photo shop question please help

[Aednatia]

I downloaded a trial of Adobe Photoshop

I need to rotate my symbol. I can't figure out why it isn't working.. I lasso the symbol, and hit the rotate object but when I mouse over it is a circle with a line.. so I hit ctrl+t and then try the rotate object but it still won't let me..

Is it cause I'm in a trial version?? Is GIMP easier to use.. What else for free could I use to solve my rotation needs?  maybe I should just tilt my head when I draw..

[TokiBear]

When I need to rotate an object I make sure the object is on it's own layer in Photoshop.  If it is on it's own layer, you shouldn't need the lasso, highlighting it with a square should do.  Right click, choose transform.  Then, and I can't remember because I don't have photoshop on this computer, buuuut... hold either ctrl or shift and you should be able to rotate it that way.  When you have it how you want, just hit enter.  You should be good to go!

[Okiedokieloki]

It sounds like you're trying to edit a locked image. If the image doesn't have multiple layers and is just a picture that you opened in photoshop, that picture is made into a default backgound layer which is permanently locked and cannot be edited. To be able to edit it, you have to go to the layer pallet and drag the layer down onto the symbol that looks like a piece of paper with a folded corner (new layer). This will create a duplicate layer on top of the background one that CAN be edited.

If you're using a .psd file with multiple layers and your symbol is on its own layer, make sure you have that layer selected and that it's not locked or hidden before you try to edit it.

[Lina]

i usually make sure the object is on a seperate layer, too. that's the easiest way to handle things... like toki said!

[Aednatia]

Finally got it. The little 'center' that I'm supposed to rotate around was way off and so the little arrows weren't popping up

[Lina]

ah, i know what you're talking about...i've seen it before glad you were able to figure it out!