What are “Layers”

An image that consists of several “Layers”, is in fact an image which is composed of several sheets of transparent paper, which are placed on one another. Through the transparent parts of an overlying layer, you can see the other “Layers”.

You can use “Layers” to compose multiple images, to add text to an image or to add vector shapes.

 

A tip: If you are working with “Layers” and want to edit the photo, always keep a copy of the original photo.

 

Using “Layers”

While working with “Layers” , the first thing to do, is to open the “Layers” palette.
Just click “Palettes” in the Standard toolbar, and select the  “Palette” option from the drop-down menu.

When we open a picture or create a new image as a layer, depending on the type of image that you create or open this layer is referred to as the background.

For the simplest corrections and re-touching a photo, you do not need to add “Layers”.
However, it is wise to duplicate the layer before you make adjustments so that the original image  is maintained on its own layer.
Right-click above the background layer and select “Duplicate” from the drop-down menu.

This places an exact copy above the background layer, called Copy of Background.
To rename it first select the layer, click the text, and when it appears on a blue background, enter the name you want to give this layer (1).

Before you do anything to change a layer, make sure that that particular layer is selected.
This can be recognized by the light grey color of the layer in the title bar of the image (2)

In the example below I have duplicated the background layer, named it curl and named the new layer, effect Page Curl.
Effects are discussed in detail later, but first let me go through the different types of “Layers”.

 

Layer Types

• Background Layers:
  The background layer as mentioned earlier is the bottom layer of an image.When you import JPEG, GIF, or PNG images into PSP, they have only this single layer, which is named Background on the Layers palette.

  The background layer contains raster data and is promoted to a raster layer when you change its properties, such as its blend mode or opacity. You cannot change its stacking order unless you promote it to a raster layer.

• Raster Layers:
  Raster layers are layers with only raster data. Raster data consist of individual elements called pixels Each pixel has a specific location and color. Photographic images consist of raster data. When you enlarge the image, the individual pixels become visible as colored squares.
• Vector Layers:
  Vector layers are layers containing only vector objects, or in other words, forms, lines, or text. Vector objects and text are composed of geometric characteristics  lines, curves, and their locations. When you edit vector objects and text, you edit these lines and curves, rather than the individual pixels.
• Art Media Layers:
  Art Media Layers are created automatically when you use one of the drawing tools. When you create a new image, you can select a character material layer to add to the image.
  Sign material layers are converted to raster layers, but not to vector layers.
• Mask Layers:
  A mask layer shows or hides parts of the underlying layer. A mask is an adaptation layer that modifies opacity. You can use such masks to create sophisticated effects. A mask layer can not be the lower layer.
• Adjustment Layers:
  Adjustment layers are correction layers that we can use to change the color or tone of underlying layers. Each adjustment layer makes the same correction as an equivalent command in the “Adjust” menu, but unlike the contract, the adjustment layer brings no changes to the image pixels. An adjustment layer can never be the bottom layer.

 

Now that you know the different layer types, and for which they are used, there are no secrets for you anymore.
We will continue with the lessons, and find out when these different types of layers to be used.

 

The “Layers” palette

Lets go through the “Layers” palette.

At the top of the “Layers” palette, we have three buttons.

The first is the “New layer” button. This type of layer is selected by default and when we click on it, an extra layer is added.
However, click the arrow pointing downwards next to this button, then unfolds a menu where you can select another type of layer.

The second button, “Layer removal” is used to remove the selected layer.

Using the third button “Edit Selection” we select parts of this layer for editing.

Under these buttons there are three sections and two additional buttons.
In the first section we determine the transparency of the layer, in the second section, we determine the mixing mode, and in the third section, we determine whether a layer should be linked or not.
Using the first button, we switch the layer effects on or off, with the second button we lock or unlock the transparency.

We will know more about all this when we actually start using it.

 

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