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Adobe Photoshop/shrinking/expanding pics?

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Expert: Dyllian Rancharan - 7/13/2009


Question

figure
Hello Dyllian

I will try to keep this as short and concise as possible.  

I am the lab manager of a science laboratory (Windows computes) at a university.  We have used a graphics program called Canvas to make our figures for publications, presentations, etc.  Our figures are nothing too fancy...tabular data from Microsoft excel input into a formula, which makes an output consisting of a bunch of squiggly lines that are filled with color and export into a format such as .emf and input into our graphics program (please see attached).

The problem is is that Canvas is VERY OBSOLETE, so we looking to get a little more up to date.  We keep hearing about Photoshop, which I downloaded the free trial.  So far...so good.  It seems to have amazing capabilities.  However, I can not figure out how to 'grab' an image (jpeg, emf, tiff, etc) and shrink/expand to get all of our cm (y axis) to line up (see image), which can be done on canvas, as well as on Powerpoint, Word, etc.  Can this be done on Photoshop?  If so, how?  This is a very important feature for our work.  (Note...all sets of lines are separate images...they just need to be shrunk/expanded manually).

Thank you!!!

Thomas

Answer
Hi Thomas,

Indeed Photoshop is amazing, anything can be done with it.
As to your question, first of all I am not getting what you are trying to say. If you could kindly mention all the details or a sketch already created, it would help me alot. You can send me a file created as how you would like the final to be, from there I can cross check from the figure you sent with the final you want it to be.

You said: "However, I can not figure out how to 'grab' an image (jpeg, emf, tiff, etc) and shrink/expand to get all of our cm (y axis) to line up (see image), which can be done on canvas, as well as on Powerpoint, Word, etc."

Try this: Open the file on Photoshop. Is the Layer flattened (just one layer) or are they multiple layers? If so use the Arrow tool on your tool panel and select the layer you wish to shrink/expand (only possible if there are multiple layers). Thus, press CTRL + T together, the layer should be in a box now. With this you can shrink, expand, and basically do anything with that layer. You can now do the rest to fit the size you desire. (Taking into account these are multiple layers)

IF NOT! If the image is just one without layers. You will have to use the Square Marquees Tool on your tool panel to select the area you want to re-size. Once selected the desired area, press CTRL + T together and this will allow you to re-size the area as desired.

Let me know if this helps, or explain in detail what it is you want to achieve.

Regards,
Dyllian

Dyllian Rancharan

Expertise

I can answer most questions related to photoshop. As well as supply design ideas, techniques and great tips. I can also answer your questions in Spanish as well as English. (Puedo contestar sus preguntas en Espaņol si lo prefieren!)

Experience

I have been a desktop publisher for a newspaper and have three years working as the cheif graphic artist for a Casino in Belize.

Organizations
Currenlty working for the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Belize, C.A.

Publications
My work has been published in local newspapers as I designed a section called Intransit, an art column. It has also been published in some books I designed both the layout and cover.

Education/Credentials
Associates degree in desktop publishing and digital graphic designs

Awards and Honors
Was awarded by the Government of Belize as Graphic Designer of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2006

Past/Present Clients
Clients include Governmental Organizations, Businesses and International Clients

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