5 Practical Tips to Edit Like a Pro with Photopea

Published on 21 July 2023 5 min read

Use Layers for Flexible Editing
Master the Clone Stamp Tool
Apply the Rule of Thirds for Composition
Utilize Adjustment Layers for Non-destructive Edits
Save in the Right Format for Your Needs

Photopea is a fantastic free online tool you can use to transform your photos into masterpieces. If you've been on the lookout for practical ways to improve your editing skills and "edit like a pro with Photopea," you're in the right place. This blog post will guide you through 5 simple but effective tips to level up your photo editing game. Let's start with our first tip: using layers for flexible editing.

Use Layers for Flexible Editing

Professional photo editors swear by the power of layers. They're like the secret sauce to creating mind-blowing images. But if you're new to this, you might be wondering: What are layers and how can they help you "edit like a pro with Photopea?"

Understanding Layers

Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. Each sheet (or layer) can have different elements – text, shapes, or even another picture. The best part about using layers in Photopea is flexibility. You can tweak, rearrange or hide individual layers without affecting the rest of the image.

Creating and Managing Layers in Photopea

To create a new layer, simply click on the 'New Layer' button (it looks like a sheet of paper) at the bottom of the Layers panel.
To select a layer, just click on it in the Layers panel. The selected layer will be highlighted.
To rename a layer, double-click on its name in the Layers panel, type the new name, and hit Enter.
To delete a layer, select it and then click on the 'Trash' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Now that you know how to use layers, you can start experimenting. Add texts, create collages, or blend multiple photos — the possibilities are endless. Remember, mastering layers is your first step to "edit like a pro with Photopea."

Master the Clone Stamp Tool

When it comes to photo editing, the Clone Stamp tool is a real game-changer. It allows you to duplicate parts of an image, which can be incredibly useful for removing unwanted elements or duplicating desirable ones. So, how can you use it to "edit like a pro with Photopea"? Let's take a closer look.

Understanding the Clone Stamp Tool

Picture this: You've got a great photo, but there's an annoying little spot that's ruining the whole image. Maybe it's a photobomber, a trash bin, or just a distracting background object. This is where the Clone Stamp tool comes in. It allows you to pick a 'source' area from your image and 'stamp' it onto another area, effectively cloning the source over the target.

Using the Clone Stamp Tool in Photopea

Select the Clone Stamp tool from the toolbox (it looks like an old-fashioned rubber stamp).
Choose your source area by holding down the Alt key (Option on Mac) and clicking on the area you want to clone.
Start cloning by releasing the Alt key and clicking on the area where you want to apply the cloned pixels.

Pro Tip: Use a soft brush for the Clone Stamp tool to blend the edges and make the cloned area look more natural.

With a little practice, the Clone Stamp tool can be a powerful ally in your quest to "edit like a pro with Photopea." So go ahead, give it a shot and see the magic unfold!

Apply the Rule of Thirds for Composition

The rule of thirds is a simple, yet powerful, technique that can help bring balance and interest to your images. It's all about positioning the important elements in your photo in a way that's visually appealing. When aiming to "edit like a pro with Photopea", understanding and applying the rule of thirds can transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary.

Understanding the Rule of Thirds

Imagine your photo is divided into nine equal rectangles, three across and three down. The rule of thirds suggests that the most important elements of your image should be placed along these lines or at their intersections. Why, you ask? Well, it's all about guiding the viewer's eye and making the photo more engaging.

Applying the Rule of Thirds in Photopea

Open your image in Photopea.
Activate the grid by going to View > Show > Grid. This grid will divide your image into nine equal parts, making it easier for you to apply the rule of thirds.
Position your main subject along the grid lines or at the intersections. Use the Move tool (the arrow icon) to reposition your subject as needed.

Keep in mind, rules are meant to be broken. The rule of thirds is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast law. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for your image. After all, you're on your way to "edit like a pro with Photopea"!

Utilize Adjustment Layers for Non-destructive Edits

When editing photos, it's important to preserve the original image. This is where adjustment layers come into play, especially when you're aiming to edit like a pro with Photopea. They let you make changes to your image without permanently altering the base layer. Handy, right?

What are Adjustment Layers?

Think of adjustment layers as filters—you can tweak the color, brightness, contrast, and more of your image, but the original photo stays untouched underneath. That means you can experiment to your heart's content without worrying about messing up your source material. It's a safe playground for your creativity!

How to Use Adjustment Layers in Photopea

Select Layer > New Adjustment Layer from the top menu. A list of options will appear, each one offering a different way to tweak your image.
Choose an adjustment type—for example, Brightness/Contrast if you want to tweak the light levels in your image.
Adjust the settings to your liking. The changes you make will show up live on your image. Don't like what you see? Just delete the adjustment layer and start over—it's that simple!

Remember, adjustment layers are your allies in the quest to edit like a pro with Photopea. With them, you can experiment without fear and steadily refine your image until it's perfect.

Save in the Right Format for Your Needs

So, you've edited your image to perfection with Photopea, just like a pro. But before you rush to hit the save button, hold on a second! The format you choose to save your image in can make a big difference. Let's dive into the specifics.

Understanding Different Image Formats

Not all image formats are created equal. Some are great for keeping your image quality high, while others work better for smaller file sizes. Here's a quick rundown:

JPEG: This is a common format perfect for photos. It uses lossy compression, which means some image quality is sacrificed for a smaller file size.
PNG: Ideal for images with transparent backgrounds. PNG uses lossless compression, ensuring high quality, but results in larger file sizes.
GIF: Best for small, simple animations. Not recommended for high-quality static images.

Choosing the Right Format in Photopea

So, which format should you pick? It depends on what you need. If you've created a sleek logo with a transparent background, PNG is your friend. Sharing a photo on social media? JPEG might be your best bet. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—you need to pick the format that fits your specific needs.

To save your image in Photopea, simply click File > Export As, and then choose your preferred format. Then, you can adjust the quality settings if needed. And there you have it—you're one step closer to mastering how to edit like a pro with Photopea.

If you enjoyed these practical tips for editing with Photopea and want to expand your skills further, consider checking out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will help you learn how to bring your creations to life using animation techniques in Procreate and Photoshop, building upon the editing skills you've already developed.