If most of you are like me, your photoshop files are a mess. We have layer upon layer with no specific name. Our files are filled with layers called “shape 42″ and “Vector Smart Object 3″. Sure we may know that “layer 47″ is the green fade that overlays our twitter bird but what about those of us that work in a corporate environment where multiple people may work on a single photoshop file? Or what about that photoshop file you worked on for a client 2 years ago and they want that weird little update, are you going to remember what those unnamed layers are? Organization is key!
Here are a couple of tips when trying to organize your photoshop file.
Start out with naming your initial layer, whether its a text layer, image layer or vector shape, always give it a valid name.
2. Grouping your layers
If you have multiple files that make up a specific section of your design, group them and categorize the folder with a valid name. Not only does it organize a group of similar files but it also keeps you from scrolling through a large list of ungrouped layers.
3. Color coding grouped layers
In addition to including layers within folders, Adobe offers another method of categorizing for those of us that are visual organizers. Color coding, it can take your organizing to a completely new level, (I was going to insert a lame joke here in reference to some old school nintendo game but I deleted it, you can thank me later)! To color code a folder or layer, just right click and choose layer properties or group properties and you will see a drop down to choose from the 7 color options.
4. Right click, layer selection
When you have the Move (v) tool selected you can right click on your document, typically on a layer you want to edit and your organized list will show up for you. This helps to quickly navigate to your desired layer.
That’s about it, it’s that simple. Organizing may be annoying but whether you do it during your design process or add it to a completed file it is definitely a good practice.
No comments:
Post a Comment