Timesaving Photoshop plugins

Photoshop is my main creative tool for web design. I’ve been using Photoshop for nearly 20 years and I love it when I find reliable plugins that save me time. Time is money and when I can save my clients’ money, my clients are happy, and happy clients are return clients.

Here are a few of my favorite Photoshop plugins:

Pixel 2 Vector

I love the Pixel 2 Vector plugin because it converts pixel shapes to vectors or custom photoshop shapes with a simple click. I use this plugin frequently for making custom icons and shapes. It is easy to use and when your shape is converted to a custom Photoshop shape, you can use it like any other shape which allows for easy changes in sizing, color and outlines. It isn’t perfect, but after you get to know the nuances of the plugin you’ll be able to create some really cool and timesaving custom photoshop shapes and vectors. As a bonus, this plugin is free – huge thanks to Orange box for this plugin, it may be my all-time favorite Photoshop timesaver.

Seamless Textures 2

This is another free plugin from Orange Box, the Seamless Texture plugin allows you to generate seamless tile patterns and mirror pattern images.

Watermark CC

The Watermark CC plugin allows you to watermark one or more of your photos with a simple click from the user panel. If you use a lot of images on your website, you can mark them easily with this plugin with just one click. You can also choose between text or logo as your watermark and resize the watermark. This plugin gives you options to choose the size, opacity and position of your mark.

Subtle Patterns

I use the Subtle Patterns plugin on a near daily basis because it creates high-quality, textured patterns with a click of a button. I want my viewers to see the entire site and not get overwhelmed with the background, so this plugin is perfect. I don’t like loud, in-your-face plugins, and Subtle Patterns is exactly what is says, subtle. Once you start using this plugin, you’ll find yourself going back to it time and time again.

Reflections

This reflection plugin lets you make quick reflections of images. Your image can have a border with a personalized size and color. You can also choose from two different backgrounds with customizable colors. I had some issues getting this plugin to install, but once installed it worked like a charm.

I’d love to know which Photoshop plugins you love best and why, drop me a comment and let me know.