Photoshop 2025 Workspace Essentials

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Navigate the toolbars and panels in both desktop and web versions of Photoshop
• Use layers effectively and adjust settings in the properties bar
• Apply AI tools powered by Firefly to speed up your editing
• Understand the key differences between desktop and web versions

Introduction

Getting comfortable with your Photoshop workspace is the foundation of everything you'll do later. The interface might look overwhelming at first, but once you know where everything lives, you'll edit much faster and with more confidence.

This chapter breaks down the essential parts of Photoshop 2025's interface. You'll learn where to find the tools you need, how layers work, and how the new AI features can help automate routine tasks. We'll also cover the differences between working on desktop versus the web version, so you can choose the right platform for each project.

Lessons

Finding Your Way Around Toolbars and Panels

The toolbar runs down the left side of your screen and contains all your main editing tools. The panels sit on the right and hold your controls for layers, adjustments, and project settings.

Step 1: Look at the toolbar on the left. You'll see icons for selection tools at the top, followed by cropping, painting, and text tools below.

Step 2: Click and hold any tool with a small triangle in the corner. This reveals related tools grouped underneath.

Step 3: Check the panels on the right side. The Layers panel shows all the elements in your image, while other panels control things like colour adjustments and editing history.

Step 4: If a panel goes missing, find it again in the Window menu at the top of your screen.

Working with Layers and Properties

Layers let you edit different parts of your image separately. Think of them like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. The Properties panel shows settings for whatever layer or tool you've selected.

Step 1: Open an image in Photoshop. Look at the Layers panel on the right – you'll see your image listed as the background layer.

Step 2: Click on a layer to select it. The Properties panel updates to show settings you can adjust for that specific layer.

Step 3: Try changing the opacity slider in the Properties panel. Watch how it affects the selected layer's transparency.

Step 4: Create a new layer by clicking the '+' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This gives you a blank layer to work on without affecting your original image.

Using Firefly AI Tools

Adobe's Firefly AI can handle many routine editing tasks automatically. These tools analyse your image and make intelligent adjustments, saving you time on basic corrections.

Step 1: With an image open, go to the Enhance menu in the menu bar. Here you'll find AI-powered options like Auto Tone and Auto Colour.

Step 2: Try Auto Tone first. This analyses your image's exposure and contrast, then applies corrections automatically.

Step 3: For removing unwanted objects, select the area with any selection tool, then go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill. The AI fills the selected area with suitable background content.

Step 4: Use the Object Selection tool from the toolbar. Click on any object in your photo and watch the AI automatically detect its edges.

Desktop vs Web Version Differences

The desktop version has more advanced features and runs faster, while the web version offers convenience and basic editing tools through your browser.

Step 1: Open the same image in both versions if you have access to both. Notice the desktop version has more tools in the toolbar and additional panels.

Step 2: In the web version, look for the cloud document controls at the top. These let you save directly to Adobe's cloud storage.

Step 3: Try a complex task like advanced layer blending in both versions. The desktop version offers more blending modes and adjustment options.

Step 4: Use the web version when you need quick edits on a different computer or want to share work-in-progress files easily.

Practice

Open a photo in Photoshop and complete these tasks:

1. Create three new layers above your background image
2. Use the brush tool to paint something simple on the second layer
3. Adjust the opacity of that layer to 50%
4. Apply Auto Tone to your background layer
5. Save your document as a cloud document

Try doing this exercise in both the desktop and web versions if available. Notice which tasks feel easier in each version.

FAQs

What's the quickest way to find a missing panel?
Go to Window in the menu bar and look for your panel in the list. Click its name to make it visible again.

Can I use the same AI tools in both desktop and web versions?
Most basic AI tools are available in both versions, but the desktop version typically gets new features first and offers more advanced options.

How do I reset my workspace if I've moved panels around?
Go to Window > Workspace > Reset [current workspace name] to return panels to their default positions.

Why do some tools have small triangles in the corner?
This means there are related tools grouped underneath. Click and hold to see all the options in that group.

Jargon Buster

Toolbar – The vertical strip of tool icons on the left side of your screen

Panels – The sections on the right that contain controls for layers, adjustments, and other functions

Layers – Separate elements of your image that can be edited independently, like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other

Properties panel – Shows settings and options for whatever tool or layer you currently have selected

Cloud documents – Files saved to Adobe's servers that you can access from any device with Photoshop

Content-Aware Fill – AI feature that intelligently fills selected areas with appropriate background content

Wrap-up

You now know where to find Photoshop's main tools and how the interface is organised. The toolbar gives you editing tools, panels provide controls and settings, and layers let you work on different parts of your image separately.

The AI tools can speed up routine tasks, but they work best when combined with your own creative decisions. Remember that the desktop version offers more power, while the web version prioritises convenience and collaboration.

Get comfortable moving around this interface before diving into specific editing techniques. The more familiar you become with where everything lives, the faster and more confidently you'll work.

Ready to start editing? Check out our full course library at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership