Create Your First Photoshop Document

Learning Objectives

1. Set up a new Photoshop document for print, web, and social media projects
2. Choose the correct resolution and colour mode for different project types
3. Save and export your work using the right file formats
4. Organise files with proper naming and version control

Introduction

Starting your first Photoshop project begins with creating a new document. Getting this setup right from the start saves time later and ensures your final image looks professional. This chapter covers the essential document settings you need to know, from choosing the right resolution to picking the correct colour mode for your project.

Lessons

Setting Up Your New Document

Creating a new document is straightforward once you know which settings to use.

Step 1: Open Photoshop and go to File > New
Step 2: Pick a preset from the categories at the top – Print, Web, or Art & Illustration
Step 3: Set your document width and height in the appropriate units
Step 4: Choose your resolution (72 PPI for web, 300 PPI for print)
Step 5: Select RGB colour mode for screen projects or CMYK for print
Step 6: Click Create

The presets automatically configure most settings for you, but you can adjust the dimensions to match your specific needs.

Understanding Resolution Settings

Resolution determines how sharp your image appears, especially when printed.

For web projects: Use 72 PPI (pixels per inch). Higher resolutions create unnecessarily large files that slow down websites.

For print projects: Use 300 PPI minimum. This ensures text stays crisp and images look professional when printed.

For large format prints: Consider 150-200 PPI. The viewing distance is greater, so you can use lower resolution without quality loss.

This is the bit most people miss – matching your resolution to how the final image will be used prevents blurry prints or oversized web files.

Choosing the Right Colour Mode

Colour modes affect how colours appear in your final output.

RGB mode displays colours using red, green, and blue light. Use this for:

• Website graphics
• Social media images
• Digital presentations
• Anything viewed on screens

CMYK mode uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Use this for:

• Business cards and flyers
• Magazine layouts
• Any printed materials

You can convert between modes later, but starting with the right one gives better colour accuracy.

Saving Your Work Properly

Different file formats serve different purposes.

PSD files preserve all your layers and editing capability. Use these for:

• Work in progress
• Files you might edit later
• Sharing with other Photoshop users

JPEG files create small, compressed images. Use these for:

• Website images
• Email attachments
• Social media posts

PNG files support transparency and give better quality than JPEG. Use these for:

• Logos with transparent backgrounds
• Graphics with sharp edges
• Images requiring transparency

To save as PSD: File > Save As > Choose Photoshop format
To export as JPEG or PNG: File > Export > Export As

Organising Your Files

Good file organisation prevents lost work and confusion.

Naming structure: Use descriptive names that include the project, version, and date. For example: "Logo_ClientName_v02_2024Jan15"

Version control: Save major changes as new versions rather than overwriting. This lets you return to earlier versions if needed.

Folder structure: Create separate folders for different projects and file types. Keep your PSD files separate from exported images.

Create a consistent system and stick to it. Your future self will thank you.

Practice

Create three new documents with these specifications:

1. Instagram post: 1080 x 1080 pixels, RGB mode, 72 PPI
2. Business card: 85 x 55 mm, CMYK mode, 300 PPI
3. Website banner: 1200 x 400 pixels, RGB mode, 72 PPI

Save each document with a descriptive filename that includes the project type and date.

FAQs

What resolution should I use for print projects?
Use 300 PPI for standard prints. You can use 150-200 PPI for large format prints like posters that will be viewed from a distance.

Can I change the colour mode after starting my project?
Yes, but colours may shift when converting. Go to Image > Mode and select your preferred colour mode. It's better to start with the correct mode when possible.

What's the difference between Save and Export?
Save creates PSD files that keep all your layers editable. Export creates flattened files like JPEG or PNG for sharing or web use.

How large should I make my canvas?
Make it the exact size you need for the final output. Larger canvases use more computer memory and create bigger files without improving quality.

Jargon Buster

PPI (Pixels Per Inch): The number of pixels in each inch of your image. Higher PPI means more detail but larger file sizes.

RGB: A colour mode using red, green, and blue light. Best for anything displayed on screens.

CMYK: A colour mode using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. Required for professional printing.

Canvas: The working area of your Photoshop document, like a digital piece of paper.

Preset: Pre-configured document settings for common project types like web graphics or print layouts.

Wrap-up

You now know how to create properly configured Photoshop documents for any project. Remember to match your resolution and colour mode to the final output, use descriptive filenames, and save your work in the appropriate format. These fundamentals form the foundation for all your future Photoshop projects.

Ready to start creating? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more hands-on Photoshop tutorials: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership