A Photoshop Primer for Book Cover Design

A Photoshop Primer for Book Cover Design

When you are creating your first book cover using Photoshop, everything can seem a little overwhelming and difficult to use. Photoshop is one of the most comprehensive image editing programs currently available, and there are literally thousands of things that you can do to an image using Photoshop. In order to create a book cover successfully, you’re going to have to learn a little bit about how to use this program. This is a Photoshop Primer specifically for those who wish to dabble in designing their own book covers. We will be covering the main components that you will be using in your cover design.

Your Window Pane & Toolbar

The first thing to be aware of is the window pane on the right and the toolbar on the left. The toolbar allows you to select different tools that you might need such as the move tool or the magic eraser. The window pane on the right gives you access to everything that you need to design a book cover. By default, the Navigator pane is not included, so you need to go to the Windows drop down and select it.

Understanding Layers

Layers are exactly what they sound like, levels upon which you can draw or work and then delete when you no longer need them. It is a good idea to use layers when you are not sure what you are doing.

The Drag Tool

The drag tool allows you to drag pictures and text around to get them in the right position. This is especially useful for taxed which you need to be centered. The lines will tell you when taxed is centered within your document or image.

The Text Tool

The text tool will allow you to set the font and the size of the font, as well as type whatever you want to place on your book cover. This is a very useful tool as you will use it for the title of your book, any subtitles and your author name.

Fonts & Sizes

You will also be using the fonts and sizes tool which is located at the top panel of your Photoshop. You will be able to set what font you want as well as what size you want to appear.

The Navigator

Once you have added the Navigator panel, you will be able to zoom in and out your image and get as close as you need to create the design that you want. If you need help with anything related to data recovery, photoshop for book design, etc. Check out IT Services NYC

Colors & Layer Styles

The colors and layer styles allow you to choose a certain color either using the color panel or the swatches panel, and the layer styles will allow you to select any of your installed layer styles or from the dozen or so default styles.

The Transformation Tool

Finally, if you go to edit > transform > free transform > you will be able to move around your image or text to any size you want; or any shape that you want for that matter.