Week 2 (Part 5: Retouching Tools)

 

Blur Tool (R)

A tool used for blurring selectively in areas clicked on. The size of your blur area is based on what brush you are using.

Sharpen Tool (R)

A tool used for sharpening selectively in areas clicked on. The size of your area is based on what brush you are using. Avoid using this tool if at all possible. There are numerous other ways of sharpening areas that will do a far better job than this. Not sure why it's even a tool anymore.

Smudge Tool (R)

A tool used for...well, smudging or smearing. I suppose it's a good tool for what it does. The only problem is, I haven't found a real use for it in 15 years. Maybe you can. If you do, let me know what it is.

Dodge Tool (O)

The dodge tool can be a very handy tool when working with photos. It is used to brighten areas of your image with the control of using a brush. You can also fine tune the amount and which tonal range you want to affect. Highlights, middletones or shadows.

Burn Tool (O)

The burn tool can also be very handy when working with photos. It is used to, you guessed it, darken areas of your image with the control of using a brush. Similarly, like the dodge tool, you can fine tune the amount and which tonal range you want to affect. Highlights, middletones or shadows.

Sponge Tool (O)

The sponge tool is used for desaturating areas of your image with the control of using a brush. Not quite as handy as it's two companion tools, but there is sometimes a need for such a tool.

Clone Stamp or Rubber Stamp tool (R)

Possibly the most popular tool in the program. This is the tool you will use to put that third eye on the forehead of your aunt Margaret. This tool is used for duplicating pixels from one area of your image to another. Once again, the size of the duplicated area is set by your brush size. Various options are available for customization of the tool in the tool options bar. This tool is most commonly used for touch-ups and removal of blemishes or unwanted elements in photos or for duplicating that third eye.

*The little black tri-angle at the bottom right corner of the tool means that if you click and hold on that button, it will expand to reveal more related tools.