How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 11:57 am

Artboards are a relatively new addition to Photoshop, first appearing in CS6. An artboard is essentially a layer that can contain other layers, and can be resized and positioned like any other layer.

Artboards are useful for creating multiple versions of an image, or for creating separate images that will be used together in a collage or composite.

You can have as many artboards as you like in a Photoshop document, and they can be of any size. To create an artboard, simply click the “Create new artboard” button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

A dialog box will appear where you can enter the desired width and height of the artboard. Photoshop will create the artboard at the size you specify.

PRO TIP: If you are working on a project in Photoshop that requires multiple artboards, be aware that you can only have a maximum of 1,000 artboards in a single document. Having too many artboards can slow down your computer and make it difficult to work on your project.

Artboards are especially useful for responsive web design. By creating multiple artboards of different sizes, you can easily export each one as a separate image at the appropriate resolution for different screen sizes. For example, you could create three artboards – one for desktops, one for tablets, and one for smartphones – and export each one as a separate image.

So if you’re looking to create multiple versions of an image or to export separate images for use in a collage or composite, consider using artboards in Photoshop.

Artboards are a great way to create multiple versions of an image or to export separate images for use in a collage or composite.

Free Download. One Document for all Sizes of Content.

Photoshop Artboard Templates for Creators.

Do you create online content?

Do you often forget the size requirements for each type of content?

Do you wish you had one document with all of the different sizes you need?

Do you want the free artboard…

Since the artboard is the empty canvas that stores all the layers and project elements, it is the foundation of any multi-page project in Photoshop. 

When designing a brochure or numerous screens for mobile applications, Photoshop may produce multiple artboards that can be used as a kind of layer group, just like Adobe Illustrator.

I have over five years of Adobe Photoshop experience and I’m Adobe Photoshop certified. In this article, I am going to cover how to add artboards/canvas in Photoshop and how to use them. 

Key Takeaways

  • Making distinct artboards is important since it enables you to store all the components of a given project in a single document.
  • This is ideal for novice editors and interface designers because it is so simple to use.
  • Make sure you are saving your work every so often to ensure you don’t lose your changes.

What Are Artboards in Photoshop

The canvas that you can add photos, objects, text, and other components to in Photoshop is called an artboard. You can add as many layers and layer groups to the project as the artboard can accommodate.

Artboards made in Photoshop are highly suited for digital projects since they are optimized for both the advanced GPU drawing mode and the RGB color mode. 

The image below shows what a plain artboard looks like:

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

You can create and store numerous artboards in a single document, which is how an artboard differs from a straightforward canvas. You can construct several pages for a single project since each artboard can hold a variety of layers and layer groups. 

To work on multiple artboards at once, artboards can be arranged next to one another in the Photoshop workspace.

How to Use the Photoshop Artboard Tool

When opening Photoshop, choose the New File button to create an artboard for your project. If you already have a project open, choose File > New or press Control + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac).

So you already learned how to get the artboard onto your screen, now how do you change the size and orientation of it? 

Step 1: Click and hold the Move tool, and then select Artboard Tool

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Step 2: You will notice that the artboard will be highlighted blue and will have options to change the size from the corners. If you click on any corner and drag, it will increase or decrease the size to your liking.

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Or if you need a designated size, you can repeat Step 1, and a size option will appear on the menu bar at the top, which will have a dropdown list of sizes you can choose from. 

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

You will see your artboard looking like the image below. The artboard will have four plus signs on each side. These are there if you want to add more artboards on the sides, top, or bottom of your current artboard. 

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Artboards can contain layer groups but not another artboard. If you want to create or add another artboard next to your current one, you will need to follow the above steps or click on your Layer button at the top of your menu bar, click on New, and find Artboard and that will allow you to add as many artboards as you need. 

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

You can alter the size or background color of a selected artboard in the properties panel after you’ve created it.

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Elements can be moved across artboards when you are working with numerous artboards by choosing the items and dragging and dropping them onto the new artboard. You can use the rulers to align the items with where they were on the previous artboard, and Photoshop can assist you in doing this.

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Although you can export your file as a two-page PDF in this example, you can save your file as a Photoshop file to preserve layers. You may also export your artboards as JPEGs, PDFs, PNGs, and more by using the File > Export function.

How to create multiple artboards in photoshop

Additional Tips

  • Remember always to save your work, you don’t want to start over from scratch.
  • There is no limit to how many artboards you can have in your single file.
  • Even if you started a document without artboards, you can easily create them from existing layers or groups. Simply right-click on a group in the Layers Panel and select “Artboard from Group” to make the switch.

Final Thoughts

You’ve now mastered the fundamentals of creating and maintaining artboards in Photoshop! This will hopefully help you to lay out your ideas more clearly and organize them properly.

Any questions about artboards in Photoshop? Leave a comment and let me know.

As a graphic designer who uses the entire Adobe Suite on a daily basis, Photoshop is my inspiration, especially since I'm Adobe certified and use it most often for my graphics and web-designed images.

How do I create 4 Artboards in Photoshop?

Click and hold the Move tool, and then select Artboard Tool. Select a preset Size in the tool options bar, or set a custom size and orientation. Select the plus signs (+) on each side of the page to add new artboards above, below, or beside the current selection.

Can you create Artboards in Photoshop?

You can have as many artboards as you like in a Photoshop document, and they can be of any size. To create an artboard, simply click the “Create new artboard” button at the bottom of the Layers panel.