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Learn how to use the crop tool to straighten and improve your compositions with techniques like the Rule of Thirds. Plus, discover how AI can instantly expand your image to create more space and a better overall composition.
Follow along with all 30 episodes as we explore the the magic of Photoshop together!
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- Bailey Burton
Images sourced from Unsplash.
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AFTER
BEFORE
The Perfect Crop, Every Time.
Whether you need a photo to be the perfect size to share on Instagram or you just want to nail the perfect composition, the Crop Tool and resizing options in Photoshop can help you get there.
Straighten Your Image
1. First, select the Crop Tool (Keyboard Shortcut “C”).
2. To fix a crooked horizon, use the Straighten Tool. Click its icon in the options bar, then click and drag along your horizon line in the image. Photoshop will automatically rotate the canvas to make your horizon perfectly straight. This simple step can dramatically improve your photo’s visual balance.
Define Your Composition
The crop tool offers various overlays to help you compose your shot. Click the gear icon and select an overlay like the Rule of Thirds or the Golden Spiral. The Rule of Thirds is a classic guideline where you place your main subject at the intersection of the grid lines for a more dynamic composition. The Golden Spiral, based on mathematical principles, helps guide the viewer’s eye through the image. Remember, these are just guides, and you can clear your ratio at any time by clicking the Clear button.
Expand with AI
After you’ve cropped your image and perfected the composition, you may have empty, transparent areas around your photo. To fill these in, ensure the Fill option in the options bar is set to Generative Expand. Once you’re ready, click the checkmark or the Generate button. Photoshop will use AI to seamlessly fill in the empty space, creating new content that matches the rest of your image. This allows you to completely change your crop without losing any of your photo.
This powerful combination of classic cropping techniques and modern AI will help you transform your photos from ordinary to extraordinary. Join us tomorrow as we explore the new Dynamic Text tool to create stunning text compositions.
