To transform content in Photoshop on desktop, select the layer or other target, press Ctrl+T on Windows or Command+T on macOS, choose the needed operation, then commit with Enter or Return. Free Transform handles scaling, rotation, skew, distortion, perspective, and warp; the right choice depends on whether you need to change the whole object or reshape only part of it.
Start a Free Transform in Photoshop on desktop
- Select the target. Choose the layer in the Layers panel, or select the shape, path, or image area you intend to change. If the image is on a locked Background layer, convert it to a regular layer first.
- Start Free Transform. Choose Edit > Free Transform or press Ctrl+T (Windows) / Command+T (macOS). With pixel content, you can also show Transform Controls using the Move tool; for vector content, use the Path Selection tool.
- Adjust the content. Drag bounding-box handles for direct manipulation, or enter values in the Options bar for repeatable adjustments.
- Commit or cancel. Press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS), or select the commit control. Press Esc to cancel.
Adobe documents the desktop workflow and available controls in its guide to transforming images, shapes, and paths. A separate transformations reference covers individual commands under Edit > Transform, including Scale, Rotate, Skew, Distort, Perspective, and Warp. After applying a transform, Edit > Transform > Again can repeat it.
Choose the transformation that matches the edit
| Operation | What it changes | How to control it |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Overall size, or width and height separately. | Drag handles or enter W and H percentages in the Options bar. Link the dimensions to scale proportionally. |
| Rotate | Angle around a reference point. | Drag just outside the bounding border or enter degrees. Shift constrains a drag to 15-degree increments. |
| Skew | Slant along an axis. | Drag a side handle while holding Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Command+Shift (macOS). |
| Distort | Move corners or edges independently, stretching or compressing the content. | Drag a handle while holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS). |
| Perspective | Adjust apparent depth by changing corner positions. | In Free Transform, drag a corner with Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Windows) or Command+Option+Shift (macOS). For defined planes, use Perspective Warp instead. |
| Warp | Bend or reshape content, including local areas. | Use presets or a custom mesh; grid density and split lines provide control over which area bends. |
| Flip or fixed-angle rotation | Mirror horizontally or vertically, or rotate by 90 or 180 degrees. | Use the corresponding commands in the Transformation options. |
The Transformation options reference lists the flip and fixed-angle rotation choices. Adobe distinguishes correction-oriented tools from creative reshaping tools in its overview of distortion tools; use the narrowest tool that achieves the intended edit.
Resize without stretching
Before dragging a corner handle, inspect Maintain aspect ratio in the Options bar. When enabled, corner dragging scales width and height proportionally. Turn it off for non-proportional resizing; the Shift key toggles this behavior during a transform. Photoshop remembers the last scaling behavior, so do not assume it is in a particular state. For precise resizing, enter percentages in the W and H fields and use the link icon to keep them proportional. Adobe also documents a Legacy Free Transform preference for users who prefer the older non-proportional default.
#1 Best Overall
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
Set an exact angle, position, or pivot
Enter a degree value in the rotation field when the angle needs to be precise or repeatable. Enter X and Y values to position the transformed content numerically. The reference point in the Options bar determines the pivot used for scaling or rotation; change it when the center is not the right anchor. To rotate by eye, drag just outside the bounding box; hold Shift to constrain movement to 15-degree steps.
Warp content or correct perspective
Use Warp for bending
Warp reshapes content with presets or a custom mesh rather than moving the entire object as a rigid rectangle. For targeted adjustments, set grid density and use split lines to isolate the region that should bend. See Adobe’s Transform Warp instructions.
Rank #2
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Use Perspective Warp for defined planes
Free Transform’s Perspective option changes corner positions directly. Perspective Warp is a separate workflow intended for images with identifiable planes: define the planes, then manipulate their corners. Shift-clicking an edge can keep it straight as you adjust a plane. Its automatic controls can level near-horizontal lines, straighten near-vertical lines, or warp to both. Adobe explains the plane controls in its Perspective Warp guide.
Protect image sharpness during repeated transforms
Adobe warns that bitmap content can lose a little sharpness each time a transform is committed. When practical, make several adjustments within one Free Transform session before committing. If you expect to resize the same image repeatedly, convert its layer to a Smart Object first; Adobe says Smart Objects preserve image quality through repeated transformations.
Rank #3
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Photoshop on the web uses a different panel
Desktop modifier-key instructions do not apply universally to Photoshop on the web or iPad. In Photoshop on the web, use Size & position > Transform. Adobe lists Free transform, Skew, Distort, and Perspective in that panel: adjust the bounding-box handles and select Done to finish. See Adobe’s web editing instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
Rank #4
- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
