Visual28-Personal Blog of Mark Aplet - Design, web, and other topics

David Perel and I share a common thought process when it comes to creating layouts. Keep it simple and keep it flexible. We both believe in a 10 Pixel  Grid System. For some time I have thought about writing a framework similar to 960.gs, but have determined that it's just too much work, and I am not that motivated. So instead I thought I would just share my Photoshop template with you.

Download the Photoshop file

Once you have the file open you should see the Guides, if not, press cmd+; to turn them on. If you want to add some additional structure to your design, then you can also turn on the Photoshop Grids (cmd+') The default grid overlay does not work al to well with our template so open up the photoshop preferences (cmd+k) And go to the "Guides, Grid, Slices & Count…" tab.

In the Grid section change the Gridline to every 60 pixels and the subdivisions to every 6. This will give you a nice 10x10 pixel grid for your document.

It's pretty common to to be given a tilted photo to use on a project. I find the tilted horizon to be distracting so a straightening is in order. Most of the time I see people placing a line or rule over the photo and straightening a photo by sight. This may be adequate for some photos, however, if accuracy and speed are are necessary this trick will allow you to straighten photos like a pro.

This is old trick to fix photos with slanted horizons. I think Scott Kelby demonstrated this technique way back in photoshop 5 so it's not a new trick by any stretch of the imagination. Designers today are still amazed when I show it to them. This trick is so simple and so easily overlooked that I just had to put it out there one more time for anyone that might be newer to photoshop or work infrequently in the program.

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I don't consider myself to be a power user of Photoshop but I use a few shortcuts that really make my life easier. I have compiled a list of some of the lesser known tips that can really help make your life easier. Take the time to learn the ones that you find most useful. Chances are your productivity will increase and you will feel better knowing that your more efficient.

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