Layers

=Layers=

[|Intro. to Layers]
Layers allow you to work on one element of an image without disturbing the others. Think of layers as sheets of acetate stacked one on top of the other. You can see through transparent areas of a layer to the layers below. You can change the composition of an image by changing the order and attributes of layers. In addition, special features such as adjustment layers, fill layers, and layer styles let you create sophisticated effects.

When you create or open an image for the first time, you will notice one default layer called the Background. You can add new layers by clicking on the New Layer button from the palette menu. Or, you can use the menu item, Layer>New Layer, to create one. You will give the new layer a name and make any changes that you want to its opacity and blending mode. To convert a background into a layer, choose Layer>New>Layer From Background. Then set layer options and click OK. To convert a layer to a background, choose Layer>New>Background From Layer.

Layers can be copied, reordered, merged, flattened, hidden, and deleted. A layer can be renamed by double-clicking on the text entry in the layer and re-typing a new name. You would then press Enter to save the selection.

You can only paint or edit pixels to one layer at a time. The layer that is presently in use is called the active layer. If you want to change the order of any layer other than the background layer, you just select that layer and drag it. To reposition layer contents, use the Move tool.

__The Palette__ The Layers palette lists all of the layers, groups, and effects contained in that image. The layers palette menu contains additional commands and options.