Opening Photoshop Without Artboards

By default, Photoshop opens new documents with a single artboard. However, you can create new documents without artboards or open existing documents without them.

Creating a New Document Without Artboards

To create a new document without artboards, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Photoshop.
  2. Go to File > New.
  3. In the New Document dialog box, set the desired dimensions and resolution for your document.
  4. Uncheck the Artboards checkbox.
  5. Click Create.

This will create a new document with no artboards.

Opening an Existing Document Without Artboards

To open an existing document without artboards, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Photoshop.
  2. Go to File > Open.
  3. Locate the document you want to open.
  4. Hold down the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) key and click the Open button.

This will open the document in a new window without artboards.

Advantages of Working without Artboards

There are several advantages to working without artboards in Photoshop:

  • More Flexibility: You have more freedom to arrange your design elements without the constraints of artboards.
  • Easier to Scale: You can easily scale your design elements without worrying about the boundaries of artboards.
  • Reduced File Size: Documents without artboards are typically smaller in size, saving disk space and transfer time.

Tips for Working without Artboards

  • Use Guides and Grids: Utilize guides and grids to help you align and position your design elements.
  • Maintain Layers: Keep your design elements organized in layers to facilitate editing and manipulation.
  • Use Smart Objects: Consider using Smart Objects for images or elements that you may need to resize or transform frequently.

By following these methods and tips, you can effectively work without artboards in Photoshop, gaining greater flexibility and control over your designs.