Using Transform in Photoshop
In Photoshop, Transform is used to scale, rotate, skew, and just distort the perspective of any graphic you’re working with in general. This tutorial will teach you how to use Transform to adjust your images.
Scaling Graphics
One of the most basic transformations Photoshop is capable of is scaling a graphic. Scaling allows you to enlarge or shrink a graphic around a reference point. To scale a graphic, we go to Edit > Transform > Scale.
A set of handles will appear around our selected elements in the document (such as layers, or shapes). By moving anyone of these handles, we can adjust the size of the object. To apply the transformation, hit Enter.
Constraining Proportions while Scaling
Often times, you’ll find it necessary to constrain the proportions of your objects when scaling. This can easily be achieved by Holding Shift while dragging a transformation handle. You can additionally scale from the center reference point by Holding Alt (or Option on Mac OS), or combine the two by holding shift and alt at the same time while scaling.
Rotating Objects in Photoshop
To Rotate an Object in Photoshop, go to Edit > Transform > Rotate. Handles will appear as they did with a Scaling Transform, but instead of dragging one of these, go just outside of the object until you see a curved arrow rotate icon.
At this point, simple drag left or right to rotate the selected object. Once again, you must finish applying the transformation by pressing Enter.
Be Precise with your Rotations!
You can rotate in 15 Degree Increments with this useful little shortcut. While you’re rotating an object, simply hold down the shift button.
Skew, Distort, and Perspective Transformations
The next 3 transformations are all similar, because they are all controlled by dragging handles. That is not to say that they are used to do the same thing, they simply all operate in the same manner. You can apply a Skew, Distort, or Perspective Transformation from Edit > Transform.
Distort: Distort transformations allow you to stretch an image in ANY direction freely.
Perspective: The Perspective transformation allows you to add perspective to an object.
Warping an Object
The Warp Transformation is quite a bit different compared to the other transformations. The entire shape of the object can be modified, making this transformation useful for several different effects. To use a Warp Transformation go to Edit > Transform > Warp. A Mesh will appear over your object that you can adjust by dragging control points, lines, or any other area inside of it. You can additionally apply a preset warp from the options bar.
58 Comments
Hi this is great. If using an ordinary 4×6 photograph & placing this on a canvas of say 12×12 inch for scrapbooking, how would I do this? I feel by using the transform tuturial above, it would make the small photo pixelate? I’m guessing here I’d have to probably have a 12×12 white canvas to start? Anyway, just thought I’d ask, you’re the master at this :)
Flag as inappropriateAnother beautiful PS resource. Your skew – distort – perspective images are actually better than any writeup I’ve seen. Thanks !!
Flag as inappropriateThanks for the tutorial…really informative
Flag as inappropriateSimple and very useful tutorial. Amazing what you can do using Photoshop, specially with transformation options.Thanks David for great tutorial!
Flag as inappropriateThe tutorial on converting text to 3D graphic is ultimate. Thank you for sharing such a useful lesson.
Flag as inappropriateThanks for share. I am sure other people will find this very valuable…^_^
Flag as inappropriateWonderfuL! just what i needed. THANKS
Flag as inappropriateIt’s very useful 3q ~
Flag as inappropriateGOOOOOOOD. . . . . .. .. .
Flag as inappropriatethanks for good work …..
Flag as inappropriatethanks for sharing. So mush126
Flag as inappropriatethanks for sharing. So mush119
Flag as inappropriatethanks for sharing. So mush114
Flag as inappropriatewow Cool tip thank for sharing.
Flag as inappropriateGreat article. Thank you.
Flag as inappropriateedit>transform>warp… I dont have any warp… WHY? Because I used Illegal photoshop software or what???
Flag as inappropriateI DO have Photoshop CS2, but i don’t have the edit>transform >warp function.
Flag as inappropriateAll i have is scale, skew, distort, rotate, perspective. But no Warp.
Am i missing a plug in? Can i download something?
It keeps telling me it couldn’t transform the path because there are no pixels within the path?????? The layer is selected.??????
Flag as inappropriatecool, thanks for a fill-in on the basics!
Flag as inappropriateHow come when i try to apply a texture to my pictures the texture is small? When i try to free transform the texture it is very grainy after i stretch it to fit the picture.
Flag as inappropriate@hafis:the warp transformation can be found in photoshop cs2 or higher only. you might using the lower version, that’s why you couldn’t find it.
Flag as inappropriatethanks man,cool…
Flag as inappropriatewhy i dont have the ‘warp’ in my tranforms menu?
Flag as inappropriateThanks.. you are great..
Flag as inappropriateIf you have a little lock on the layer just double click and hit OK, that should enable the transform option.
Flag as inappropriatenicely done man! great this is great!
Flag as inappropriateThanks for this!
Flag as inappropriateI couldn’t use the transform option because my layer was locked – maybe this will help you (I am a beginner -> maybe I am wrong, but this helped me when I couldn’t use the Transform option –>someone please correct me if wrong)
Flag as inappropriateI still don’t get it!
Flag as inappropriateThanx very much for this
Flag as inappropriateSoo helpful
the reazon u dont have “transoform” is because u have “Free transform” then you right click the picture and u have the options of perspective, skew, distort etc…
Flag as inappropriateThis is ezi.
Flag as inappropriateI don’t got edit>transform either.
Flag as inappropriateI don’t have edit>Transform….
Flag as inappropriatethanks …this was very helpful
Flag as inappropriate