Canvas

Canvas

Q1:	What's the difference between the Canvas Size and Image Size commands?
A1:	Canvas Size (Image>Canvas Size) adds extra canvas without altering the image itself. For example, if you added 1 inch to the Width and Height (with the Relative option checked), you'd get a half-inch border around the image. The Image Size command alters the image itself, so if you open an image that is 3x4" at 72 ppi and change any of the dimension settings, the actual image will physically be bigger or smaller.
Q2:	Is it possible to change the gray background around an image? Sometimes when I look at an image, I'd like the area outside the canvas to be something other than gray. Can this be changed to a different color ?
A2:	Yes. After picking your color (by clicking on the Foreground color swatch and choosing a color in the Picker), get the Paint Bucket tool (Shift-G), press-and-hold the Shift key, and then click on the outside area and the color will change.
Q3:	How do I control how extra canvas is added? When I use the Canvas Size command, how do I know where the extra canvas will be added?
A3:	In the Canvas Size dialog (found under the Image menu), use the Anchor grid. Wherever you click represents where the existing image will be. For example, if you select the top-center arrow, the new canvas will be added at the bottom of the image. You can also choose the color of the extra canvas from the Canvas Extension Color pop-up menu.
Q4:	Is it possible to increase the canvas size without using the Canvas Size command?
A4:	Yes, you can use the Crop tool (C) to increase the canvas size by "eyeing it." Enlarge the window around your document so you can see the gray matte area around the canvas. Then use the Crop tool to drag a small bounding box. Click-and-drag within the bounding box to move it slightly outside the image, and then use the handles to make the crop box larger than the image. When you press Return (PC: Enter), canvas will be added using the current Background color.