Master Photoshop: 10 Photoshop Tricks to Increase Your Efficiency

Have you ever felt like Photoshop has become more of a hassle than a help? You start with a simple task, but before you know it, you’re buried under endless menus, searching for tools, and clicking through layers. Sadly, slow performance, cluttered workspaces, and repetitive actions can turn a quick edit into a frustrating one. But what if there was a way to work smarter, not harder? 

The good news is, there are ways in Photoshop that can enhance your workflow, boost efficiency, and save you hours of wasted efforts. Whether beginner or a pro, mastering these 10 simple yet powerful techniques will help you stay organised, edit faster, and get the most out of Photoshop. So, let’s get started!  

1. Customise Your Photoshop Workspace for Faster Access 

Image via Adobe 

A cluttered workspace makes it hard to find tools quickly and wastes time. Choosing the right setup for Photoshop can save you time.

• Start by arranging your panels where you need them most. Place tools you use often, like Layers, Brush, and History, on the right side.  
• Group similar tools together for easy access. You can also create custom workspaces for different tasks. For example, have one workspace for photo editing and another for graphic design. This way, you only see the panels you need, saving you time and effort. 
• Don’t forget to save your custom workspace! Go to Window > Workspace > New Workspace, and name it something helpful. 
• Finally, speed up workspace switching with keyboard shortcuts. Press Alt+Shift+Ctrl+1 (or any other combination you set) to quickly switch between your saved workspaces. 

2. Master Keyboard Shortcuts for Instant Speed Boost 

If you’re still using your mouse for everything in Photoshop, then you’re missing out the joy of using shortcuts. Constantly searching through menus and switching between tools can sometimes seem like a chore. But don’t worry! There’s an easy way to work faster. Keyboard shortcuts can be your secret weapon to tackle the problem. 

In this section, we’ll cover some essential shortcuts you need to know. Plus, we’ll show you how to create your own shortcuts to fit your style. Let’s dive in! 

Essential Shortcuts Every Photoshop User Should Know 

Here are some of the most useful shortcuts to get you started: 

Master these basics, and you’ll be much quicker in Photoshop. No more searching for tools. Just hit a shortcut and go! 

How to Customise and Create Your Own Shortcuts 

You can also create your own shortcuts. This is great for the commands you use all the time. Here’s how to do it: 

• Step 1: Open Keyboard Shortcuts:  

Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts (or press Alt + Shift + Ctrl + K on Windows / Option + Shift + Cmd + K on Mac). 

• Step 2: Choose a Shortcut Set:  

You can either modify the default set or create a new one. 

• Step 3: Assign Your Own Shortcuts: 

Scroll through the commands and find the ones you use most. Click on the blank space next to them and press your chosen key combination. 

• Step 4: Save Your Shortcuts: 

Once you’re done, click OK to save them. 

So, with these shortcuts, you’ll be able to fly through your Photoshop tasks. The more you use them, the faster you’ll become. Try them out today and watch your productivity soar. 

3. Use Smart Objects to Avoid Losing Image Quality 

Sometimes, making changes to an image in Photoshop turns into a bitter experience with a blurry or a distorted result. This often happens when you edit an image directly, especially when scaling or applying filters. But don’t worry! There’s an easy fix: Smart Objects.  

They protect your image quality while you edit. They allow you to make changes to your image without permanently altering it. Let’s explore how Smart Objects can save your work and help you edit non-destructively. 

What Are Smart Objects, and How Do They Protect Image Quality? 

Smart Objects are layers that contain image data. They keep the original image intact, even after you apply transformations, filters, or adjustments. This means you can scale, rotate, or apply filters without worrying about losing quality. For example, when you scale a regular image, it can get pixelated. But when you scale a Smart Object, Photoshop keeps the image's resolution intact. Smart Objects are like a safety net for your images, making sure they stay crisp and clear no matter how much you edit them. 

How to Convert Layers into Smart Objects 

Converting a layer into a Smart Object is easy. Here’s how you can do it: 

1. Right-click on the layer you want to convert in the Layers panel. 
2. Select Convert to Smart Object from the menu. 

That’s it! Now, your layer is a Smart Object, and you’re ready to edit without worrying about quality loss. 

