Digital art and photo editing use software tools to create, improve, and prepare images for sharing or printing. This cheat sheet helps students understand the basic choices that affect image quality, color, and workflow. It is useful for drawing, editing photos, making graphics, and exporting finished work.
Students can use it as a quick reference while working in apps like Photoshop, Photopea, Procreate, Krita, or Canva.
The most important ideas are layers, resolution, color modes, and file formats. Layers let artists separate parts of an image so they can edit without damaging the whole design. Resolution, measured in pixels or pixels per inch, controls how sharp an image looks on screens and in print.
Choosing the right tools, saving editable files, and exporting in the correct format helps artwork look polished and professional.
Key Facts
- Use layers to separate objects, text, effects, and background elements so each part can be edited independently.
- Resolution is image detail, and a common print setting is 300 PPI while screen images often use 72 to 144 PPI.
- Image size in pixels is found by width in pixels x height in pixels, such as 1920 x 1080 for a full HD image.
- RGB color mode is best for screens, while CMYK color mode is commonly used for professional printing.
- Save an editable master file in the program format, such as PSD, XCF, KRA, or Procreate, before exporting a flat final copy.
- Use PNG for transparent backgrounds or crisp graphics, JPEG for smaller photo files, and PDF for print-ready documents.
- Non-destructive editing means using adjustment layers, masks, and duplicate layers so the original image can be recovered.
- Cropping changes the edges of an image, while resizing changes the pixel dimensions or print dimensions of the image.
Vocabulary
- Layer
- A layer is a separate level in a digital image that can hold artwork, text, effects, or adjustments.
- Resolution
- Resolution is the amount of detail in an image, usually measured in pixels or pixels per inch.
- Pixel
- A pixel is the smallest square unit of color that makes up a digital image on a screen.
- Selection
- A selection is an active area of an image that can be edited without changing the rest of the image.
- Mask
- A mask hides or reveals parts of a layer without permanently erasing the image.
- Export
- Export means saving a finished copy of a project in a format that is easy to share, print, or upload.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Working directly on the original image is a mistake because it can permanently damage the only copy. Duplicate the layer or use adjustment layers before making major edits.
- Using low-resolution images for print is a mistake because they can look blurry or pixelated on paper. Use higher pixel dimensions or about 300 PPI for printed work.
- Flattening layers too early is a mistake because it removes the ability to edit separate parts later. Save a layered master file before making a flat export.
- Choosing the wrong file format is a mistake because each format has a different purpose. Use PNG for transparency, JPEG for small photo files, and editable project formats for ongoing work.
- Overusing filters and effects is a mistake because it can make the artwork look messy or distract from the main subject. Apply effects with a clear purpose and compare before and after versions.
Practice Questions
- 1 A student creates an image that is 1200 pixels wide and 800 pixels tall. How many total pixels are in the image?
- 2 A poster must print at 8 inches wide with a resolution of 300 PPI. What pixel width should the file be?
- 3 You need to export a logo with a transparent background for a website. Which file format is usually the best choice, PNG or JPEG?
- 4 Explain why using layers and masks is better than erasing parts of the original photo when editing.