Adding images into Photoshop is straightforward and can be accomplished in several ways. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:
Method 1: Drag and Drop
This is the simplest approach. Simply locate the image file on your computer (e.g., your desktop or a specific folder), then drag and drop it directly onto your open Photoshop document's canvas. Photoshop automatically places the image onto a new layer. As noted in the YouTube video, this method also opens the free transform command, allowing you to immediately resize or position your image. [Source: YouTube Video]
Method 2: File > Place Embedded
This method offers more control. Go to File > Place Embedded in the Photoshop menu bar. Navigate to your image file and select it. This places the image as a smart object, preserving its original quality and allowing non-destructive editing. [Source: Reddit, Adobe Community, Shotkit]
Method 3: File > Place Linked
Similar to "Place Embedded," but creates a linked smart object. Changes to the original image file will be reflected in Photoshop, saving storage space but requiring the original file to remain accessible. [Source: Reddit]
Method 4: File > Open
This classic method opens the image in a new tab. You can then use the move tool (V) to drag the image from one tab to the other, merging the image as a new layer into your main project. [Source: wikihow]
Method 5: Copy and Paste
You can also copy an image from another application (e.g., a web browser or another image editor) and paste it directly into your Photoshop document. This method places the image on a new layer. [Note: The quality may suffer depending on the source image's resolution. See Adobe Community for discussions on image quality after pasting].
Choosing the Right Method
The best method depends on your needs:
- Drag and Drop: Quickest for simple image insertion.
- File > Place Embedded: Ideal for preserving image quality and non-destructive editing.
- File > Place Linked: Good for large images or when you need to keep the original file linked for future edits.
- File > Open: Useful for adding images already opened elsewhere.
- Copy and Paste: Convenient for quickly adding smaller images from other applications.
