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December 12, 2011
Answered

I can't transform/rotate an image

  • December 12, 2011
  • 2 replies
  • 41787 views

I'm using CS design 5.5 Photoshop. I'm trying to use edit/transform/rotate to straighten an image. I have a vertical ruler next to a vertical line I want to rotate a few degrees but my cursor arrow never changes to a double arrow to allow me to rotate the image. I'm working on a layer duplicate of the background. I'm sure it's something simple I haven't done. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

JohnB

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Noel Carboni

    If your goal is to rotate some component of the image on a layer, try making a selection first, then Edit - Free Transform, then drag somewhere outside the edge of the component to rotate it.

    --

    If your goal is to rotate the entire image, try this:

    1. Select the Ruler Tool.
    2. Drag it along a line that's supposed to be vertical or horizontal.
    3. Press the [Straighten] button up near the top of the Photoshop main window.

    -Noel

    2 replies

    Noel Carboni
    Noel CarboniCorrect answer
    Legend
    December 13, 2011

    If your goal is to rotate some component of the image on a layer, try making a selection first, then Edit - Free Transform, then drag somewhere outside the edge of the component to rotate it.

    --

    If your goal is to rotate the entire image, try this:

    1. Select the Ruler Tool.
    2. Drag it along a line that's supposed to be vertical or horizontal.
    3. Press the [Straighten] button up near the top of the Photoshop main window.

    -Noel

    Participant
    March 3, 2021

    This is the reason I found this thread. I have the newest PS and I'm trying to rotate on free transform like I have done for years... and it just isn't doing it. No error shows up, just does nothing when I try to drag it, rotate it, change the size of the layer etc. I need to manually rotate it to achieve a certain look on my pattern design and it just isn't letting me.

    Participant
    March 3, 2021

    Nevermind, turned out I could do it with my tablet pen and then it worked fine! No idea why it wasn't an issue before now.

    Known Participant
    December 13, 2011

    If you want a more sure fire way of straightening you might try this:

    In the TOOLS (if you have the bar open) find the one with the color picker.

    Hold your mouse on the black triangle in the lower right corner unti the flyout appears

    Select the RULER tool

    Using that draw either a vertical or horizontal line that is your level or straight line.

    Go to IMAGE and select IMAGE ROTATION from the options.

    Select ARBITRARY

    The degrees show up automatically (much better than a guess) and you select either clockwise or counter clockwise.

    Push the button and it should make you happier.....

    Now all you'll need do if you want it square is to mask and crop.

    Hope this help and makes it easier for you.

    Brad

    squatch97401
    Inspiring
    December 13, 2011

    And don't forget that you can use a decimal point in the "Arbitray" to make finer adjustment (.1)

    Mike