What this tool does
Free Transform scales, rotates, and repositions a layer inside one editable bounding box.
Scale, rotate, change perspective, and reshape pixels with precise or fluid controls.
How to use it
- 01
Open an image and choose Free Transform from the left toolbar.
- 02
Drag corner handles to scale, move outside the box to rotate, reposition inside it, and confirm when aligned.
- 03
Review the result at 100% zoom. If the change is too strong, undo it and repeat with a lower intensity.
What you can make
- Resize an imported object
- Rotate and align a layer
- Fit artwork into a mockup
When to use it
Use Free Transform to scale, rotate, move, or skew the active layer as one adjustable operation. It is suited to placing imported artwork, fitting a product into a composition, straightening graphic elements, and preparing a layer before a more specialized perspective or warp correction.
Key controls
- Handles and proportions
- Drag corner handles for two-dimensional scaling and side handles only when deliberate non-proportional stretching is required. Watch the subject, not only the boundary box.
- Rotation and pivot
- Rotate around the appropriate pivot and align to visual references such as horizons, frames, baselines, and neighboring objects.
- Commit and review
- Confirm the transform, then review sharp edges and fine texture at 100% zoom. Repeated large raster transformations can gradually soften detail.
Worked example
To place a product cutout into an advertising banner, keep it on its own layer, scale from a corner until its visual weight matches the headline, and move the pivot before a slight rotation. Confirm once, inspect the edge, and use a layer mask for any overlap with foreground graphics.
Common mistakes
Stretching a recognizable subject without preserving its intended proportions.
Applying many successive transforms instead of planning one controlled change.
Using Free Transform to imitate perspective when Perspective Warp is more precise.
Frequently asked questions
Does transforming a raster layer reduce quality?
Scaling and rotating require pixel resampling. One controlled change is usually cleaner than several large transformations, especially when the layer is repeatedly enlarged after being reduced.
When should I use Perspective Warp instead?
Use Perspective Warp when opposite edges must converge, a surface needs to match a plane, or architectural perspective requires independent corner control. Free Transform is better for ordinary scale, rotation, movement, and simple skew.