This tutorial is on how to rotate an image or layer in Photoshop. I’ll show you how to rotate a canvas from the Image Menu and how to turn a layer using the Free Transform Tool.
Recapping Tutorial on How to Rotate a Layer in Photoshop
There’s a number of reasons you may want to rotate a layer or photo in Photoshop. For me, my phone seems to always take pictures and not realize the phone is turned. So when I bring them into Photoshop to do some tweaking I need to turn them.
Rotate the Entire Canvas
To quickly rotate an image or layer in Photoshop go up to the Image menu, find Image Rotation, and choose 180 Degrees, 90 Degrees Clockwise, or 90 Degrees Counter Clockwise. Once you re-save the image your picture will now be in the correct direction.
When we do this though we are flipping the entire canvas. There’s probably going to be a scenario when you just want to turn a single layer while keeping the rest of your PSD where it is.
Rotate Just One Layer
To rotate just one layer you want to use the Free Transform Tool. Select the layer. Then hit Command+T if you’re on a Mac or Control+T if you’re on a PC.
You’ll now see a box around the layer with squares on each corner and on each side. Hover your mouse near one of the squares until it turns into a curved double-sided arrow. Now click and turn the layer to rotate it as needed. Holding the Shift key will rotate it in 15 degree increments. When you have it rotated how you want it, hit the Return or Enter key or click the checkmark at towards the top of the screen. You can use the Free Transform Tool again and again to get the layer rotated just right.
Below are useful links related to the tutorial:
- How to Add an Alpha Channel in Photoshop
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Reach out to me if you have any questions on this tutorial or anything else Photoshop, graphic design, video or post production-related. I’m here to help you emotionally, mentally and technically as a creative professional.