- 1). Create a new document with the "Ctrl + N" (or "Command + N") keyboard shortcut. For this example, create a canvas in the RGB color mode with a transparent background, seven inches wide by five inches high at a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. The transparent background is the key: otherwise you will have to create or place your object in a new empty layer in order to use the alignment tools.
- 2). Draw an object on the stage. Select the "Paintbrush" tool from the toolbar (click the paintbrush icon or press "B" on your keyboard). Choose a nice big brush, such as the one with a 65 pixel diameter and soft edges. Draw some random swooshes on your canvas with the brush tool.
- 3). To use Photoshop's alignment functions, you must define a selection area. In this case you will be aligning to the canvas, so you will want to select the entire canvas. Choose "All" from the Select menu, or use the "Ctrl + A" (or "Command + A") keyboard shortcut.
- 4). The more formal method for aligning your object is to select "Align Layers to Selection" from the Layer menu, and then choose an alignment option. In this case you will first choose the horizontal alignment, then go back to the same menu and choose the vertical alignment.
- 5). The more convenient method of aligning your object is to select the "Move" tool from the toolbar. The Move tool's icon looks like an arrowhead shape with a four-sided, arrow-tipped, plus shape next to it. When you select the "Move" tool, the Options menu bar at the top of your screen will show icons representing the various alignment options. If you do not see the Options menu bar, select "Options" from the Window menu. Click the horizontal alignment option, followed by the vertical alignment option, and your object is quickly and easily aligned to the center of the canvas.
Create, Select, and Align Your Object
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