4. Automate Tasks with Actions and Batch Processing 

If you’re editing multiple images and making the same adjustments over and over, it can quickly become tedious. But here’s the good news: Photoshop Actions and Batch Processing can save you a ton of time. These tools let you automate tasks, so you can apply the same edits to multiple images in one go. Let’s see how! 

What are Photoshop Actions, and How Do They Work? 

Image via Fixthephoto 

Photoshop Actions are like shortcuts for your editing steps. An Action records a series of commands or edits, so you don’t have to repeat them manually. Once an Action is recorded, you can play it back on any image. It’s that simple!  

For example, you might have an Action that resizes, sharpens, and applies a filter to an image. Instead of doing each step individually, you can run the Action, and Photoshop does it all for you! 

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording and Applying Actions 

Here’s how to record your own custom Action: 

1. Open the Actions Panel: Go to Window > Actions to bring up the panel. 
2. Create a New Action: Click on the New Action button at the bottom of the panel. 
3. Name Your Action: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Resize and Sharpen"). 
4. Record Your Edits: Click Record, then perform the edits you want to automate (like resizing or adjusting brightness). 
5. Stop Recording: Once you're done, click the Stop button. Your Action is now saved! 

To apply your Action, simply select it from the Actions panel and click Play. Photoshop will repeat all the steps you recorded. 

How to Use Batch Processing to Apply the Same Edits to Multiple Images at Once 

Batch Processing takes Actions to the next level. It lets you apply an Action to an entire folder of images, saving you from editing each one individually. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Go to File > Automate > Batch. 
2. Choose Your Action: In the Batch window, select the Action you want to apply. 
3. Select the Source Folder: Choose the folder containing your images. 
4. Set the Destination: Decide where the edited images will be saved (you can even rename them automatically). 
5. Click OK: Photoshop will apply your Action to all the images in the folder. 

So, by using Actions and Batch Processing, you’ll save loads of time and avoid the frustration of repetitive tasks. Once you start automating, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! 

5. Organise Layers Like a Pro 

If your layer panel is a cluttered mess, it can seriously affect your workflow. It becomes difficult to find things, manage your edits, and even harder to make changes later. But with a few simple tricks, you can organise your layers like a pro. This will not only speed up your workflow but also make your files much easier to handle. 

Best Practices for Naming, Grouping, and Colour-Coding Layers 

• Rename: Good organisation starts with clear naming. Instead of using default names like “Layer 1,” “Layer 2,” give your layers descriptive names. For example, “Background,” “Text,” or “Logo.” This way, you’ll know exactly what each layer is at a glance. 
• Group: You can also group similar layers together. For instance, group all your text layers in one folder and your image layers in another. This keeps everything neat and easy to navigate. 
• Colour code: Don’t forget about colour-coding! You can assign different colours to different layers or groups. This makes it even easier to spot important layers quickly. Right-click on a layer, select Layer Properties, and pick a colour that works for you. 

Why Layer Masks are Better Than Erasing Parts of an Image 

When you erase parts of an image you end up losing details. But layer mask has a non-destructive way of removing items. This gives you total flexibility and control over your edits. Plus, you can always go back and adjust the mask later. 

Adjustment Layers for Flexible and Non-Destructive Editing 

Adjustment layers are another great way to make flexible edits without damaging your original image. They let you apply things like brightness, contrast, or colour changes to your image while keeping the original layer intact. If you decide you don’t like the change, you can simply hide or delete the adjustment layer. This is a non-destructive way to edit and ensures your image stays intact throughout the process. 

6. Speed Up Your Workflow with Photoshop Libraries 

Image via Photoshopstar Searching for the same colours, fonts, or design elements repeatedly wastes time. Wouldn't it be great to have all your favourite assets in one place? That’s where Photoshop Libraries come in. With Libraries, you can store everything you need and quickly access it whenever you want. This speeds up your workflow and keeps things organised. 

How Creative Cloud Libraries Help Store and Organise Design Assets 

• Creative Cloud Libraries let you store all your design assets, like colours, brushes, fonts, and logos, in one convenient place.  
• You can drag and drop them directly into your Photoshop projects without having to search for them. This saves you from wasting time looking through different files or folders. 
• You can also organise your assets by creating different libraries for different projects or clients. For example, you might have one library for your personal designs and another for your work projects. This helps keep things tidy and easy to find. 

