Task 6 How to Transform Layers

When you transform a layer, you modify the position, scale, or proportions of the layer. Transforming a layer is useful for changing the size or placement of a layer, as well as for adding perspective or distortion. You cannot apply the transformation process to the Background layer; you must convert that layer to a standard layer before you can transform it. (Double-click the Background layer in the Layers palette and rename it in the dialog box that appears. Alternatively, duplicate the layer and transform the copy, leaving the original Background layer untouched.)

1. Open the File

Select File, Open or click the Go to Bridge button on the Options bar and select the file you want to modify.

2. Open the Layers Palette

Select Window, Layers to open the Layers palette.

3. Select the Layer to Transform

In the Layers palette, click the name of the layer you want to transform. In this example, I select the layer that contains a photo of a leaf.

4. Select Free Transform

Select Edit, Free Transform to begin the transformation process. A bounding box with handles at the sides and corners surrounds the layer or the objects on the layer. To transform just a portion of a layer, select the area before selecting Free Transform so that the bounding box covers only the selected area. Background areas left by the transformation will be transparent, allowing lower layers to show through.

5. Modify the Layer

Apply any of the following transformations to the area in the bounding box. To move: Place the mouse pointer inside the bounding box and drag. To scale: Click and drag a handle (use the Shift key to keep the original proportions). To rotate: Position the mouse pointer outside the bounding box until it turns into a curved, two-headed arrow; then drag. To distort freely: Press and hold Ctrl (Windows) or (Mac) and drag a handle. To skew: Press and hold Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or +Shift (Mac) and drag a side handle. Press Esc to cancel transformations, or press Enter or Return to apply the effect.

How-To Hints

Using the Individual Transform Commands

You also can apply individual transformation options by selecting Edit, Transform and then choosing the transformation option you want from the submenu that appears. This approach limits the transformation to only the selected task, such as rotating or scaling.

Transforming Numerically

You can transform a layer with numeric precision by selecting Edit, Transform, Free Transform. In the Options bar, adjust the Position, Scale, Rotation, and Skew options. This approach is especially valuable when you have to repeat the same transformation across multiple unlinked layers.

Warp Transform

New in Photoshop CS2 is the Warp command (select Edit, Transform, Warp). This transformation is explored fully in Part 6, Task 5, "How to Warp an Image."