WHAT’S NEW IN PHOTOSHOP JUNE 2023 – 24.6

In this tutorial, we will focus on the shipping version of Photoshop and conventional features. I have previously covered lots of Generative Fill tutorials, and will do in the future, but not in this tutorial. If you want more on Generative Fill check out this tutorial.

ADJUSTMENT PRESETS

Adjustment presets are found in the Adjustments panel. They are a combination of Adjustment Layers saved as ready to use recipes.

As you roll over the different thumbnails, you get an on-image preview of what they do.

To apply, simply click on the preset.

A layer group and adjustment layers are added to the Layer panel.

Similar to a typical adjustment layer, clicking on the Adjustment layer will allow you to access and modify the settings in the Properties panel. After applying the preset, the layer is just another adjustment layer.

This function has the benefit of allowing you to rapidly add a variety of predefined effects to your photographs. Because you can look at the layers panel and understand how some of these effects are made, it’s also a useful teaching tool.

The drawbacks include the inability to properly stack effects and the inability to save your own settings. Check out the video up there, where I actually demonstrate how to get around those restrictions and demonstrate 2 other ways to use Adjustment layer recipes to preserve your own presets.

LIVE GRADIENTS THAT DO NOT DESTRUCT
To me and everyone else who utilizes gradients, this feature is crucial. Even while I don’t utilize colored gradients frequently, I frequently use them for blending and lighting effects. Let me provide an example.

From the toolbar, select the gradient tool.

Set it to linear and choose the Foreground to transparent option. (Under basics).

Choose the foreground picker and select a warm color.

Change the blend mode of a new layer to Soft Light. (Read more about blend modes)

Use the gradient tool to drag across the canvas. You can adjust the live result, as you can see. Change the blend’s direction and length at any moment by using the gradient tool.

Here I added another on the other side and made it blue.

MAKING POINT LIGHT BALLS WITH GRADIENTS

This next way to use gradients, gives a point light effect.

Choose white as the foreground color and use the radial option.

You can resize and reposition it right on the image.

This makes this light effect so easy. It took me a little longer to do the photography and compositing though. (Model is Popular Youtube Musician, Taylor Davis).

SEAMLESS BLENDING OF LAYERS (GRADIENTS IN MASKS)

Here are 2 images on separate layers. We want to seamlessly blend them together.

Add a layer mask to the top layer

Choose the gradient. Select the Black to white gradient and Linear.

You may seamlessly combine these photographs by dragging across the seam. It’s wonderful to have a contemporary, non-destructive gradient so you may adjust the outcome.

REMOVE TOOL

I’m only going to lightly mention the remove tool here, because I already covered it when it was in Photoshop beta. See the Remove tool tutorial here.

The big news, it’s finally out of beta and in the regular shipping version of Photoshop.

Choose the remove tool from the tool bar (Under the spot healing brush)

Completely paint over the area to remove.

The delete tool makes it appear as though the object never existed by removing it and replacing it with the background. It resembles magic. Photoshop AI, a component of Adobe Sensei, powers this tool.

BAR OF CONTEXTUAL TOOLS
You’ll either love or loathe this feature. If you don’t like it, you can turn it off.

You can have quick access to frequently used tools when you have an image, selection, or text selected.

This floating toolbar will appear when you are using the fore mentioned tools and makes it easy to perform next-steps.

Some people find this toolbar gets in the way, Fortunately you can click on the menu and choose to pin. When you pin the position, the bar will stay where you drag it to. Unfortunately, you have to re-pin it every time you relaunch Photoshop. Something Adobe changes soon, I hope.