Adding and removing “Layers”

If we want to add a layer, the first thing we need to bear in mind is, what is going to be placed in the new layer.

If it is a picture or some other tools from the toolbar, we use a Raster layer.
If it is a text or shape, use a vector layer.
For Art Media Layers, we use the Art Media tools.

In this example, I add a border to the image of a zebra.
For this border I use the Zebra”Pattern” which is standard in PSP.

I click the button, “New layer” at the top of the palette, “Layers”.
This opens the dialog, “New layer”.
The “New layer” dialog has two tabs, “General” and “Blend Ranges”.
The only thing we specify here is the layer’s name, and we’ll discuss the rest later.
“Edge” seems quite appropriate, so enter “edge” and click the OK button.

As you see, the new layer is very transparent, so select the “Brush” tool in the toolbar, select the pattern Zebra in the “Material Properties” dialog and draw a border around the zebra.

By clicking the eye icon at the bottom left corner of the layer, we can hide its content. Clicking on this icon again will display its content once again.
We have the Layer icon above the eye icon. This changes depending on the type of layer.

 

To remove the layer select the layer and click the button, “Delete Layer”.
The dialog that appears will ask you if you’re sure.
If you click “Yes” the layer will be deleted.

 

Changing the layer’s position

When we work with more than two layers, sometimes we will see one layer above another layer, which is actually supposed to be below it.

There’s no problem, we can change the order of the layers at any time by moving them.
There are two ways of doing this.
One way is the to click the “Layers” button in the menu bar, select “Arrange” in the drop-down menu, and click Move Up or Move Down, depending on the order you want.
This places the layer one position higher or lower than the other one.
However, if you wish that the layer should be at the highest or lowest level you can place it either at the front or rear.

I think the fastest way to rearrange a layer, is by clicking and dragging it in the “Layers” Palette to the position where you’d like to have it.

 

To reposition the contents of a layer, select the “Move” tool in the tool bar. Move your mouse over the moving part, and when it changes into a four-headed arrow, click and drag the contents of this layer to the desired position.

Important!

Do not forget to first select the appropriate layer.

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