Photoshop CS6, while a bit older, remains a powerful tool for many designers. One feature that significantly streamlines workflow, especially for web design or creating multiple variations of an image, is the use of artboards. This guide provides a thorough walkthrough on how to add artboards in Photoshop CS6. We'll cover everything from the basics to some handy tips and tricks.
Understanding Artboards in Photoshop CS6
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's understand why you'd want to use artboards. Artboards in Photoshop CS6 function as containers for your designs. Each artboard is essentially a separate canvas within a single Photoshop file. This is incredibly beneficial when:
- Creating multi-screen designs: Designing websites or apps with various screen sizes becomes much easier.
- Managing multiple design variations: Need different versions of a logo or illustration? Artboards keep them neatly organized.
- Improving workflow: Instead of juggling multiple Photoshop files, everything remains in one document.
Adding Artboards in Photoshop CS6: A Step-by-Step Guide
While Photoshop CS6 doesn't have the sophisticated artboard tools found in later versions, you can achieve similar functionality using a clever workaround involving layers and guides.
Step 1: Planning Your Artboards
Before you even open Photoshop, decide on the dimensions and placement of your artboards. Sketching this out will save you time and frustration.
Step 2: Create a New Photoshop File
Open Photoshop CS6 and create a new file (File > New). Choose a large enough canvas size to accommodate all your planned artboards. It’s better to have too much space than not enough.
Step 3: Adding Guides (The Key to Artboard Creation)
This is where the magic happens. Guides are your virtual artboard boundaries.
- Use the Ruler: Make sure your rulers are visible (View > Rulers).
- Drag Guides: Click and drag from the rulers to create vertical and horizontal guides. Position these guides to precisely define the boundaries of each artboard.
Step 4: Creating Layers for Each Artboard
For each artboard you've outlined with guides, create a new layer (Layer > New > Layer). This keeps your design elements organized and prevents accidental edits across different artboards. Name each layer clearly (e.g., "Artboard 1," "Artboard 2").
Step 5: Designing Within Your Artboard Guides
Now, design! Keep your work contained within the boundaries of your guides for each layer. Use the layers to manage and organize your designs efficiently.
Step 6: Exporting Your Artboards
Once your designs are complete, you can export each artboard separately. Here are two approaches:
- Crop the Image: Save each layer as a separate file. Use the Crop Tool (C) to select the area within the guides before saving as a PNG, JPEG, or other format. This is simpler for images with sharp lines.
- Slice Tool: If you're working on a web project, the Slice Tool offers more control. Select the area defined by your guides and save each slice as separate image files.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Artboard Management in CS6
- Color-Coded Layers: Assign a different color to each layer to quickly identify artboards.
- Layer Groups: Organize layers into groups for complex designs.
- Accurate Measurements: Use the Info Panel (Window > Info) to get precise measurements as you work.
- Save Regularly: Save your progress often to avoid losing your work.
Mastering Artboards in Photoshop CS6: A Workflow Booster
While Photoshop CS6 doesn't have dedicated artboards like newer versions, using this combination of guides and layers provides a functional and organized approach to managing multiple designs within a single file. Mastering this method can significantly boost your workflow efficiency. Remember to practice and experiment—the more you use these techniques, the more comfortable and efficient you'll become.
