To straighten an image in Photoshop, you can use the Crop tool and manually rotate the image until it is level.
Straightening a crooked photo is a fundamental editing task that can significantly improve its appearance. One common method involves utilizing the versatile Crop tool in Photoshop, which allows you not only to trim your image but also to rotate it precisely.
Using the Crop Tool to Straighten Your Image
The reference outlines a simple process using the Crop tool. This method is effective for making minor or significant rotations to correct tilted horizons or skewed perspectives.
Follow these steps based on the provided reference:
- Select the Crop tool in the Tools panel. This is usually found towards the top of the tools panel.
- Drag any edge or corner to adjust the size and shape of the crop border. While not directly for straightening, this step is part of setting up your crop area.
- Drag inside the crop border to position the image inside the crop border. This lets you decide which part of the image remains after cropping.
- Drag outside a corner of the crop border to rotate or straighten. Clicking and dragging your cursor just outside one of the corner handles of the crop box will give you a curved double-arrow cursor, indicating you can rotate the image. Drag the image until elements that should be straight (like horizons, buildings, or vertical lines) appear level.
As you drag outside the corner, Photoshop provides a visual guide, often showing a grid overlay within the crop area, which helps you align horizontal and vertical elements accurately. Once you are satisfied with the alignment, you can commit the crop by pressing Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS), or by clicking the checkmark in the Options bar. Photoshop will then apply both the crop and the rotation, straightening your image.
This method is quick and intuitive, making it a popular choice for correcting minor tilts directly within the cropping workflow.
