Repititive tasks and processes may make photo editing a tedious job for professional photographers, which is why they look for professional photo editing services. Experienced image editors can optimally use Adobe Photoshop to deliver finer image-versions that photographers can confidently use for their projects. Expert users of Photoshop can effectively utilize Photoshop presets and actions so as to make adjustments and edits a one-click process. While Photoshop actions appear similar to presets, they are different applications that are used for photo editing.
Presets are an aggregation of edits that users can record as a batch and apply the changes to one or several images with just a single click. Presets allow users to avoid tiresome, repetitive edits and to perform edits with a higher degree of accuracy and speed. When you modify an image as per your requirements by applying a preset, you may save the file in JPEG format and refine it further in Photoshop. This editing application comes equipped with primary editing sliders that can alter the effects of color, shadows, contrast, vibrance, and highlights. You may find it quite easy to create specific presets on your own. You may upload an image into Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) and then you may start with the editing process.
Once you are done with editing and once you finalize the edits, you may consider creating a preset by saving the editing sequence:
You may choose to keep on editing the same photo or new photos and save new sequences as new presets. This way, you can create an assortment of original presets that you can use anytime.
Photoshop actions allow for quick and efficient image editing. When an action is created in Photoshop, the user actually records a sequence of edits that he has applied on one image so that he can apply the same on other photos as well. Once you upload a JPEG image for getting it processed on Photoshop, you will need just a click to apply an action to the photo. Professional photographers also keep pre-recorded actions that you can download and apply to your photos. Photoshop actions may serve as effective learning tools for photographers who want to enhance their editing skills. This is mainly because of the fact that users can examine actions in every layer and become aware of every adjustment that the photo editor has made.
Installing Photoshop Actions is very easy and it starts with downloading the action that you want to apply. Next, access the zip file, locate the .ATN file, and pull it into Photoshop for getting it uploaded. You can now access the file in Photoshop’s ‘Actions’ panel.
Presets and actions work differently, but they both lead to the same outcomes. Both are excellent tools for professional image editing. However, there are key differences between the two and we have pinpointed the same for you to refer to:
This online platform allows artists to share and showcase their artwork. Users can get access to free Lightroom presets and Photoshop actions.
MCP actions consist of a series of pre-programmed steps and some actions may include hundreds of such steps. Users are allowed to modify each layer to create a customized image.
This website serves as a peer evaluation platform that enables users to share feedback about each other’s works. Users can download stock images, Photoshop actions, and brushes for free.
This platform offers free Photoshop actions either from its own repositories or from other websites.
PanosFX allows users to download styles, Photoshop actions, and brushes for free. However, some resources are offered at a price.
Photoshop brushes allow artists to create rich, appealing artwork in very less time while helping them to avoid the hassle of creating single design elements every time. For beginners, choosing the right Photoshop brushes may appear to be a challenging task given the fact that Photoshop brushes come in diverse forms and serve specific purposes. Photoshop has specialized brushes that may generate special effects similar to watercolor, grunge, cloud patterns, leaf designs, etc.
We can classify Photoshop brushes into 4 broad categories:
This website offers various categories of free photoshop brushes such as grunge, vintage, paint, texture, flowers, nature, light, people, animals etc.
Brusheezy is a platform where artists can share their Photoshop brushes and other resources and explore the works of peers. All the resources can be downloaded for free and can be used in projects according to the license terms and conditions.
This website offers freebies as well as advice to digital, traditional, and VFX artists, creative designers, and illustrators to keep them updated about the latest design trends.
This online platform allows users to download diverse Photoshop brushes that can be used to create diverse effects such as vintage, smoke, light, charcoal, water splash, watercolor, etc. The website also provides tutorial and tips to designers to help them keep themselves updated about the latest developments.
Inspirationfeed offers design and development resources and industry guidelines so as to help Photoshop users make the most out of the latest trends. The platform does not only offer free Photoshop brushes, but it also provides other freebies such as graphics, actions, presets, textures, patterns, icons, mockups, templates, vectors, wallpapers, etc.
Patterns refer to images that are repeatedly used so as to fill a selection. Photoshop features several preset patterns and users can create new patterns and store them in repositories so as to use them later using different tools and commands. The options bar for the Paint Bucket, Healing Brush, and Patch tools have pop-up panels displaying the preset patterns. Users are allowed to choose a display option on their own from the pop-up panel menu in order to change the way the patterns are displayed. Alternatively, pattern presets can be managed by using the preset manager option.
Steps to create a preset pattern to define an image
Photoshop gradients are effects that are created when colors, shades, or brightness levels fade into other colors, shades, or brightness levels, respectively. To be more precise, gradients are color effects that a user can apply to modify existing colors as per set patterns. Gradients include different colors that appear in different densities and extend in diverse directions. A user can combine the color effects and apply them on an image so as to create a drastic change on the color as well as other on other aspects of the image.
Web and graphic designers commonly use gradients to create stunning appeals. There are several websites that allow users to download gradients for free and this is proves to be really helpful for designers who can instantly make use of the already-prepared gradients, experiment with new gradients quickly, and add momentum to the design process.You may want to create personalized gradients on your own, but at times, a repository of ready-to-use gradients will prove to be handy.
Graphic designers typically use gradients to express weather conditions or to create a virtual shadow. Designers can direct a gradient towards a specific direction by making an appropriate use of Photoshop’s gradient tool. The gradient can be rotated from left to right or in any direction.
Creating a gradient is very easy. Start by selecting the gradient tool and then combine the different colors while making sure to place them in the correct sequence.Draw a line in the direction of the gradient and perform a few more edits till you are able to create the perfect type of contrast throughout the entire image.
With gradients, you can create vintage effects or generate an appeal that instills the look and feel of sunrise or sunset effects or indicates a particular time of the day. After you apply a gradient, you must execute appropriate customizations in order to ensure realistic outcomes. You can optimally use this tool to create a collection of gradients by carrying out all possible experimentation with color schemes and regular/irregular patterns. With more and more practice, you will be in a position to use diverse features and methods so as to generate the best outcomes.
There are a number of websites that allow graphic designers to download different types of gradients for free. Some of the most popular websites that you can consider checking out are:
This company equips professionals with design education, thereby allowing them to remain aware of the latest developments in the industry. Apart from offering an assortment of premium-quality gradients, Vandelay Design also offers freebies that may include PSDs, responsive HTML templates, brushes, UI kits, and vectors.
Filters are used in Adobe Photoshop CC to instill quick effects in an image. Users can combine filters as well to generate unique outcomes. Filters can be used to create innumerable effects. Whether you need to create a ‘rain’ or a ‘fog’ effect in your photo or you want the sky to appear ‘painted’, you will find specific filters for every effect that you want to create.
Some of the mostly commonly-used filters are:
The Preset Manager is the best option to install presets in the latest Photoshop versions. Older versions that were launched before 2009 did not have the Preset Manager feature. In case you have installed compatible applications, such as Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, you may apply the ‘open with’ command to select the program where you are looking to load the presets.
An optimal use of the Photoshop program will call for a high level of expertise of the users. But with free Photoshop resources and ready-to-use presets, users can add momentum to their projects and complete them with better efficiency and quality.