How to Share and Access Libraries Across Different Projects 

The best part about Libraries is that you can share them across multiple projects. If you have a team, they can access the same set of assets, ensuring everyone is on the same page. You can access your libraries from any project by simply going to the Libraries panel in Photoshop. 

So, by using Photoshop Libraries, you’ll keep your assets organised and easily accessible, making your workflow faster and more efficient. 

7. Optimise Photoshop Settings for Better Performance 

Lagging Photoshop performance can really slow you down. It’s frustrating sometimes when you’re working on a project, and Photoshop lags or freezes. Fortunately, there are a few simple settings you can tweak to get Photoshop running smoothly. Let’s dive into how you can optimise your Photoshop performance for a faster, more efficient workflow. 

How to Allocate More RAM to Photoshop 

One way to boost Photoshop’s speed is by giving it more RAM. Photoshop needs a lot of memory to work quickly, especially when you’re editing large files. 

To allocate more RAM: 

1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance. 
2. In the Memory Usage section, adjust the slider to allocate more RAM to Photoshop. 
3. Increase the value slightly but leave enough memory for other programs to run smoothly. 

Best Settings for GPU Acceleration, Cache Levels, and History States 

Photoshop uses your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for processing. By optimising these settings, you can speed things up. 

• GPU Acceleration: Make sure that GPU acceleration is enabled.  

Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance and check the box for Use Graphics Processor. This will allow Photoshop to use your computer’s GPU, speeding up tasks like rendering and applying filters. 

• Cache Levels: Cache helps Photoshop store data to access quickly. For better performance, set your Cache Levels to a higher number (e.g., 4 or 6). This can be done in the same Performance settings menu. A higher cache helps Photoshop handle large documents faster. 
• History States: Photoshop saves your actions as history states. Reducing the number of history states can help with performance. If you don’t need to go back too many steps, set the history states to a lower value, like 20-30, instead of the default 50. 

Managing Scratch Disks to Prevent Lag 

Scratch disks are like virtual memory. They help Photoshop when your RAM is full. If you have a slow scratch disk or it’s nearly full, Photoshop can lag. 

To manage your scratch disks: 

1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks. 
2. Choose a fast, empty drive with plenty of space (preferably an SSD). 
3. If possible, set a separate disk for your scratch disk to avoid slowing down your main drive. 

Having enough space and a fast drive for scratch disks can drastically improve Photoshop’s performance. 

So, by optimising your Photoshop settings, you’ll experience faster performance and smoother editing. Few tweaks to your RAM, GPU, cache, history, and scratch disks, can make a big difference. 

8. Work Smarter with Filters and Smart Filters 

Image via Peterbredahldam  Both filters and smart filters offer great ways to enhance your images. But sometimes applying normal filters alter image quality. That’s where Smart Filters come in. They help you make changes without affecting the original image, giving you more flexibility and control. Let’s explore how you can use filters the right way and avoid mistakes! 

How to Edit and Remove Smart Filters Easily 

Using Smart Filters is super simple. Here’s how to work with them: 

1. Convert to Smart Object: Before applying a filter, convert your image or layer into a Smart Object. Right-click the layer in the Layers panel and select Convert to Smart Object. 
2. Apply the Filter: Now, apply your desired filter by going to the Filter menu. 
3. Edit or Remove the Filter: Once the filter is applied, you can edit it at any time. Double-click the filter name in the Layers panel to adjust the settings. If you decide you don’t like the filter, simply click the eye icon next to the filter to hide it or press Delete to remove it completely. 

This method gives you more control and allows you to experiment without fear of ruining your image. 

Best Photoshop Filters for Quick Touch-Ups 

Some filters are perfect for quick edits and enhancing your images. Here are a couple of the most useful ones: 

Camera Raw Filter: 

This filter is amazing for quick adjustments like exposure, contrast, and colour balance. It’s like using Lightroom directly in Photoshop. To use it, go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter. You’ll have a range of powerful editing tools right at your fingertips. 

Gaussian Blur: 

The Gaussian Blur is ideal for softening an image or creating a blur effect. It’s often used to remove distractions in the background or smooth out skin tones. You can find it under Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Just adjust the slider until you get the desired softness. 

So, using these filters wisely will save you time and effort, while giving you great results without compromising your image quality. 

