Getting to know your tools in Photoshop

The Tools palette is divided into three basic sections: tools, color swatches, and icons for masking modes and viewing options. The next several sections introduce you to the tools. The following list details the other residents of the Tools palette:

-->Foreground Color and Background Color: Color swatches represent the current foreground and background colors. When using some of the tools, such as the Brush or Pencil, you may apply either of these colors. The small black and white swatches represent the default colors of a black foreground and white background. Click the Default Colors icon to reset the colors to the default. Click the curved arrow icon to switch the foreground and background colors.

-->Edit in Standard Mode and Edit in Quick Mask Mode: The first set of icons allows you to work in either Standard mode or Quick Mask mode. For now leave the mode set to Standard.

-->Standard Screen Mode: The default setting, this mode enables you to see your entire Photoshop desktop.

-->Full Screen Mode with Menu Bar: This mode hides your desktop background and other open images.

-->Full Screen Mode: Use this mode to hide your desktop background, any open images, and the menu bar. In addition, the Photoshop window turns to black.

You can now move an image even when it is in Full Screen Mode.

-->Edit in ImageReady: When you click the bottom-most icon, you launch Photoshop’s sister program, ImageReady, a Web graphics program.

-->Go to the Photoshop and ImageReady area of www.adobe.com: If you click the feather icon at the top of the Toolbox, you are transported to the Photoshop product area of the Adobe Web site. This site is loaded with tons of great info, such as tips, tech support, upgrades, and news on products and events.