2.01 Aspect Ratio, Cropping and Selections Project Tip Sheet
Objective: The student will successfully demonstrate the ability to create crop an image and make selections with
specific aspect ratios utilizing graphic design software.
Concepts to be demonstrated prior to this activity:
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Creating new files: name, height, width, resolution, color mode, background contents.
Opening images. tabs, floating, Arrange command.
Cropping images: Rule of thirds, aspect ratios (unconstrained vs fixed). Undo command.
Working with layers: convert background layer, new layer, delete layer, duplicate layer, rearrange layers, visibility
and locking, and linking layers. transforming (resizing) layers.
Selections: Marquee tools (fixed ratio), lasso tools, quick selection tools. Adding and subtracting from selections.
Deselecting. Moving layers and selections.
The Type tool.
Saving files in various formats.
Tips:
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Image selection is KEY for this project. You need an image that has six individual parts that have interest and can be
isolated.
Look for an image that works well with the portrait orientation of the template.
Image resolution is important. Look for an image that has a width of approximately 1000 pixels or more.
Always hold the shift key when transforming (resizing images) to maintain aspect ratio.
Several of the most common shortcut keys used in Photoshop: Ctrl+S (Save), Ctrl+Z (Undo last action), Alt+Ctrl+Z
(Undo previous actions), Ctrl+T (Transform), Ctrl+D (Deselect).
Hold the Spacebar when dragging a marquee selection to reposition the selection. You must keep the mouse button
clicked in order to reposition while dragging. Otherwise use the marquee tool inside the selection after the
selection has been made to reposition.
Use the arrow keys to nudge a layer for fine tuning position.
Color theory is an important aspect of this project when selecting a background. You want a background that
complements, without overwhelming the parts of the image.
Resource Links:
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Use layers to build your images
Crop unwanted parts of your photo
Select part of an image
Add text to images
Notes: