In the first lesson in this chapter, we learned how to set Photoshop as our default image editor so that our images will open directly into Photoshop when we double-click on them in Windows or macOS. Opening images is different from creating new documents, since the image itself determines the document's size. When to open an existing image in Photoshopīut if you're a photographer, then instead of creating a new document, you'll most likely want to start by opening an existing image into Photoshop. And we'll be learning how to create new documents in this tutorial.

Basically, any time you want to start with a blank canvas and then add your content as you go, you'll want to create a new Photoshop document. New documents are also great for digital painting with Photoshop's brushes, and for creating composites from multiple images. You simply create a new blank document at the size you need and then begin adding and arranging your various elements. New documents are perfect for design layouts, whether for print or for the web. Then once we've created the canvas (the document), we can import images, graphics or other assets into it. When we create a new Photoshop document, we create what is essentially a blank canvas. Let's get started!ĭownload this tutorial as a print-ready PDF! Creating new documents vs opening images in Photoshopīefore we begin, it's important that we understand the difference between creating a new document in Photoshop and opening an existing image into Photoshop. This lesson is part of my Complete Guide to Getting Images into Photoshop. To follow along with this tutorial, you'll want to be using the latest version of Photoshop and you'll want to make sure that your copy is up to date.

Mac create new file right click