Distorting images

Distorting an image is as easy as dragging a tool in the preview image.

Note: If a type layer or a shape layer is selected, you must rasterize the layer before proceeding, making the type or shape editable. To distort type without rasterizing the type layer, use the Warp options for the Type tool (see Warping type layers).

To distort an image:

1. Select the layer you want to distort. To change only part of the current layer, select that area.
2. Choose Filter > Liquify.
3. Freeze areas of the image that you don't want to alter. (See Freezing areas.)
4. Choose any of the liquify tools to distort the preview image (see Using the distort tools). Drag in the preview image to distort the image.
5. After distorting the preview image, you can use the Reconstruct tool or other controls to fully or partially reverse the changes or to change the image in new ways. (See Reconstructing distortions.)
6. Do one of the following:
• Click OK to close the Liquify dialog box and apply the changes to the active layer.
• Click Cancel to close the Liquify dialog box without applying changes to the layer.
• Click Restore All to revert all distortions to the preview image, leaving all options in their current settings.
• Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) and click Reset to revert all distortions to the preview image and reset all options to their defaults.

You can use the Edit > Fade command to create additional effects. (See Blending filter effects (Photoshop).)