Slice Tool
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PSDTUTS Photoshop Wiki / Photoshop Tools / Slice Tool
The slice tool allows you to export a set of smaller, sliced images from a larger image. This tool is often used when mocking up a website. The slice tool works independently of layers, so all visible layers will be included in the exported images. You can create a layer-based slice using the menu option Layer > New Layer Based Slice.
While it’s by-and-large recommended that you avoid using this tool to create websites, it can be useful when you’re trying to mock something up quickly and see how it looks in a browser.
[edit] Slice Tool Options
If you’ve used guides in your image and wish to use them to determine your slices, simply select the Slice Tool (keyboard shortcut: K) and click the Slices from Guides button in the Options Bar. If not, you’ll have to manually create your slices.
Much like the Marquee Tool, the Slice Tool has three constraint settings: Normal, Fixed Aspect Ratio and Fixed Size. The Normal setting allows you to draw slices freehand, while Fixed Aspect Ratio lets you determine scaling proportions and the Fixed Size setting constrains all slices to one size.
[edit] Usage
Select the Slice Tool (K) and create a slice for each area of the image you need in slices. Photoshop will automatically create the rest for you. For instance, if you’re exporting a very basic web layout with a logo, gradient sidebar and a banner advert, you’ll only need to slice those three items with the tool.
The Slice Select Tool is a companion to the Slice Tool and can be found by clicking and holding on the Slice Tool until a submenu appears. You can alternate between the Slice Tool and Slice Select Tool using Shift+K. This tool allows you to select your slices once you’ve made them and manipulate them further.
Once you’ve defined your slices, switch to the Slice Select Tool and double click on a slice. The Slice Options window will appear which gives you the opportunity to name them – this will determine the exported image’s filename, so it’s very essential to name your slices if you wish to remain organized.
The Slice Options window also gives you web specific options such as setting a URL (this will surround the exported slice in an A HREF tag if you export them with a HTML file). There are also target and alt settings, all of which can easily be modified in a text editor later, so it’s safe to skip them for now.
Repeat the process of naming your slices and setting any other desired attributes until you’ve done them all. You can now use the File > Save for Web & Devices menu option to export them. In the Save As box, you’ll be given the option to export as images only or images and HTML under the Format dropdown menu.
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