattern Stamp Tool
      • Use preset or custom patterns
      • Impressionist effect: Artistic pattern application

    VIII. Adjustment Layers and Color Management

    Adjustment Layer Types and Applications

    1. Brightness/Contrast: Simple light and dark adjustments
    2. Levels (Command+L): Precise control of highlights, midtones, and shadows
    3. Curves (Command+M): The most powerful tonal adjustment tool
    4. Exposure: Simulates camera exposure adjustment
    5. Vibrance: Intelligent saturation adjustment that protects skin tones
    6. Hue/Saturation (Command+U): Targeted color adjustments
    7. Color Balance (Command+B): Color tendency adjustment
    8. Black & White: Color to black-and-white control
    9. Photo Filter: Simulates filter effects
    10. Channel Mixer: Advanced black-and-white conversion and creative color grading
    11. Color Lookup: Cinematic color grading presets
    12. Invert: Color inversion
    13. Posterize: Reduces the number of colors
    14. Threshold: Black-and-white binarization
    15. Gradient Map: Maps tones using gradients

    Non-Destructive Adjustment Workflow

    1. Advantages of Adjustment Layers
      • Modify parameters at any time
      • Does not affect original pixels
      • Can add masks for local application
      • Adjustable influence range (clipping mask)
    2. Adjustment Layer Masks
      • Black hides the adjustment effect
      • White shows the adjustment effect
      • Gray partially applies the adjustment
      • Use brushes, gradients, and other tools to edit the mask

    Camera Raw Filter

    1. Basic Panel
      • White Balance: Temperature, Tint
      • Tone: Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks
      • Presence: Texture, Clarity, Dehaze, Vibrance, Saturation
    2. Detail Panel
      • Sharpening: Amount, Radius, Detail, Masking
      • Noise Reduction: Luminance, Color
    3. HSL/Grayscale Panel
      • Hue, Saturation, and Luminance adjustments by color
      • Convert to Grayscale: Black and white adjustment
    4. Split Toning
      • Highlights: Hue, Saturation
      • Shadows: Hue, Saturation
      • Balance: Balance point adjustment
    5. Effects Panel
      • Grain: Amount, Size, Roughness
      • Post-Crop Vignetting: Amount, Midpoint, Roundness, Feather

    IX. Text and Vector Tools

    In-Depth Application of the Type Tool

    1. Types of Type Tools
      • Horizontal Type Tool (T)
      • Vertical Type Tool
      • Horizontal Type Mask Tool
      • Vertical Type Mask Tool
    2. Character Panel Controls
      • Font, font style, size
      • Leading, tracking, kerning
      • Vertical scale, horizontal scale
      • Baseline shift, color
    3. Paragraph Panel Controls
      • Alignment: left align, center align, right align
      • Indentation: left indent, right indent, first-line indent
      • Spacing: space before paragraph, space after paragraph
      • Kinsoku shori, composer
    4. Text Warping and Paths
      • Create text warp: arc, arch, wave, etc.
      • Path text: arrange text along a path
      • Text inside shape: arrange text within a shape

    Vector Tool System

    1. Shape Tool Group (U)
      • Rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, polygon, line, custom shape
      • Tool mode: shape, path, pixels
      • Fill and stroke settings
    2. Pen Tool Group (P)
      • Pen tool: create precise paths
      • Freeform pen tool: hand-drawn paths
      • Add anchor point tool: add path points
      • Delete anchor point tool: delete path points
      • Convert point tool: convert between corner points and smooth points
  • Path Operations
  • Paths Panel Management

    • X. Applying Filters and Special Effects

    Smart Filter System

    1. Advantages of Smart Filters
      • Non-destructive filter application
      • Adjust parameters at any time
      • Add masks to control the effect range
      • Adjust the stacking order of filters
    2. Applying Smart Filters
      • Convert the layer to a Smart Object
      • Filter > Convert for Smart Filters
      • Apply a filter and adjust it in the Layers panel

