Adobe Photoshop CS6 Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks by Lynette Kent

CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED COLOR for the interface
and screen modes
In previous versions of Photoshop, you were able to
change the color of the background behind the image
you were working on, with the tools and panels
remaining a light color. Photoshop CS6 now gives you
color options for the interface. The color themes
include four different shades from light gray through
dark gray, and the changes take place immediately
when you select a different Appearance Color Theme
from the Preferences Interface window.
Viewing your images against darker or lighter
backgrounds acts like a traditional matte surrounding
your central image, and helps the eye see the colors
and contrast more accurately. When the tools and
panels around your image are too light, it can distract
your eye. You can even match the tools and panels
with the background color of your selected screen
mode, giving you a more uniform backdrop for
viewing and editing.
Darkening the user interface is particularly useful for
photographers and those working in both Photoshop
and Lightroom, or another application with a dark
appearance, because less of a visual shift occurs
when switching applications.
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Note: You can better judge the
options if you first open an image
and press F once to change the
view mode to Full Screen with
Menus.
1 Click Photoshop (Edit).
2 Click Preferences.
3 Click Interface.
The Interface pane of the
Preferences dialog box appears.
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4 Click the title bar and drag the
Preferences dialog box slightly to
the side or down to see the tools
and panels.
5 Click each of the four Color
Theme boxes to see the changes.
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