Photoshop Ninja
Expert Photoshop tips and tricks for designers and photographers since 2005
Clone Stamp & Healing Brush Alignment
Get aligned when using the clone and healing tools in Photoshop – and create even better retouching.
It is sometimes hard to be accurate when using the Clone Stamp (sometimes called the Rubber Stamp) tool – this is especially true when you need to align your copied area with a clear line or pattern within the image. This can be quite a trial area with lots of undo’s!
The solution is simple – remember the little target sampler that comes up when you set the source with either of these two tools – well once you have set the source in this way, move the brush to where you want to start brushing in and switch temporarily back to the sampler. Now instead of trying to place the center of the brush aligned with the destination pattern, you can very precisely line up the center of your brush using the small cross hair of the sampler… just remember to let go to go back to your brush before you click, otherwise you will set a new source!
BONUS TIP
You should always change your preferences to show your ‘brush size’ (so you get a good idea of the brush size your are using – shown a s a circle or shape to reflect your current brush), and ‘precise’ for other cursors (so you get a little target as mentioned above, instead of an icon representation). You will find this option under Preferences>Display & Cursors.
BONUS TIP 2:
If your brush is displaying as a little crosshair, even when it is set to show ‘brush size’ you have your Caps Lock on – switch it off and the brush size will be revealed again!
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Written by Jonny Allbut - freelance graphic designer
Last modified: 9 March, 2009 (12:47) | First published: 10 May, 2005
Filed under Photoshop Top Tips, Techniques - Other 2 Comments »
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Comment by Flytag
March 14, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I’m wondering if anyone knows how to make a script or I missed a shortcut to toggle alignment for the current tool you’re using (stamp or healing?) When I am sampling often I’m a pixel off and have to keep undoing and brushing again (with alignment off it saves resampling) until I’ve got the right spot then I can quickly toggle alignment on. I find it’s easier instead of resampling from that same destination again, to simply have alignment off, until I get the right spot. After I get it just right, I like to ‘lock alignment’ so I can use a few brush strokes while lifting my pen, and be able to reset it for new areas quickly, without going to the interface everytime inbetween. any ideas or suggestions?
Comment by Jonny
March 17, 2007 @ 11:20 am
I dont know a shortcut to toggle alignment on and off – anyone know this one??