    Common Filter Categories

    1. Blur Filter Group
      • Gaussian Blur: Uniform blur
      • Motion Blur: Directional motion blur
      • Radial Blur: Spin or zoom blur
      • Lens Blur: Depth of field effect
      • Surface Blur: Edge-preserving blur
    2. Sharpen Filter Group
      • Unsharp Mask: The most commonly used sharpening
      • Smart Sharpen: Advanced sharpening control
      • Shake Reduction: Reduce camera shake blur
    3. Distort Filter Group
      • Liquify: Freeform deformation (an important tool for portrait retouching)
      • Displace: Distort according to a displacement map
      • Polar Coordinates: Convert between rectangular and polar coordinates
    4. Render Filter Group
      • Clouds: Random cloud effect
      • Difference Clouds: Blend clouds with the image
      • Lens Flare: Simulate lens reflection
      • Lighting Effects: 3D lighting effects
    5. Noise Filter Group
      • Add Noise: Simulate film grain
      • Reduce Noise: Noise reduction processing
      • Dust & Scratches: Repair small imperfections
    6. Stylize Filter Group
      • Find Edges: Highlight edges
      • Wind: Wind-blown effect
      • Emboss: 3D embossing

    In-Depth Application of the Liquify Filter

    1. Liquify Tool Group
      • Forward Warp Tool: Push and pull pixels
      • Reconstruct Tool: Restore the original state
      • Smooth Tool: Smooth deformation
      • Twirl Clockwise Tool: Rotate pixels
      • Pucker Tool: Contract pixels
      • Bloat Tool: Expand pixels
      • Push Left Tool: Move pixels by vertical dragging
      • Freeze Mask Tool: Protect areas
      • Thaw Mask Tool: Remove protection
    2. Face-Aware Liquify (enhanced in the 2020 version)
      • Automatically detect eyes, nose, mouth, and face shape
      • Independently adjust parameters for each part
      • Natural portrait retouching
    3. Advanced Liquify Controls
      • Brush size, density, pressure
      • Reconstruction modes: Restore, Rigid, Stiff, etc.
      • Mask options: Replace, Add, Subtract, etc.

    XI. Automation and Batch Processing

    Using the Actions Panel

    1. Creating Actions
      • New Action: specify name, function key, and color
      • Start Recording: record operation steps
      • Stop Recording: finish recording the action
      • Insert Menu Item: record commands that cannot be captured automatically
      • Insert Stop: pause and wait for user input
    2. Editing Actions
      • Expand/collapse action groups
      • Reorder actions
      • Duplicate and delete actions
      • Modify action properties
    3. Playing Actions
      • Play a single action
      • Batch play an action group
      • Exclude certain steps
      • Set playback speed

    Batch Processing Workflow

    1. Basic Batch Processing
      • File > Automate > Batch
      • Select an action group and action
      • Select the source folder and destination folder
      • Set file naming rules
    2. Advanced batch processing options
      • Override “Open” commands in actions
      • Include all subfolders
      • Suppress color profile warnings
      • Log errors to a file
    3. Image Processor
      • File > Scripts > Image Processor
      • Process into multiple formats simultaneously
      • Resize and apply actions
      • Include copyright information

    Scripts and Data-Driven Graphics

    1. Script applications
      • File > Scripts > Browse
      • Supports JavaScript, AppleScript, and more
      • Automate complex workflows
    2. Variables and data sets
      • Define variables: text, visibility, pixel replacement
      • Create data sets: import CSV or enter manually
      • Apply data sets: generate multiple versions

    XII. 3D and Video Features

    3D Basics

    1. Creating 3D layers
      • Create a new 3D layer from a file
      • Create a new 3D model from a selected path
      • Create a new mesh from a layer: postcard, cube, etc.
    2. 3D panel controls
      • Scene: the overall 3D scene
      • Mesh: the 3D model structure
      • Materials: Surface material properties
      • Lighting: Light settings
      • Render Settings: Output quality
    3. Using 3D Tools
      • Rotate 3D object: Rotate around XYZ axes
      • Roll 3D object: Rotate around Z axis
      • Drag 3D object: Move on a plane
      • Slide 3D object: Move in depth
      • Scale 3D object: Resize

