back to top

How to Add Guides in Photoshop

Szilard Kovacs
Last updated: August 23, 2024 - 2 min read
ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little money. Need more info? See how it all works here.
Subscribe Below to Download the Article Immediately

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

Your privacy is safe! We will never share your information.

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.

Several open windows, showcasing software and tools for graphic design, including Adobe Photoshop and other related programs.

Step 2. Select ‘New Guide’

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

Adobe Photoshop with various windows and panels open, showing the softwares interface for editing images.

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’.

A graphic design software with a selection of elements visible, including text boxes and color palettes.

Step 3.2 Selecting Vertical Orientation

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

A software interface, specifically an application or graphic design program, where the user has been prompted to select their orientation preferences for a photo.

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.

Adobe Creative Suite interface, where the user has selected a color for an object in a photo editing program.

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.

A photo editing software open, featuring a woman in a business suit and the interface of the software.

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.

Adobe Photoshop software with a womans photo being edited.

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.

A promotional photo against a city backdrop.

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’.

The Adobe Photoshop interface with a woman posing in the center.

Step 10.2 Showing Guides

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

An Adobe Photoshop workspace where the user is working on a photo editing project, featuring a woman posing for a portrait and various tools used in the software.

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.

A graphic design software interface, featuring tools and settings typically found in such applications.

Step 11.2 Unlocking Guides

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

A woman posing in a promotional picture, with editing software open on the screen, where the subjects photo is being edited or prepared for production.