Photoshop for non-designers: 10 hidden features that will save you hours

You’re not a professional designer, but you need to edit photos, create social media graphics, or whip up quick mockups? Photoshop might seem intimidating, but it’s packed with hidden tools that simplify your workflow dramatically.

In this article, we’ll reveal 10 lesser-known but powerful features that help you skip tedious tutorials and get things done faster.

✨ 1. Content-Aware Fill: Remove Objects Perfectly

The Problem: You want to erase an unwanted object, but the result looks messy.

The Solution:

1. Select the object (Lasso Tool or Quick Selection Tool).
2. Press Shift + F5 → Choose Content-Aware Fill.
3. In the new window, tweak the sampling area for a seamless blend.

Pro Tip: If the fill isn’t perfect, experiment with different “Sampling Area” settings (e.g., “Rectangular” for flat surfaces).

⚡ 2. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Actions

The Problem: You keep repeating the same steps (e.g., resizing + exporting images).

The Solution:

1. Open the Actions panel (Alt + F9).
2. Click “Create New Action”, name it (e.g., “Social Media Resize”).
3. Record your steps (e.g., Image Size → 1080×1080 → Export As → JPEG).
4. Stop recording. Now apply this Action to any file with one click!

Where to Find Ready-Made Actions:

• Adobe Exchange
• Envato Elements

✂️ 3. Cut Out Hair Like a Pro

The Problem: When removing a person’s background, curly hair edges look unnatural.

The Solution:

1. Make a selection (Select → Subject).
2. Click Select and Mask.
3. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to smooth hair outlines.
4. Enable “Decontaminate Colors” to remove leftover color fringes.

🔮 4. 3D Text in 2 Minutes (No Modeling Skills!)

The Problem: You need a 3D effect but don’t know Blender.

The Solution:

1. Type your text (Type Tool).
2. Go to 3D → New 3D Extrusion from Selected Layer.
3. Adjust depth, lighting, and materials in the 3D panel.

🤖 5. AI-Powered Magic with Neural Filters

The Problem: Old photos look grainy or damaged.

The Solution:

1. Open Filter → Neural Filters.
2. Enable “Photo Restoration” → Adjust “Enhance” and “Reduce Noise”.
3. For portraits, try “Skin Smoothing” or “Smart Portrait” (change age/expressions!).

🎨 6. Blend Modes for Instant Effects

• “Overlay“ → Boosts contrast (perfect for landscapes).
• “Color” → Recolors objects without selections (e.g., change a car’s color).
• “Multiply“ → Darkens (great for shadows).

How to Use:

1. Create a new layer.
2. Pick a blend mode.
3. Paint with brushes (e.g., white on “Screen” mode to brighten).

🔄 7. Curved Text in 30 Seconds

1. Draw a circle (Ellipse Tool).
2. Select the Type Tool and click the circle’s path.
3. Type—your text will auto-wrap!

📜 8. Lorem Ipsum with One Click

1. Select the Type Tool.
2. Click the canvas and paste text.
3. Right-click → “Paste Lorem Ipsum”.

🎁 9. Free Photoshop Resources

• Brushes: Brusheezy
• Gradients: Gradient Hunt
• Fonts: Google Fonts

🚀 10. Speed Up Photoshop on a Slow PC

1. Edit → Preferences → Performance:
   • Increase RAM usage (70-80%).
   • Disable “Animated Zoom”.
2. Settings → Tools: Turn off “Enable Gestures”.

🔥 Bonus: Quick-Start Cheat Sheet

✅ Content-Aware Fill – Remove distractions.
✅ Actions – Automate repetitive work.
✅ Neural Filters – AI-powered edits.