Photoshop is a powerful tool for editing images. You can use it to fix photos or create graphics. This lesson will introduce you to the Photoshop interface. You will learn how to open files, use panels, change the workspace, and adjust the display size.

Photoshop has many features, which may feel confusing at first. To make learning easier, you can download our example file and follow along. The more you practice, the easier it will be.

We are using Photoshop CC in this tutorial. If you use an older version, some features may look different. Photoshop Elements also has fewer tools, so some options may not be available.

Opening Files

Most of the time, you will edit an existing image instead of creating a new one. Photoshop allows you to open different image files, such as JPEG, PNG, and PSD.

To open a file:

  1. Click File > Open.

  2. A window will appear. Find and select your file.

  3. Click Open, and the image will appear in Photoshop.

If Photoshop is not open, you can right-click an image on your computer. Select Open With > Adobe Photoshop.


Photoshop Interface Overview

Photoshop has a lot of tools. If you are new, the interface may look complex. Even if you have used other editing programs, it's good to learn about Photoshop’s main parts.


This is where you'll access different commands to use in Photoshop. For example, from the File menu, you can open and save files. The Image menu allows you to make various adjustments like image size, while the Filter menu gives you access to more advanced tools and effects.


From here, you'll be able to customize the settings for the currently selected tool. For example, if you're using the Brush tool, you'll be able to change the brush size, brush tip, and more.


The Tools panel at the left side of the screen is where you'll select different tools for editing your images. Once you've chosen a tool, you can use it with your current file.


When you open an image file, it will appear in the document window. At the top of the document window, you'll see the file name, along with the current zoom level. In our example, you'll notice that we're viewing the document at 42.1% of its full size.


These tools allow you to draw a selection around certain areas of the current document. Some tools let you select an area, while others let you select specific parts of the image without selecting the background.


This tool allows you to add text to the current document. For example, you might use this feature to write out an invitation or holiday greeting.


This tool allows you to insert shapes like squares, lines, and ellipses in the open file.


Here, you can select the colors for various tools, including the Brush tool and Gradient tool.


Here, you can see the different layers in the current document. You can turn each layer on and off by clicking the eye icon.

Using Tools and Panels

The Tools panel is one of the most important features. It contains tools for editing images. When you select a tool, your cursor will change to match it.


To see more tool options, click and hold on a tool. For example, the Rectangle Tool also includes other shape tools like Ellipse, Line, and Custom Shape.


Managing Panels

Panels help you work with different parts of an image. For example, the Layers panel shows all the layers in your document.

To show or hide a panel:

  1. Click Window in the top menu.

  2. Select the panel you want. A checkmark means the panel is visible.

To temporarily hide all panels, press the Tab key. You can also use double arrows to expand or collapse panels.

Moving and Resetting Panels

To move a panel, click and drag it to a new location. If you want to keep things simple, leave the panels in their default positions.


To reset panels to their default locations:

  1. Click Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials.
  2. In Photoshop Elements, click Window > Reset Panels.

Customizing Photoshop

You can change Photoshop’s settings to make it easier to use. Here are two basic changes you might find useful.

Change Measurement Units

By default, Photoshop measures in inches. If you mostly edit for screens, change this to pixels.

To do this:

  1. Click Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers (on Mac: Photoshop > Preferences > Units & Rulers).

  2. Under Units, select Pixels next to Rulers.

  3. Click OK. Restart Photoshop if needed.

Change Text Size

You can make Photoshop’s text bigger or smaller.

  1. Click Edit > Preferences > Interface (on Mac: Photoshop > Preferences > Interface).
  2. Under Text, choose a size next to UI Font Size.

  3. Click OK and restart Photoshop if needed.

Zooming In and Out

Most digital photos are large. Your screen cannot show the full size at once. That’s why you need zoom controls.

  • Press Ctrl + Plus (+) to zoom in (Command + Plus on Mac).
  • Press Ctrl + Minus (-) to zoom out (Command + Minus on Mac).
  • To fit the image to your screen, press Ctrl + 0 (Command + 0 on Mac).

Some zoom levels, like 33.33% or 66.67%, may look pixelated. If that happens, try 25% or 50% instead.