Learning how to add an image in Photoshop can greatly enhance your editing skills. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you master this process, which can open up new avenues of creativity and improve the quality of your work.

Step 1. Opening the Photoshop Application

Start by launching Adobe Photoshop on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Photoshop icon on your desktop or searching for it in the start menu.

Step 2. Importing the Image

Navigate to “File” on the top menu and select “Open”. A dialogue box will appear. Find and select the image you want to edit, then click “Open”.

Step 3. Understanding the New Layer

You do not need to create an empty layer before adding an image. Place Embedded and drag-and-drop create their own layers.

Step 4. Placing the Image on the Canvas

Step 4.1 Using the Place Embedded Function

Go to the “File” menu, select “Place Embedded”. Select your image in the dialog box that appears and click “Place”. The image will appear on its own new Smart Object layer.

Step 4.2 Using the Drag and Drop Method

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the image file directly onto the Photoshop workspace. It will automatically create a new layer.

Step 5. Resizing and Positioning the Image

Step 5.1 Using the Free Transform Tool

Press Ctrl+T or Command+T on Mac to activate the “Free Transform” tool. Drag the corner handles to resize the image. Keep the Maintain Aspect Ratio link icon on while dragging to maintain proportions.