What is Adobe Photoshop? How to Use It? 50 Detailed Application Explanations for All Menus and Tools

Adobe Photoshop is the world's most powerful and widely used software for graphic design, digital art, photo editing, and visual manipulation. Preferred by both individual users and professional agencies, this software offers endless creative freedom to the user with its detailed tools and advanced features.

In this article, starting from the basic functions of Adobe Photoshop, we will discuss what each menu item and tool does in a practical and detailed manner under 50 different headings.

1–10: File and Edit Operations

File > New: Used to start a new workspace.
File > Open: Opens an existing image file.
File > Save / Save As: Saves your file in PSD or different formats.
File > Export > Save for Web: Exports web-optimized images.
Edit > Undo / Step Backward: Reverts the last actions performed.
Edit > Transform > Scale: Resizes the selected object.
Edit > Preferences: Customizes performance, interface, and keyboard settings.
Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast: Adjusts brightness and contrast.
Image > Image Size: Changes the physical dimensions and resolution of the document.
Image > Canvas Size: Adjusts the margins of the workspace.

11–20: Layers and Selection Operations

Layer > New > Layer: Creates a new layer.
Layer > Duplicate Layer: Duplicates the selected layer.
Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow: Adds a shadow effect.
Layer > Merge Layers: Merges multiple layers.
Select > All: Selects the entire canvas.
Select > Deselect: Removes the selection.
Select > Modify > Expand: Expands the selection area.
Select > Color Range: Selects a specific color tone.
Select > Subject: Makes AI-powered object selection.
Layer Masks (Sub-icon in the panel): Creates masks for selection areas.

️ 21–30: Painting, Color, and Effect Tools

Brush Tool (B): Paints with a digital brush.
Clone Stamp Tool (S): Repairs by copying a specific area to another location.
Gradient Tool (G): Applies color transition effects.
Eraser Tool (E): Erases pixels.
Dodge Tool (O): Used as a lighting tool.
Burn Tool (O): Applies a darkening effect.
Smudge Tool: Gives the effect of smearing the image with a finger.
Color Picker: Selects a color from any region with the color picker.
Hue/Saturation: Adjusts color saturation and tone.
Blending Modes (Layer Panel): Selects the blending type between layers.

31–40: Text, Shape, and Vector Tools

Horizontal Type Tool (T): Adds horizontal text.
Vertical Type Tool: Creates vertical text.
Character Panel: Adjusts font, size, and character spacing.
Paragraph Panel: Adjusts paragraph alignment and spacing.
Shape Tools (U): Draws shapes such as rectangles, circles, and polygons.
Pen Tool (P): Creates vector drawings.
Path Selection Tool (A): Edits vector paths.
Convert Point Tool: Provides curve and corner transformations.
Direct Selection Tool: Makes point-by-point corrections.
Custom Shapes: Uses custom vector shapes.

41–50: Smart Objects, Filters, and Automations

Smart Object > Convert to Smart Object: Allows non-destructive editing on the layer.
Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur: Blurs specific areas.
Filter > Liquify: Tool for stretching and shaping objects.
Filter > Camera Raw Filter: Makes photo tonings.
Filter Gallery: Applies artistic effects and textures.
Actions Panel: Records and applies operations in bulk.
Timeline Panel: Animation or video editing can be done.
3D Panel: Creates 3D objects and texts.
History Panel: Tracks the history of all actions performed.
Export As / Export Layers to Files: Provides layer-based or multi-file export.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Photoshop is a comprehensive and powerful software that appeals to everyone from amateurs to professionals. Learning the menus and tools may take time, but thanks to this 50-item guide, you can effectively use 90% of Photoshop. Don't forget to practice to reinforce what you have learned.