Layers

The Layers Palette
A More Complex Structure - continued

Clive R. Haynes FRPS

 

Continuing to refer to the Layers Palette above:

Background Layer: This is the base or bottom layer in the layer structure. Notice the 'Lock' icon: this indicates that the layer cannot be moved to another position in the stack, its pixels are also 'locked' and the image cannot be moved within the picture / canvas area. The lock is a default condition. Should it be necessary to move the Background Layer to a new position in the layer stack, it may be unlocked (double-click the layer).

The 'Active' Layer (Highlighted in Blue): Clicking on a layer will activate it; by convention the layer assumes a blue tone. The colour can be changed if required (most people don't bother). To perform a task on a particular layer you must first 'activate' the layer.

Delete Layer (Trash Bin): You may delete a layer by dragging and dropping it into the bin or by highlighting the layer and clicking on the bin. A box will ask if you are sure?

New (empty) Layer: Sometimes we wish to create an image (pixel) layer with initially no information / pixels present. This is useful for such needs as colour tinting and 'cloning into'.

Layer Group Folder: This creates a Group Folder as a layer. This enables layers to be tidied away 'inside' it. This has many benefits, one of which is the ability to treat all the contents as 'one layer'.

Adjustment Layer: This creates a new Adjustment Layer and 'clicking' on the icon will reveal a drop-down menu of Adjustment Layers.

Layer Mask: Clicking on this icon will add a Layer Mask to the Active Layer.

Layer Effects (fx): Clicking on this icon will reveal a drop-down menu with a host of special effects for layers such as; Drop Shadow, Bevel & Emboss, Gradient Overlay, Pattern Overlay, etc.

Link option for Layers: Tagging two or more Layers with a Link enables the images upon linked layers to be repositioned (moved around) in unison within the picture area. Activate the layers you wish to 'link' by successively Ctrl-clicking the layers. Should you make a mistake and wish to de-select a layer, Ctrl-click on it again. Next, click on the 'Link' icon and 'Link icons' will appear on the layers selected.

Image Thumbnail: Image Layers always include a miniature (Thumbnail) version of the image upon the layer.

At this point you're probably running out of screen space. Please continue by clicking on the link .....

 

To continue with this overview and introduction to Layers, click on the link below........

Layers Palette Continued

Layers - Contents Page

Know-How Contents
Homepage
e-mail CRHfoto