    Video Timeline

    1. Creating Video Layers
      • File > Open: Open a video file
      • Layer > Video Layers > New Video Layer from File
      • Import video frames to layers
    2. Timeline Panel
      • Frame animation mode: Traditional frame animation
      • Video timeline mode: Video editing
      • Add media: Import video and audio
      • Keyframe animation: Position, opacity, style, etc.
    3. Video Editing Features
      • Split clip: Split at the playhead position
      • Transition effects: Fade in/out, wipe, etc.
      • Audio track management: Add and adjust audio
      • Render video: Export video files

    XIII. Output and Export Strategies

    Choosing a Save Format

    1. PSD Format
      • Preserves all layers, channels, and paths
      • Maximum compatibility: Compatible with other Adobe software
      • Large file size, suitable for working files
  • TIFF Format
  • JPEG Format
  • PNG Format
  • GIF Format
  • WebP Format

    • Export Optimization Settings

    1. Export As (File > Export > Export As)
  • Save for Web (Legacy)
  • Quick Export as PNG

    • Print Output Preparation

    1. Color Mode Conversion
    2. Print Size Settings
    3. Adding Print Marks

    XIV. Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting

    Performance Optimization Tips

    1. Memory Management
    2. Cache Optimization
    3. Display Performance

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    1. Software Running Slowly
    2. Tools Not Responding
    3. Files Won’t Save
    4. Filters Not Working

    Resource Management

    1. Preset Management
    2. Plugin Installation

    XV. Learning Path and Resources

    Systematic Learning Path

    1. Foundation Stage (1-2 weeks)
    2. Intermediate Stage (1-2 months)
    3. Professional Stage (3-6 months)

    Suggested Practice Projects

    1. Photo Retouching Project
    2. Graphic Design Projects
    3. Creative Compositing Projects

    Source: Love Mac  |  Software download link: Adobe Photoshop 2020 for Mac

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    Table of contents

    • I. Software Positioning and Version Features
    • Core Version Features
    • II. Installation and System Configuration Optimization
    • System Requirements and Installation Preparation
    • Preferences Optimization Settings (Key Steps)
    • III. In-Depth Analysis of the Workspace and Interface
    • Core Workspace Layout
    • Workspace Presets and Customization
    • Panel Management Tips
    • IV. Document Management and Basic Operations
    • New Document Strategies
    • Opening and Importing Files
    • Document Navigation and View Controls
    • V. Core Techniques for Selections and Masks
    • Traditional Selection Tools
    • Smart Selection Tools (Highlights of the 2020 Version)
    • Color Range Selection
    • Masking Techniques System
    • VI. In-Depth Application of the Layer System
    • Layer Types and Characteristics
    • Layer Management Tips
    • Smart Object Workflow
    • VII. In-Depth Guide to Painting and Retouching Tools
    • Mastering the Brush System
    • Retouching and Restoration Tools
    • Stamp Tool Group
    • VIII. Adjustment Layers and Color Management
    • Adjustment Layer Types and Applications
    • Non-Destructive Adjustment Workflow
    • Camera Raw Filter
    • IX. Text and Vector Tools
    • In-Depth Application of the Type Tool
    • Vector Tool System
    • X. Applying Filters and Special Effects
    • Smart Filter System
    • Common Filter Categories
    • In-Depth Application of the Liquify Filter
    • XI. Automation and Batch Processing
    • Using the Actions Panel
    • Batch Processing Workflow
    • Scripts and Data-Driven Graphics
    • XII. 3D and Video Features
    • 3D Basics
    • Video Timeline
    • XIII. Output and Export Strategies
    • Choosing a Save Format
    • Export Optimization Settings
    • Print Output Preparation
    • XIV. Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting
    • Performance Optimization Tips
    • Troubleshooting Common Issues
    • Resource Management
    • XV. Learning Path and Resources
    • Systematic Learning Path
    • Suggested Practice Projects
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