Transform objects

When transforming any layer type, dragging a corner handle now scales the layer proportionally by default, indicated by the Maintain Aspect Ratio button (Link icon) in the ON state in the Options bar. To change the default transform behavior to non-proportional scaling, simply turn OFF the Maintain Aspect Ratio (Link icon) button. The Shift key, while pressed, now acts as a toggle for the Maintain Aspect Ratio button. If the Maintain Aspect Ratio button is ON, the Shift key toggles it OFF while pressed and vice versa. Photoshop remembers your last transform behavior setting—proportional or non-proportional scaling—it will be your default transform behavior when you start Photoshop the next time. 

For detailed instructions, see Scale, rotate, skew, distort, apply perspective, or warp.

How do I switch back to the legacy transform behavior?

From the menu bar, choose Edit (Win)/Photoshop (Mac) > Preferences > General, then select Legacy Free Transform.

Apply transformations

Transforming scales, rotates, skews, stretches, or warps an image. You can apply transformations to a selection, an entire layer, multiple layers, or a layer mask. You can also apply transformations to a path, a vector shape, a vector mask, a selection border, or an alpha channel. Transforming affects image quality when you manipulate the pixels. To apply non-destructive transformations to raster images, use Smart Objects. (See Work with Smart Objects.) Transforming a vector shape or path is always non-destructive because you’re only changing the mathematical calculations producing the object.

To make a transformation, first select an item to transform and then choose a transformation command. If necessary, adjust the reference point before manipulating the transformation. You can perform several manipulations in succession before applying the cumulative transformation. For example, you can choose Scale and drag a handle to scale, and then choose Distort and drag a handle to distort. Then press Enter or Return to apply both transformations.

Photoshop uses the interpolation method selected in the General area of the Preferences dialog box to calculate the color values of pixels that are added or deleted during transformations. This interpolation setting directly affects the speed and quality of the transformation. Bicubic interpolation, the default, is slowest but yields the best results.

Transform submenu commands

Enlarges or reduces an item relative to its reference point, the fixed point around which transformations are performed. You can scale horizontally, vertically, or both horizontally and vertically.

Turns an item around a reference point. By default, this point is at the center of the object; however, you can move it to another location.

Slants an item vertically and horizontally.

Stretches an item in all directions.

Applies one‑point perspective to an item.

Manipulates the shape of an item.

Rotates the item by the specified number of degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Flips the item vertically or horizontally.

Select an item to transform

Set or move the reference point for a transformation

Updated in the October 2018 release of Photoshop CC (20.0)

All transformations are performed around a fixed point called the reference point. By default, this point is at the center of the item you are transforming. However, you can change the reference point or move the center point to a different location using the reference point locator in the options bar.

Scale, rotate, skew, distort, apply perspective, or warp

You can apply various transform operations such as Scale, Rotate, Skew, Distort, Perspective, or Warp to the selected image. 

Flip or rotate precisely

Repeat a transformation

To repeat a transformation, choose Edit > Transform > Again.

Duplicate an item when transforming it

To duplicate while transforming, hold down Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) when selecting the Transform command.

Reset Smart Object transforms

If you've transformed a Smart Object, you can reset all transformations you've previously applied by doing one of the following: 

• Right-click the Smart Object layer and choose Reset Transform
• Choose Layer > Smart Objects > Reset Transform