9. Save Time with Content-Aware Tools  

Removing objects or fixing mistakes manually can be a hassle and time-consuming. But with Photoshop's Content-Aware tools, you can quickly fix your images without the stress. These tools are designed to make editing faster and easier. Let's take a look at how to use them. 

How to Use Content-Aware Fill to Remove Unwanted Objects 

Removing unwanted objects from your images is no longer a tedious task. The Content-Aware Fill tool can do this automatically, saving you lots of time. 

• Step 1: Select the object you want to remove using the Lasso Tool or any selection tool. 
• Step 2: Go to Edit > Fill. 
• Step 3: In the Fill dialog box, choose Content-Aware from the drop-down menu. 
• Step 4: Click OK, and Photoshop will fill in the selected area using surrounding pixels. 

This tool is perfect for removing things like people, blemishes, or any unwanted objects that don’t belong in the scene. 

Using the Spot Healing Brush and Patch Tool for Quick Edits 

For smaller, quick edits, the Spot Healing Brush and Patch Tool are your best friends. 

• Spot Healing Brush: 
• Great for small areas like blemishes, dust spots, or scratches. 
• Just click on the spot you want to fix, and Photoshop will automatically blend it with the surrounding area. 
• Patch Tool: 
• Perfect for larger areas where the Spot Healing Brush may not be enough. 
• Select the area you want to fix, then drag it to another part of the image that matches. Photoshop will copy the texture and colour from that section to replace the selected area. 

How the Content-Aware Move Tool Helps Reposition Elements 

Moving objects in an image is often a challenge, especially when you need to maintain the background. The Content-Aware Move Tool makes this easy. 

• Step 1: Select the object you want to move using the Lasso Tool or Marquee Tool. 
• Step 2: Choose the Content-Aware Move Tool from the toolbar. 
• Step 3: Drag the selected object to its new position in the image. 
• Step 4: Photoshop will fill the empty space with nearby pixels, blending it naturally. 

So, with these tools, you’ll be able to work smarter, not harder. Try them out and see how they can improve your editing workflow. 

10. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Photoshop Scripts 

Some tasks can't be automated with Actions alone. While Actions are great for simple tasks, Scripts offer more power for complex jobs like batch exporting or image processing. Scripts can handle multiple steps and work on batches, making them ideal for large tasks. 

How to Use Built-In Photoshop Scripts 

Photoshop comes with several built-in Scripts that you can use right out of the box. These Scripts can help you with tasks like image resizing, exporting, and more. 

Here are some useful built-in Photoshop Scripts: 

Image Resizing: 

1. If you need to resize multiple images, a Script can do this automatically for you. 
2. Go to File > Scripts > Image Processor to batch resize your images. 

Exporting Images: 

1. For exporting images in different formats, use File > Scripts > Export Layers to Files. 
2. This script will save each layer in your document as a separate file, in the format you choose. 

Other Useful Scripts: 

1. Batch Processing: Automate processing and editing multiple files. 
2. Watermarking: Add a watermark to multiple images at once. 

Where to Find and Install Useful Photoshop Scripts? 

While Photoshop offers a set of built-in Scripts, you can find even more Scripts online. Here’s where you can get them: 

• Adobe’s Official Website: 

1. Visit Adobe’s website for a collection of free Scripts designed for different tasks. 
2. Simply search for Photoshop Scripts in the Adobe Exchange section. 

• Third-Party Sources: 

1. Other third-party websites and many design communities offer free and paid Scripts. 
2. Some popular Script creators also share their work on forums or blogs. 

How to Install Scripts: 

1. Download the Script file from your chosen source. 
2. Go to File > Scripts > Browse in Photoshop. 
3. Select the Script file and click Open. 
4. Your Script will now be available under the File > Scripts menu for easy access. 

Conclusion: What’s Next? 

So now you’ve learned 10 amazing Photoshop tricks that can help you work faster and smarter. But don’t stop here! To really master Photoshop, the key is practice and exploration. Try out 2–3 of these tricks today. Pick a couple of tips from this list and apply them to your current project. See how they affect your speed and efficiency. Also, share this guide if you found these tips helpful, with friends or colleagues. They’ll thank you for it! 

For more tricks, check out the advanced course specially designed to cater to your needs.