Tested Methods That Demonstrate Learn How To Create Multiple Artboards In Photoshop Cs6

Hannah Aren

2 min read

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11-01-2025

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Photoshop CS6 doesn't natively support artboards in the same way later versions do. However, there are several tested methods to achieve a similar workflow, allowing you to effectively manage multiple designs within a single PSD file. These methods mimic the functionality of artboards, improving your organization and efficiency. This guide will walk you through several proven techniques.

Method 1: Utilizing Guides and Layers

This is the most straightforward approach for users unfamiliar with more advanced techniques. It relies on the effective use of Photoshop's built-in guides and layers.

Steps:

1. Plan Your Layout: Before you start, sketch out your desired artboard arrangement. Determine the size and position of each "artboard." This planning phase significantly reduces errors and improves workflow.
2. Create Guides: Use the View > New Guide option to create vertical and horizontal guides that define the boundaries of your individual artboards. Label your guides clearly to avoid confusion.
3. Organize with Layers: Create a separate layer group for each "artboard." This keeps your design elements neatly organized and prevents accidental edits to unintended areas. Name each layer group clearly (e.g., "Artboard 1," "Artboard 2").
4. Design Within Groups: Work within each layer group, keeping all elements related to a specific "artboard" contained within its respective group.

Pros: Simple, requires no plugins. Cons: Less intuitive than dedicated artboards, can become cumbersome for complex projects. No automatic resizing capabilities.

Method 2: Using Layer Comps

Layer Comps offer a more sophisticated approach, allowing you to save different versions of your layout within a single file. While not true artboards, they help manage multiple design variations effectively.

Steps:

1. Design Your Elements: Create your designs as usual, ensuring good layer organization.
2. Create Layer Comps: Go to Layer > Layer Comps > Create Layer Comp. Name each Layer Comp according to its purpose (e.g., "Homepage Mockup," "Product Detail Page").
3. Adjust Visibility: Use the Layer Comp dialog to show or hide layers, effectively creating different design variations within the same file.

Pros: Offers version control, easier to manage than guides and layers alone. Cons: Still not true artboards; lacks the visual separation and resizing features of dedicated artboards.

Method 3: Employing the Slice Tool (For Web Design)

If your primary goal is preparing assets for web design, Photoshop's Slice Tool provides a viable alternative.

Steps:

1. Create Slices: Select the Slice Tool (C) and create slices that represent your individual artboards.
2. Adjust Slice Dimensions: Adjust the size and position of each slice to match your desired artboard dimensions.
3. Export Slices: Save your slices as individual files for use in your web project.

Pros: Designed specifically for web design, efficient export workflow. Cons: Not ideal for general graphic design; primarily focused on web asset creation.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method

The best method for creating "multiple artboards" in Photoshop CS6 depends on your specific needs and project complexity. For simple projects, guides and layers may suffice. For more complex projects or web design, Layer Comps or the Slice Tool offer better organization and workflow. Remember, careful planning and consistent layer organization are crucial regardless of the chosen method. These techniques effectively simulate the artboard experience, allowing you to manage multiple designs within a single Photoshop CS6 file.