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Basic steps to prepare graphics for the web or print
This page gives a reasonable sequence of steps to follow to prepare a graphic for screen or print viewing. Special circumstances and common sense will often lead you to follow a different sequence and use techniques beyond this list. This list, though gives a starting point for graphics users.
1. Import the graphic into Photoshop using File -> Open.
2. Crop to include the section of the graphic you want using the cropping tool or the rectangular selection tool in a fixed size and choosing Edit -> Crop. This step may be done in conjunction with the next step.
3. Size the file and set the resolution. Use a combination of Edit -> Image Size and a rectangular selection tool with a fixed size. Avoid the temptation to resize in a word processor, desk-top publishing prograg, or web authoring program.
4. Image -> Adjust -> Auto Colors
5. Image -> Adjust -> Auto Contrast.
6. Image -> Adjust -> Auto Levels (You may try reversing the order of steps 4 and 5.)
7. (Optional) Image -> Adjust -> Levels to make image lighter or darker.
8. Filter -> Sharpen -> Unsharp Mask
A fairly normal starting set of values would be Amount 80, Radius 2, and Threshold 2. This is a remarkable sharpening tool.
9. Save an original copy of the image in Photoshop (PSD) formata using File -> Save. For the web or word processing, or Powerpoint, do a File -> Save for Web. Choose JPEG for continuous tone and GIF for solid tone images.
There are many other Photoshop techniques for working on a graphic. See any graphics book.
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