Photoshop 2020 introduced a significant workflow change with the integration of artboards, a feature previously found primarily in Illustrator. This guide offers a fresh perspective on mastering artboard creation, focusing on efficiency and best practices for a seamless design process. We'll move beyond the basics, exploring advanced techniques to help you unlock the full potential of artboards in your Photoshop workflow.
Understanding the Power of Artboards in Photoshop
Before diving into the how, let's clarify the why. Artboards in Photoshop are invaluable for several reasons:
- Organized Design: Manage multiple designs (web banners, social media posts, app interfaces) within a single PSD file, keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible. This eliminates the need for multiple files, simplifying your project management.
- Improved Workflow: Artboards streamline the process of creating assets for various platforms and sizes. No more tedious resizing and repositioning – each artboard functions as its own self-contained canvas.
- Simplified Export: Exporting individual assets becomes incredibly efficient. Photoshop's export features easily handle multiple artboards, saving you significant time compared to manually exporting layers.
- Client Collaboration: Presenting multiple design variations becomes more straightforward with the clear visual separation artboards provide.
Adding Artboards: The Methods
There are several ways to add artboards in Photoshop 2020, each catering to different preferences:
Method 1: The Artboard Tool
This is the most straightforward method:
- Select the Artboard Tool: Located in the toolbar (it might be hidden under the "Move Tool," indicated by a small arrow).
- Click and Drag: Click and drag on your canvas to create an artboard of the desired size. You can also define the dimensions manually in the Options Bar.
- Customize: Adjust the size, name, and resolution of your artboard using the Options Bar.
Method 2: Using the Artboard Menu
For precise control:
- Go to the "Artboards" Menu: Located under the "Layer" menu.
- Select "New Artboard": This opens a dialog box allowing you to specify the artboard's dimensions, name, and resolution with greater precision.
- Define Artboard Properties: Enter your preferred width, height, resolution, and a descriptive name.
Method 3: Duplicating Artboards
For rapid creation of similarly sized artboards:
- Create an Initial Artboard: Using either method 1 or 2.
- Duplicate: Right-click on the artboard in the Layers panel and select "Duplicate Artboard". This creates an exact copy. You can then modify the duplicated artboard as needed.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Artboard Techniques
- Artboard Naming Conventions: Implement a consistent naming system (e.g., "Homepage-Desktop," "AboutUs-Mobile") to maintain clarity and organization, especially in large projects.
- Artboard Groups: Organize your artboards into groups within the Layers panel for enhanced project structure. This is extremely helpful for complex projects.
- Exporting with Artboards: Leverage Photoshop's export features to quickly generate assets for various resolutions and file formats tailored to each artboard, optimizing your workflow for web and print.
Mastering Artboards: A Key to Photoshop Efficiency
By understanding and effectively using the artboard feature in Photoshop 2020, you can drastically improve your workflow and produce polished, professional results. Embrace these techniques to unlock the full power of this indispensable tool and elevate your design process to new heights. Remember to utilize relevant keywords throughout your project files and descriptions to improve searchability and visibility.
