To free transform a shape or selection in Photoshop, you simply select the layer containing the shape or make a selection, and then use the Free Transform command from the Edit menu.
Steps to Free Transform
Here's a breakdown of how to apply the Free Transform feature:
- Select Your Target: You must first select a layer that contains the shape you want to transform or create a new selection using a selection tool (like the Marquee or Lasso tool) if you only want to transform a specific area within a layer.
- Access the Command: Go to Edit in the menu, located at the top of the Photoshop window.
- Choose Free Transform: From the dropdown menu that appears, select Free Transform.
- Identify the Bounding Box: Once selected, a bounding box will appear around your selection. This box has handles on its sides and corners.
- Perform the Transformation: You can now transform the selection using the bounding box handles. Click and drag the handles to:
- Scale (resize) the shape or selection.
- Rotate it.
- Skew or distort it.
- Move it.
Tip: Holding down the Shift key while dragging corner handles maintains the aspect ratio when scaling. Holding down the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) key scales the object from its center point.
What You Can Do with the Bounding Box
The bounding box provides visual control over various transformations.
- Resizing: Dragging the corner or side handles changes the size.
- Rotation: Move your cursor slightly outside the corner handles until it becomes a curved arrow, then click and drag to rotate.
- Skewing/Distorting: Hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while dragging a handle to skew or distort the shape.
Once you are satisfied with your transformation, press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac) to apply the changes, or click the checkmark icon in the options bar at the top. To cancel the transformation, press Escape or click the cancel icon (a circle with a slash) in the options bar.
