CLONE STAMP TOOL
The Clone Stamp tool is used in Photoshop for
retouching images. To access it via your keyboard, you must press
either Shift-S or S. This tool has a large number of
options, and these include the alignment option, opacity, and paint
settings. When using this tool, you will want to have the aligned
option turned on. If you turn it off, the cloning will be reset to
the starting point when you release and click your mouse.
The blend mode options are very
important, and you will want to be familiar with them. The light and
dark variations of this mode can be very useful when working with
the clone stamp tool. It can keep your image from looking as if it
has been retouched. Making changes to the level of opacity can also
help improve the appearance of the image as well. Before you begin
using the clone stamp tool, it is important to describe your clone
source. To describe your clone source, you will want to click on the
photo while pressing the Alt/Option buttons simultaneously.
When this is done, your cursor will transform
into the stamp tool. Once you click your mouse button, the source
will be added. Now that you've done this, you will want to move the
cursor to the location where you want to make a copy of the clone.
When you click and drag, you will notice a crosshair that travels
with the cursor of the brush. This crosshair is showing you the
center of the clone. It is also possible to make a clone from a
single photo to another by placing the clone source within a single
photo. After this is done you can turn on the destination photo and
drag the cursor of the brush.
If you change the location of the windows to
where you can see both the destination and source, using the clone
stamp tool will be easier. When you use this tool, it is important
to make sure the destination and source brush are arranged
correctly. Finding a horizon line can help you. It is also important
to make sure the edges of the brush are arranged with this line. If
it is not, when you set the source and click, there may be some
problems.
When the first two clicks are properly
arranged, they will remain this way until the source point as been
revamped. Of all the basic Photoshop tools, the clone stamp can be
one of the most challenging to learn. However, with enough practice,
you should have no problem mastering it. Whether you are a
professional or novice, using Photoshop will require you to retouch
many images. Understanding the clone stamp tool and how to properly
use it will bring a new dimension to the quality of your work.
It is also important to understand the various
options which come with this tool. While the default settings may
work best, experiment to see the different changes that can be made
to your work by adjusting the settings.
