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LAYERS
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Layers can be thought of as transparent sheets mounted on top of each other. Layers let
tk on an individual part or an element of an image without affecting the other parts or elements
orking with Layers
Let us now learn about adding new layers, deleting layers, renaming layers, hiding and s
ys, changing the order of layers, and layer effects in this
ers Palette
The Layers palette lists all layers, groups and layer
ts in an image. You can use the Layers palette to show
ride layers, create new layers, etc.
display the Layers palette, select Window > Layer.
7e Background layer is a special layer. It is created automatically when you crea
Create new fill or
adjustment layer
have only one background layer. It is behind all the other layers and yo
Indicate layer
visibility
Add a
layer style
Add a new
ground Layer
Answers
Understanding Layers
Transparent areas on a layer let you see through to the layers below.
Layers are organized in the Layers panel. Keep this panel visible whenever you’re working in Adobe Photoshop Elements. With one glance, you can see the active layer (the selected layer that you are editing). You can link layers, so they move as a unit, helping you manage layers. Because multiple layers in an image increase the file size, you can reduce the file size by merging layers that you’re done editing. The Layers panel is an important source of information as you edit photos. You can also use the Layer menu to work with layers.
Ordinary layers are pixel-based (image) layers. There are several other layer types you can use to create special effects:
Fill layers
Contain a color gradient, solid color, or pattern.
Adjustment layers
Enable you to fine-tune color, brightness, and saturation without making permanent changes to your image (until you flatten, or collapse, the adjustment layer).
Type layers and shape layers
Let you create vector-based text and shapes. You can’t paint on an adjustment layer, although you can paint on its mask. To paint on fill or type layers, you must first convert them into regular image layers.
About the Layers panel
The Layers panel (Window > Layers) lists all layers in an image, from the top layer to the Background layer at the bottom. In Expert mode, if you are working in the Custom Workspace, you can drag the Layers panel out and tab it with other panels.
The active layer, or the layer that you are working on, is highlighted for easy identification. As you work in an image, check which layer is active to make sure that the adjustments and edits you perform affect the correct layer. For example, if you choose a command and nothing seems to happen, check to make sure that you’re looking at the active layer.
Using the icons in the panel, you can accomplish many tasks—such as creating, hiding, linking, locking, and deleting layers. With some exceptions, your changes affect only the selected, or active, layer, which is highlighted.
Layers panel
Layers panel
A. Blending mode menu B. Show/Hide layer C. Layer is linked to another layer D. Preview of a layer E. Highlighted layer is active layer F. Locked layer G. Layer has style applied
In the list of layers, the panel shows a thumbnail, a title, and one or more icons that give information about each layer:
The layer is visible. Click the eye to show or hide a layer. When the layer is hidden, the icon is . Hidden layers are not printed.
The layer is linked to the active layer.
The layer is locked.
The image contains layer groups and was imported from Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop Elements doesn’t support layer groups and displays them in their collapsed state. You must simplify them to create an editable image.
You use the buttons in the panel to perform actions:
Create a new layer.
Create a new group.
Create a new fill or adjustment layer.
Delete a layer.
Lock transparent pixels.
Also at the top are the panel Blending Mode menu (Normal, Dissolve, Darken, and so on), an Opacity text box, and a More button displaying a menu of layer commands and panel options.
Adding layers
Newly added layers appear above the selected layer in the Layers panel. You can add layers to an image by using any of the following methods:
Create new, blank layers or turn selections into layers.
Convert a background into a regular layer or vice versa.
Paste selections into the image.
Use the Type tool or a shape tool.
Duplicate an existing layer.
You can create up to 8000 layers in an image, each with its own blending mode and opacity. However, memory constraints may lower this limit.
Create and name a new blank layer
Do one of the following in the Photoshop Elements:
To create a layer with default name and settings, click the New Layer button in the Layers panel. The resulting layer uses Normal mode with 100% opacity, and is named according to its creation order. (To rename the new layer, double-click it and type a new name.)
To create a layer and specify a name and options, choose Layer > New > Layer, or choose New Layer from the Layers panel menu. Specify a name and other options, and then click OK.
The new layer is automatically selected and appears in the panel above the layer that was last selected.
Create a new layer from part of another layer
You can move part of an image from one layer to a newly created one, leaving the original intact.