To rotate a frame in Photoshop, you first need to select it. Once selected, utilize the Free Transform tool (Edit > Free Transform or Ctrl+T/Cmd+T) to easily rotate it. This applies to frames created using the Frame Tool, allowing for precise adjustments to their orientation.
Using the Frame Tool for Image Placement and Rotation
The Frame Tool in Photoshop provides a convenient way to place images within a frame, effectively creating a mask. After creating the frame using the tool (select the Frame Tool (K) from the toolbar), you can rotate it using these methods:
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Free Transform: The most straightforward method. Select the frame, then press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (macOS) to activate Free Transform. A bounding box appears around the frame. Click and drag any of the corner handles to rotate. Holding Shift will constrain the rotation to 15-degree increments.
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Rotate View Tool: While not directly rotating the frame itself, the Rotate View tool changes your perspective on the canvas, potentially making rotation easier to visualize. This isn't rotating the frame, but the artwork on your canvas.
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Transform Controls in the Options Bar: After using the Free Transform tool, you can also precisely input a rotation angle in degrees in the options bar at the top of the Photoshop window.
Rotating Content Within a Frame
It's important to differentiate between rotating the frame itself and the content placed inside the frame. To rotate only the contents of the frame, you'll need to double-click the image within the frame to select it. Then, use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl+T/Cmd+T) to rotate only the image. The frame itself will remain in its original orientation.
Examples:
- If you've created a square frame and want to place a landscape photo inside, rotating the content (photo) within the frame would be ideal.
- If you have a circular frame for a logo, but want to tilt it slightly, then you need to rotate the frame itself.
The references highlight the versatility of the Frame tool, emphasizing its use in masking and image placement, alongside transformation capabilities like rotating and resizing. They do not describe specific limitations when rotating.
