Top tips to Maximize Productivity in Photoshop

We all know how it's like to use Photoshop, you sit down at your computer with an idea in mind, and before you know it 4-5 hours have gone by and your image looks nothing like you had planned.

Well it's not just you, everybody suffers from productivity issues in any field from time to time. Here are a few tips to help you increase efficiency and productivity when using Photoshop

Have a clear idea from the beginning

So many time's I've sat down to make something in Photoshop without a final result in my mind, this just leads to countless hours wasted on screwing around with the software and not knowing where your image is going. Before you sit down at your computer, write out a clear plan on how you're going to approach the project and what steps need to be taken to get there.

Sketch out a Template

Doing some graphic design work? Sketch it out with pen and paper first! Drawing sketches of your ideas with pen and paper can really help you visualize what you're trying to achieve. When you're done, simply scan your sketches in and use them as the framework for your image.

Learn to use Hot Keys

This is one of the most important tips in this article. How annoying is it when you're switching from the Brush Tool to the Eraser Tool and back again, and again and again? Well if you knew that the hotkey for the Brush Tool was 'B' and the Eraser Tool was 'E' then it instantly quickens the process by a few seconds. Now you may not think that a few seconds matters; but with Photoshop nearly everything has a hotkey or has the ability to have one assigned to it. If you count out the amount of times you're changing tools/ using filters/ applying Layer Styles then you'll quickly find with the help of hotkeys a 4 hour job quickly becomes a 3 hour job.

If you want to learn Photoshop Hotkeys, check out 58 Essential Photoshop Shortcuts

Learn to use Actions

Photoshop has a neat little feature called Actions, which allows you to predefine a number of steps, hit play, and Photoshop will execute them in the order you specified. Make actions for those 3-10 step operations that you repeat often and you'll save a huge chunk of time.

Take a break

Been at it for hours? Can't see an end in sight? It's probably because you're too close to the project. Save and shut down Photoshop and go have a coffee, make a sandwich or go for a walk. Sometimes stepping away from the project for a little while will help get you the idea you need to finish the job.

Listen to Music

Listening to music can help you concentrate on the task at hand. I know if I've got a TV blaring in the background while I try to work, it distracts me easily; but working in silence bores me. Listening to music can help you knuckle down and finally start to concentrate!

Unplug your router

If I had a quarter for every time I told myself 'ah ill just read one more article then get back to work'. The internet is a MASSIVE distraction and can impact greatly on your efficiency. It's all too easy to get lost in websites like Facebook or youTube for hours on end. If you're really having trouble focusing, unplug your router or turn your browser to 'Offline Mode' and set yourself a time limit or a goal before you're allowed to turn it back on.

Utilize just one or more of these tips in your daily Photoshop routine and you'll be increasing productivity in no time.