Framing in Photoshop can refer to several techniques, depending on the context. Here are two key interpretations and examples:
1. Using the Frame Tool for Image Placement:
This method uses Photoshop's Frame Tool (press 'K' or select it from the Tools panel) to place an image within a frame, similar to placing a picture in a physical frame. This creates a smart object, allowing easy replacement of the inner image without affecting the frame itself.
- Example: You have a high-resolution photo you want to display within a specific rectangular area on a poster design. Using the Frame Tool, you create a frame of the desired size and shape. Then, you drag and drop your photo into the frame. The photo becomes a smart object within the frame. Changing the original photo will automatically update the appearance within the frame. The video mentioned in the references visually demonstrates this process of dragging and dropping an image into a frame, creating a new frame icon, and converting the photo into a smart object.
2. Creating a Frame Animation:
This refers to creating animated sequences within Photoshop. This is done using Photoshop's Timeline panel to create multiple frames, each slightly altered to create movement or visual effects. This is different from the frame tool above.
- Example: Creating a GIF animation. You would create several layers, each with slight variations (like moving a character, changing an expression, etc). Each layer is then converted into a frame in the timeline panel, with the duration controlled. This allows the animation of the image. Adobe's help documentation on creating frame animations explains this workflow in detail.
In both cases, the term "framing" refers to a boundary or container for an image or animation. The primary difference lies in whether it's a static frame for image placement or a series of frames for animation.
