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How to Add Guides in Photoshop

Last updated: March 13, 2024 - 2 min read
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Struggling to add guides in Photoshop? This article provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you master this task. By understanding this process, you can improve your design precision and workflow efficiency.

Step 1. Open the ‘View’ Menu

Start by launching Photoshop on your device. Open your desired image. Navigate to the top menu bar and click on ‘View’. This will drop down a menu list.

Step 2. Select ‘New Guide’

On the dropdown menu, find and click ‘New Guide’. This will open up a dialog box.

Step 3. Choose the Guide Orientation

In the dialog box, you will find options to choose the guide’s orientation.

Step 3.1 Selecting Horizontal Orientation

If you want your guide to be horizontal, select ‘Horizontal’.

Step 3.2 Selecting Vertical Orientation

If you prefer the guide to be vertical, select ‘Vertical’.

Step 4. Set the Guide Position

Enter a value in the ‘Position’ box to set your guide’s location. You can input the value in pixels, inches, centimeters, or percent of the image size, depending on your needs.

Step 5. Adding Multiple Guides

Repeat steps 2-4 to add more guides. You can add as many guides as you need for your project.

Step 6. Using the ‘New Guide Layout’ Option

For multiple guides, use the ‘New Guide Layout’ option in the ‘View’ menu. This feature allows you to add rows, columns, and margins to your image.

Step 7. Customizing the Guide Layout

In the ‘New Guide Layout’ dialog box, adjust the number of rows and columns, and set the width of the margins to suit your project needs.

Step 8. Saving the Guide Layout

Click ‘OK’ to save your guide layout. Photoshop will remember your settings for future use.

Step 9. Deleting Guides

To delete a guide, click and drag it off your image. Photoshop removes it instantly.

Step 10. Hiding and Showing Guides

You can hide or show guides, providing a clean workspace when needed.

Step 10.1 Hiding Guides

To hide guides, go to the ‘View’ menu and uncheck ‘Show Guides’.

Step 10.2 Showing Guides

To show hidden guides, return to the ‘View’ menu and check ‘Show Guides’.

Step 11. Locking and Unlocking Guides

Locking guides prevents accidental movements.

Step 11.1 Locking Guides

To lock guides, click ‘Lock Guides’ in the ‘View’ menu.

Step 11.2 Unlocking Guides

To unlock guides, uncheck ‘Lock Guides’ in the ‘View’ menu. Now you can move or delete guides as needed.