LAYER BASICS
A BOUT L AYERS
A layer is most simply an image one on top of the other to enable complex compositions. Imagine I have a piece of paper and I paint it blue. Then I take a piece of clear cellophane and paint an orange star and lay it over the paper. Now I take another piece of cellophane and paint some type and then place that on top of the orange star. I now have a background, and two layers the star and the type. More than one layer is called a composite. The concept of Layers is that simple! The Layers Palette in Photoshop is where you can work with your layers. Access the Layers Palette from the Window Menu. Next, we will look at using the Layers Palette in Photoshop to create fantastic compositions.
B ACKGROUND L AYER
The first Layer in the list is called the Background. This is a locked Layer and will not allow any editing. To unlock the Background Layer double click on the Layer name and rename. The Layer will now be unlocked and will allow movement of pixels and editing. Note the padlock icon has now disappeared. Visibility of Layers can be turned on and off by clicking on the Eye icon located at the left hand side of the Layer.
A DD L AYERS
To add Layers in Photoshop click on the Create New Layer icon located at the bottom of the Layers Palette. Rename the layer by double clicking on the Layer name and entering a new name.
Creative Page – Add Layers in Photoshop – Web Tutorial
A DDING T YPE L AYERS
When creating Type in a composite image select the Type Tool and click anywhere on the image. A Type Layer will automatically be inserted in the Layers Palette. To delete a Layer drag the layer into the Trash Can located at the bottom of the Layers Palette.
ENJOY PHOTOSHOP’S LA YERS, THEY ARE A CRE ATIVE TOOL FOR CONST RUCTING EXTRAORDINARY ARTWORK!
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Creative Page – Add Layers in Photoshop – Web Tutorial