How do I create a custom guide in Photoshop?

Creating custom guides in Photoshop is straightforward and allows for precise alignment and layout. Here's how you do it:

Creating Basic Guides

The most common way to create guides is by dragging them from the rulers.

1. Ensure Rulers are Visible: Go to View > Rulers (or press Ctrl+R on Windows or Cmd+R on Mac) to make the rulers visible along the top and left edges of your document.

2. Drag to Create:

   • Horizontal Guide: Click and drag from the top ruler downwards onto your canvas.
   • Vertical Guide: Click and drag from the left ruler to the right onto your canvas.

Moving and Adjusting Guides

Once you've created a guide, you can move and adjust its position:

1. Select the Move Tool: Choose the Move Tool (V) from the toolbar.

2. Move the Guide: Hover your mouse over the guide until the cursor changes, then click and drag the guide to its new position.

Precise Guide Placement

For exact placement, you can use the Transform tool:

1. Select the Guide: Using the Move Tool (V), select the guide you want to adjust.

2. Access Transform: Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to enter the Transform mode. Although it might not look like anything is happening, the Transform tool is active.

3. Enter Precise Coordinates: Look at the options bar at the top of the screen. You'll see X and Y coordinates. These refer to the position of the guide. Enter the exact numerical position you want for the guide.

4. Confirm the Transformation: Press Enter to apply the transformation and fix the guide in its new, precise location.

Creating Guides Using the New Guide Layout Feature

Photoshop offers a "New Guide Layout" feature for quickly creating multiple guides based on columns, rows, and margins.

1. Access New Guide Layout: Go to View > New Guide Layout.

2. Define Layout: A dialog box appears allowing you to specify:

   • Columns: Number and width/spacing of vertical guides.
   • Rows: Number and height/spacing of horizontal guides.
   • Margins: Distance from the edges of the canvas.

3. Presets: Utilize presets, save custom layouts, and even create guides that follow existing selections.

4. Click OK: Your layout will be instantly created according to your specifications.

Locking Guides

To prevent accidental movement of your guides, you can lock them. Go to View > Lock Guides. This toggle will prevent any repositioning until unlocked.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage custom guides in Photoshop for accurate design and layout.