Zooming (Zoom Tool)

Lesson 1: Getting Around in Photoshop Elements 4

Now select the Zoom tool in the toolbox. Notice the same three "fit" buttons in the options bar, just like the hand tool. If you want the document window to resize as you zoom in and out, check the "Resize Windows to Fit" box on the options bar. You've already learned a few different ways to change the magnification of your image--the zoom control in the status bar, the context-sensitive menu, and double clicking the zoom tool. Let's look at a few more.

When the zoom tool is selected, the cursor becomes a magnifying glass with a plus sign. The plus sign indicates that you're all set to zoom in. All you need to do is click to increase magnification. If you want to zoom in on a specific area of the image click and drag a rectangle around the area you want to magnify. This will enlarge the selected area to fill the workspace. Try it now. To return to 100% magnification, use the keyboard shortcut, Ctrl-Alt-0 (Win) or Cmd-Option-0 (Mac). To zoom in without switching to the zoom tool, use Ctrl-+ (plus sign) on Windows or Command-+ (plus sign) on Macintosh.

To switch to zoom out mode, you can click the zoom out button on the options bar. However, it is much easier to use the keyboard shortcuts. When you hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key, the zoom cursor will change to a minus sign in the magnifying glass, and you can click to zoom out. To zoom out without switching to the zoom tool, use Ctrl-- (minus sign) on Windows or Cmd-- (minus sign) on Macintosh.

Let's review each of the zoom tool options:

• No modifier key = click to zoom in; click and drag to zoom into a specific area
• Double click zoom tool button = zoom to 100% magnification
• Ctrl-Alt-0 (Win) / Cmd-Option-0 (Mac) = zoom to 100% magnification
• Alt (Win) / Option (Mac) = click to zoom out

Here are a few more zoom shortcuts we have not yet covered:

• Ctrl-0 (Win) / Cmd-0 (Mac) = zoom to fit the screen
• Ctrl (Win) / Cmd (Mac) = temporarily toggles to the move tool

Working in Photoshop Elements generally involves a lot of zooming and panning, so now you are well on your way. By memorizing the most common keyboard shortcuts related to zooming and panning, these functions will become second nature to you and you'll be able to work much faster.

Next: Review Lesson One | Take the Lesson One Quiz