How to Design a PSD Template Tutorial

Contributor

By Nicolas Poague
eHow Contributing Writer

Use Photoshop to create custom graphics.

A Photoshop Document (PSD) is the file extension used by the popular Adobe Photoshop application. Photoshop can be used for image enhancement, illustration, digital painting, animations, and even creating web pages. PSD templates are used by individuals that might frequently need to make adjustments to a project, or when they collaborate with others. A PSD template is very beneficial for this use because it preserves all of one's work in the document.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Adobe Photoshop

How to Design a PSD Template

Step 1

Open up Photoshop. Also open any images that you wish to use for your project within Photoshop.
Step 2

Begin to create Layers for each main feature of your project. This can be done by clicking "Layer" in the top toolbar, then "New Layer."
Step 3

Name your layers by double-clicking on the layer name in the Layers palette. For example, some common layer names for a customized photograph template would be: Background, Person 1, Effects, and Color Adjustment.
Step 4

Add your images, text, or effects to their respective layers. Be sure that the layer your wish to alter is selected (highlighted) by clicking on the layer in the Layers palette to the right.
Step 5

Go to "File" and "Save As." In the Format dialog box, select "Photoshop (*.PSD;*.PDD)." Give your file a descriptive name and click "Save."

Tips & Warnings

Naming layers is an often overlooked but extremely important step in creating your template. Use descriptive names for your layers especially if the template will be used by others. Make duplicates of layers as backups by right-clicking the specific layer in the Layers palette, and click "Duplicate Layer." Give backups a different name, such as "People backup," and turn off the visibility for that layer by clicking the eye icon to the left of the layer name.
Save your template project often. Make it a habit to save after making any change to ensure you do not lose your hard work in the event of an uncontrollable circumstance.

Resources

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