Photoshop Domain 3 - Organizing Documents

This objective covers document structure such as layers and managing document structure for efficient workflows. This section contains presentations, projects, and quizzes to help you pass the Adobe Photoshop CC Certification Exam.

3.1 Use layers to manage design elements.

a. Use the Layers panel to manage visual content.
  • Key Concepts: adding, deleting, hiding/showing, locking/unlocking, and duplicating, etc.

b. Manage and organize layers in a complex project.

  • Key Concepts: renaming layers, creating layer groups, deleting empty layers, keeping the Layers panel organized, selecting, grouping vs. linking, flatten and merge, tradeoffs with editability and file size, etc.

 c. Recognize the different types of layers in the Layers panel.

  • Key Concepts: background, pixel, adjustment, type, fill, shape, vector, Smart Object (embedded and linked), active/inactive (hidden), artboard layers, etc.

3.2 Modify layer visibility using opacity, blending modes, and masks.

a. Adjust a layer's opacity, blending mode, and fill opacity.

  • Key Concepts: opacity

b. Create and edit masks.

  • Key Concepts: layer masks, clipping masks, frame tool, applying, deleting, disabling, and link/unlink, etc.

3.3 Differentiate between and perform destructive or nondestructive editing to meet design requirements.

a. Nondestructive editing: Smart Objects, Smart Filters, and adjustment layers.

b. Destructive editing: painting, adjustments, erasing, and rasterizing.

Photoshop CC Domain 3 Quiz Resources

a. Communicate visually by using the elements and principles of design and common design techniques. 

  • Key Terms: space, line, shape, form, color, texture, emphasis/focal point, unity/harmony, variety, balance, alignment, proximity, repetition, rhythm, scale, movement, negative space, gestalt, etc.

b. Identify and use common typographic adjustments to create contrast, hierarchy, and enhanced readability/legibility. 

  • Key Terms: font, size, style, color, alignment, kerning, tracking, leading, horizontal and vertical scale, line length, etc.

 c. Demonstrate knowledge of common photographic/cinematic composition terms and principles.

  • Key Terms: aspect ratio, rule of thirds, foreground, background, color, tone, contrast, framing, depth of field, field of view, white balance, etc.