Do not size up whether the image or object has centered. Adobe Photoshop has a useful feature that helps you to center an image easily within seconds.
This feature has been around for years (or maybe decades) but not many people notice that because the button itself arguably vague.
So, if you want to center an image or object in Photoshop, here is the quickest way you can follow!
INFO: The following tutorial is based on Adobe Photoshop CS4. However, the steps are basically the same no matter what version do you use.
Table of Contents
How to center an image in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you will learn how to center an image or object in Photoshop easily. By the end of the guide, you can redo all the steps in just three seconds.
1. Run Adobe Photoshop with the image you want to center. Make sure there is another layer beneath the image.
2. Click on the Move Tool or press V.
3. Select the layer of an image or object you wish to be centered on.
4. Now, press CTRL+A to select all. You may see a dashed line around the canvas like this.
5. Click the Align vertical centers and then Align horizontal centers button.
6. The image should be centered like this. Press CTRL+D to deselect the layer.
To sum up, the guide should look like this:
- Press V
- Select the layer
- Press CTRL+A
- Click Align vertical centers and Align vertical centers
- Press CTRL+D
You can do all those things in just a few seconds. It is recommended to use keyboard shortcuts to save time and work effectively.
Why Should You Center Images in Photoshop?
Before jumping into the techniques, let’s look at some of the benefits of centering images in Photoshop:
- Creates balanced compositions: Centering your main subject in the frame creates symmetry and balance within the image. This gives a pleasing aesthetic that helps the composition feel professionally designed.
- Draws focus: When you center your key subject in the frame, it naturally draws the viewer’s eye towards it. This emphasizes the importance of the centered element.
- Aligns layers: Centering is useful for aligning multiple layers in a composition. You can ensure different elements are centered relative to each other.
- Prepares for exports: If you plan to export your images for print or web, it’s best to center them within the canvas first. This allows you to easily crop to different sizes without losing your composition.
FAQs
How do I center an image quickly in Photoshop?
Select the layer you want to center. With the marquee tool active, press CTRL + A to select the whole document. Then, within the move tool (keyboard shortcut: V), click the “Align vertical centers” and the “Align horizontal centers” buttons to center the layer.
How do I center align an object in Photoshop?
Select the object layer you want to center. Press CTRL + A to select the whole canvas. Then, using the move tool, click the “Align vertical centers” and “Align horizontal centers” buttons to center the object.
How do I align an image to the center of a canvas in Photoshop?
Select the image layer you want to center. Press CTRL + A to select the entire canvas. Then, using the move tool, click the “Align vertical centers” and “Align horizontal centers” buttons to center the image.
How do I center an image in Photoshop Elements?
In Photoshop Elements, go to Select > All, then your alignment options of Center and Middle should work. After aligning, go to Select>Deselect to finish.
I hope that helps!
