How to Measure Distance in Photoshop

Bet you didn’t know you could do that

Photoshop is a great tool when it comes to photo editing. The best thing about Photoshop is that while you can use it to get creative with your photos, you can also use it for simple image modifications and tasks.

For example, you can use this software to measure distances, objects, and even angles. Photoshop has a special Ruler tool that allows you to not only measure distance, but also straighten and improve your images. Here’s how to use the Ruler tool to measure distance in Photoshop.

How to Measure Distance in Photoshop

If you’re looking to create a perfect image in Photoshop, you’ll need to mark distances in your photo precisely and create orcut out objectsof calculated sizes. Photoshop has a handy Ruler tool that allows you to do that.

With the Ruler tool you can create measurement lines between any two points of your image in any direction. The lines can tell you the size of an object you’re measuring, distance between objects, as well as angles and exact coordinates of an object in your photo. These lines are non printing and are only there to help you position your image or the elements of an image properly.

How to Use the Ruler Tool in Photoshop

Before you can start measuring distance in Photoshop, you need to learn where to find the Ruler tool and how to read the measurement attributes.

If you can’t see the Ruler tool when you open your image in Photoshop, selectViewfrom the menu, then selectRulers. Alternatively, you canuse the keyboard shortcutCtrl + R(for Windows) orCmd + R(for Mac) to do the same. You’ll see the ruler scale and info panel appear around your image.

By default, the Ruler tool displays distance in pixels, but you can change it to one of the following: inches, points, centimeters, millimeters, picas and percent. To change the measurement unit, right-click the ruler and select one of the options.

How to Measure Distance Between Two Points

To measure the distance between any two points in Photoshop, you need to draw a measuring line using the Ruler tool. You can do that by following the steps below.

You’ll then see a measuring line appear on your image. You can then use theInfopanel to find the following information about your image or its elements:

Aside from the angle, all measurements on the Info panel are shown in the measurement unit that you previously set. If you didn’t modify the measurement unit, they’ll be calculated in pixels by default. If you already have a measuring line drawn in your document, it’ll be displayed on the screen when you select the Ruler tool.

How to Modify a Measuring Line

If you draw the measuring line in the wrong place by mistake, you can always edit it. To edit a measuring line in Photoshop, follow the steps below.

How to Measure an Angle in Photoshop

You can use the Ruler tool to measure an angle in your image by creating aProtractor. You’ll need to create two measuring lines instead of one to be able to read the angle between them. To do that, follow the steps below.

In theInfopanel you’ll find the angle between the two lines already calculated. It’s marked asA.

Learn to Do More in Photoshop

The Ruler tool in Photoshop can be extremely useful if you need to measure the exact distance between objects, find out the exact angle between lines, or get the exact coordinates of something in your image. You can even use this tool to straighten your image if you don’t want tocrop it in Photoshop.

Have you used Photoshop to measure distance before? Did you use the Ruler tool or another method to do it? Share your experience with Photoshop in the comments section below.

Anya is a freelance technology writer. Originally from Russia, she is currently a full-time Remote Worker and Digital Nomad. With a background in Journalism, Language Studies, and Technical Translation, Anya couldn’t imagine her life and work without using modern technology on a daily basis. Always looking out for new ways to make her life and location-independent lifestyle easier, she hopes to share her experiences as a tech- and internet-addict through her writing.Read Anya’s Full Bio

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