Skewing, distorting, and applying perspective to layers, selections, and shapes

Skewing, distorting, and applying perspective are transformations that change the geometry of a layer, a selection on a layer, or a shape. Skewing lets you slant a layer vertically and horizontally; distorting lets you stretch a layer in all directions; applying perspective lets you apply one-point perspective to a layer. You apply each type of transformation by dragging a handle on the bounding box in the document window.

You can use the Free Transform command to skew, distort, and apply perspective, as well as rotate, scale, and move, in a continuous operation. (See Using the Free Transform command.)

To skew, distort, or apply perspective to a layer, selection, or shape:

1 Select the layer, area, or shape you want to transform. (See Specifying what to transform.)

2 Do one of the following:

Note: If you are transforming a shape with the shape tool selected, the Transform menu becomes the Transform Path menu.

3 If desired, switch to a different type of transformation by clicking the Rotate button (), the Scale button (), or the Skew button () in the options bar, or by selecting a command from the Image > Transform submenu.

4 When you're satisfied with the results, click the OK button () in the options bar, or press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac OS), to commit the transformation.

To duplicate a layer when transforming it:

Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) when selecting the Transform command.

Transforming and Retouching > Transforming layers, selections, and shapes > Skewing, distorting, and applying perspective to layers, selections, and shapes