I know that you’re a real professional. You’re great at your job, and you know how to get things done. But even the best workers can make mistakes that slow down their workflow.
You might not even realize it, but you could be making errors that are hurting your productivity. These errors can lead to a waste of time and resources.
Don’t worry. I’m here to help. Here are 10 common mistakes that slow down your workflow. Read these tips to make sure you’re not making any of them.
1. Not using keyboard shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts is the best way to speed up your workflow, and not using them is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
The best way to learn keyboard shortcuts is to start with a few at a time. As you get comfortable, add more to your workflow. Before you know it, you’ll be flying through your work, and you won’t even need to look at your keyboard.
2. Not setting up your workspace
Before you start editing, it’s important to set up your workspace. This includes organizing your files, setting up your editing software, and making sure all your equipment is ready to go.
If you don’t take the time to do this, you may find yourself wasting time later on trying to find the files you need or fixing problems with your equipment.
3. Not setting up your preferences
When you open a new program for the first time, you may be tempted to skip over the setup and just get started. But that can cause you to miss out on some of the best features of the program.
For example, in Photoshop, you can set up your preferences for things like units, rulers, and guides. You can also set up your workspace and keyboard shortcuts.
Taking the time to set up your preferences can help you work more efficiently and save time in the long run. Some advanced eCommerce AI tools even let you save and apply preferred presets automatically, minimizing repetitive setup.
4. Not using smart objects
Smart objects are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images, such as Photoshop or Illustrator files. The layer can be scaled, rotated, or transformed without degrading the image. You can also apply filters and layer styles to a smart object without changing the original image.
When you don’t use smart objects and you transform your layer, you’re actually changing the original image data. This can degrade the image and make it look low quality. If you’ve ever scaled an image up and noticed it looked pixelated, it’s because you didn’t use a smart object.
5. Not using the history panel
The history panel helps you keep track of the changes you’ve made to your image. This is a great way to keep track of your progress and to undo steps if you need to.
I like to think of the history panel as a safety net. If I make a mistake, I can just go back to the point where I was happy with the image and start over.
6. Not using adjustment layers
When you’re making edits in Photoshop, it’s easy to get carried away and end up with a lot of layers. But if you’re not using adjustment layers, you could be making your file size much larger than it needs to be.
Adjustment layers allow you to make non-destructive edits to your photos. This means that you can make changes to your image without actually changing the pixels of your image. This is a great way to keep your file size down and save space on your hard drive.
To add an adjustment layer, simply click on the “Create new fill or adjustment layer” icon at the bottom of the layers panel and select the type of adjustment you’d like to make.
7. Not using the pen tool
The pen tool is one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop. You can use it to create shapes, paths, and selections. It can be a bit tricky to get the hang of, but once you do, you’ll find that it’s an incredibly efficient way to make selections.
The pen tool is especially useful when you’re working with objects that have hard edges, like products or buildings. It’s also great for creating clean selections around product images used in eCommerce colour swatches, ensuring visual consistency across product variants. You can use it to create a precise path around the object and then turn that path into a selection. This is much faster and more accurate than trying to make a selection with the lasso tool or the magic wand tool.
8. Not using the right file type
The file type you use when saving your work can have a big impact on your workflow. When you use the right file type, you can save time and ensure that your files look and perform as they should.
For example, if you’re working with images, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right file type. JPEG is a good choice for photographs, while PNG is better for images with transparency. If you’re working with vector graphics, you’ll want to use an EPS or SVG file.
The same goes for other types of files. For example, if you’re working with video, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right file type for your project. MP4 is a good choice for most web videos, while MOV is better for videos that will be edited.
9. Not using the right resolution
Whether you’re working on photos or videos, it’s important to use the right resolution. If you’re working on a project that’s going to be displayed on a large screen, make sure your images are high resolution. If you’re working on a project that’s going to be displayed on a smaller screen, you can use a lower resolution.
Using the wrong resolution can slow down your workflow and cause your images to look pixelated. Make sure you’re using the right resolution for your project. If you’re not sure, it’s better to use a higher resolution than you think you need.
10. Not using the right color profile
If you’re working on a design that will be printed, you need to use the CMYK color profile. If you’re working on a design that will only be used digitally, you can use the RGB color profile.
If you don’t use the right color profile, the colors in your design can look different when printed or on different devices. This can cause a lot of problems and slow down your workflow as you try to fix them.
Conclusion
The most effective way to eliminate mistakes from your workflow is to use an online platform that is designed to keep you on track. Our app lets you create and customize a variety of business documents, including invoices, estimates, and purchase orders.