How to Use Photoshop Grids and Photoshop Guides

By Tata Rossi 4 days ago, Photoshop Tips

Need some help precisely positioning the elements in your photos and designs? In this tutorial I will teach you how to create custom Photoshop grids and Photoshop guides layouts. This will help you create more appealing compositions, line up text, shapes and images.

How to Setup a Photoshop Grid?

1. Add a Grid

Go to View-Show-Grid to add a grid to your image, or use the shortcut Ctrl + ' (Cmd + ').

creating photoshop grid

2. Use the Grid for Photos and Drawings

The grid should now be superimposed over the image. It’s a perfect tool if you like to use the rule of thirds in photography. You can also use grids as a template when making a collage in Photoshop.

creating photoshop grid for photos

You can also use it for your drawings and designs to align the objects more precisely. Remember, that the grid is there just for your reference. If you decide to print your work, the grid won’t appear on the printed image.

creating photoshop grid for drawings

3. Go to Preferences

To adjust the color of the grid, open the Photoshop menu, and go to Preferences (Ctrl + K/Cmd + K) – Guides, Grid & Slices.

photoshop grid preferences

4. Set Preferences

Find the “Grid” section in a window that appears. Here you can adjust the color, size of the lines, as well as the number of subdivisions. You can also choose between 3 styles: lines, dashed lines, and dots. Click “OK” to apply changes.

photoshop grid changing color

How to Setup Photoshop Guides?

1. Add Guides

Go to View – Rulers to make the rulers visible, or use the shortcut Ctrl + R (Cmd + R).

creating photoshop guides

2. Drag the Rulers to Create Guides

The rulers should now be displayed around your working area. Click on the ruler and start dragging out as many guides as you like.

creating photoshop guides

3. Position Your Guides

Select the Move Tool (V) to drag the lines to the desired position and orientation.

positioning photoshop guides

4. Go to Preferences

To adjust the guides further go to Photoshop – Preferences (Ctrl + K/Cmd + K) – Guides, Grid & Slices.

photoshop guides preferences

5. Set Preferences

Find the “Guides” section at the top of the window. Here you can adjust the color and the style of guides. Click “OK” to apply changes.

photoshop guides setting preferences

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