Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
4.
Look at the individual channels; you'll see a definitive area for
each color. Channels look like grayscale images when viewed
independently. Notice how the full circles are visible (and
white) where there is 100% value of each channel.
5.
Close the document by choosing File > Close.
video 7:
Understanding Channels
Fully understanding Channels unlocks a wealth of image-process-
ing power. Harnessing a color's individual components is difficult
at first but well worth the effort. You'll delve much deeper into
Channels in Chapter 10, “Color Correction and Enhancement.”
Paths
Although Photoshop is known as a raster-editing tool (because of
its several pixel-based functions), it does contain several vector
tools as well. Vectors use lines that are defined by math equations;
as such, they can be scaled indefinitely and always remain crisp.
Several of Photoshop's vector tools can create paths, which are
useful for complex selections. You can create a path with the Pen
tool. By clicking around an image, anchor points are created, and
then Photoshop connects the dots with vector lines. Paths can also
be created using the vector Shape tools. Use the Paths panel to
select the path you want to update. For more on complex selec-
tions, see Chapter 5, “Selection Tools and Techniques.”
Adjustments
One of the most common tasks in Photoshop is making adjust-
ments to images to fix tone and color. Photoshop offers an
Adjustments panel to provide easy access to the most common,
nondestructive adjustment commands. The adjustments are
grouped into three categories:
•
Tonal controls. Use these controls to adjust Brightness/
Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Exposure in a nondestructive
fashion.
•
Color controls. Use these controls to adjust Vibrance,
Hue/Saturation, Color Balance, Black & White conversion,
Photo Filter, Channel Mixer, and Color Lookup properties.
•
Creative/Advanced controls. These controls are special-
purpose adjustments and include Invert, Posterize, Threshold,
Gradient Map, and Selective Color.
NoTe
Future Learning Opportunity
You'll explore these adjustments
more in later chapters.
