How Do I Change the Work Area in Photoshop?

You can change the work area, or canvas size, in Photoshop using the Canvas Size dialog. Here's how:

Steps to Change the Canvas Size

Zoom Out: Zoom out from your image so you can see the entire canvas. This will help you visualize the changes you're making. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + - (Windows) or Cmd + - (Mac).
Open the Canvas Size Dialog: Go to Image > Canvas Size in the Photoshop menu. This will open a dialog box where you can adjust the dimensions of your canvas.
Change the Height and Width: In the Canvas Size dialog, enter the new height and width values you want for your canvas.
- You can specify the units you're using (pixels, inches, centimeters, etc.) in the dropdown menus next to the height and width fields.
Choose the Anchor Point: The "Anchor" section shows nine squares. Click on the square that represents the part of the image you want to remain fixed when the canvas size is changed. Photoshop will expand the canvas outwards from this anchor point. For example, if you click the center square, the image will remain centered, and the canvas will expand equally in all directions.
Optional: Change the Canvas Extension Color: If you're expanding the canvas, you can choose the color of the newly added area. This option is usually found as a dropdown labeled "Canvas extension color." It defaults to the current background color.
Click OK: Once you've entered your desired dimensions and chosen your anchor point, click "OK" to apply the changes.

Increasing the Canvas Size: Adding to the canvas size will create blank space around your image. The "Canvas extension color" determines the color of this new space.
Decreasing the Canvas Size: Reducing the canvas size will crop your image. Make sure the anchor point is set correctly to crop the parts of the image you want to remove. Photoshop will warn you that cropping will occur.
Using Pixels vs. Other Units: Working with pixels is usually best for web design, while inches or centimeters are better for print design. Choose the appropriate unit based on your project's needs.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust the work area in Photoshop to suit your specific design requirements.