Editing numbers in Photoshop primarily involves working with text layers or directly modifying numbers within images using tools. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how to do it:
Editing Numbers in Text Layers
This method is the most straightforward when the numbers you need to change are part of a text layer.
- Select the Type Tool: Click on the "T" icon in the toolbar or press "T" on your keyboard.
- Select the Text Layer: Click on the text layer you want to edit in the Layers panel or directly on the text within the image to select it.
- Edit the Numbers: Once the text is selected, click on the text you want to change to place the cursor there. You can then type over or delete the existing numbers and enter the new numbers.
- Commit the Changes: Click the checkmark in the options bar or press Ctrl + Enter (Cmd + Return on Mac) to apply your edits.
Editing Numbers in Raster Images
When numbers are part of an image, you need to use image editing techniques. Here are common methods:
- Using the Clone Stamp Tool: This is useful for small adjustments where you can sample pixels from one area and paint them over the numbers.
- Select the Clone Stamp Tool.
- Alt-click (or Option-click on Mac) on an area close to the number you want to remove to sample pixels.
- Paint over the unwanted numbers.
- Use a small brush size for greater precision.
- Using the Healing Brush Tool: This tool is similar to the Clone Stamp but automatically blends the sampled pixels for a more natural look.
- Select the Healing Brush Tool.
- Alt-click (or Option-click on Mac) on an area close to the number you want to remove to sample pixels.
- Paint over the numbers to seamlessly blend the edits.
- Using Selection Tools & Fill:
- Use a selection tool like the Lasso tool or Marquee tool to select the numbers.
- Go to Edit > Fill and select Content-Aware to replace the selected numbers with surrounding pixels.
- The "Content-Aware Fill" option: This is a more advanced technique to remove the number and fill the space with the surrounding content.
- Select the numbers using any selection tool.
- Go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill.
- Adjust the settings in the "Content-Aware Fill" panel if needed.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
- Using the Patch Tool: This tool lets you patch the selected area of the image with another area you select.
- Select the Patch Tool.
- Draw a selection around the numbers.
- Drag the selection to another part of the image to use it as the source of the patch.
Shortcuts and Tips
As highlighted in the reference: "Just click on the name to Mark or delete. The check this handy shortcut works for any of the tools in Photoshop."
- Tool Shortcuts: Learn shortcuts to quickly switch between the tools, this improves editing speed.
Considerations
- Text Layers are Ideal: Always use text layers for numbers whenever possible because it makes changes very easy.
- Non-Destructive Editing: When working with rasterized images, consider using adjustment layers or smart objects to avoid permanent changes to the original pixels.
