Master Layers - Photoshop for Beginners | Lesson 2
PiXimperfect
Layers in Photoshop can be compared to transparent sheets of paper stacked on top
of each other, allowing for freedom in editing graphics. If a graphic is directly
painted onto the background, it cannot be moved, rotated, or enlarged. However, if
created on a separate layer, it can be easily manipulated. Adjustment layers can
also be added to adjust all layers beneath it.
Layers are important because they provide flexibility in editing designs. For
example, text and graphics can be easily changed or moved around. The visibility of
layers can also be adjusted. Merging layers makes it difficult to make further
edits to the design.
Some techniques that can be applied using layers include removing blemishes,
adjusting skin tones, adding contrast, and dodging and burning.
Visibility and Soloing Layers
Visibility is important in Photoshop because it allows you to turn layers on and
off to see if you need them or not. You can turn off the visibility of a layer by
clicking on the eye icon next to it. You can also solo a layer by holding the
Alt/Option key and clicking on the eye icon, which will turn off the visibility of
all the other layers. To turn everything back on, right-click and choose "Show or
Hide All Other Layers."
The Background Layer
The background layer is a special layer that cannot be moved, named, or have its
stacking order changed. It is also opaque and prevents transparency. To work with
the background layer, you need to convert it to a regular layer by clicking on the
lock icon. You can then change its opacity, blend mode, and interact with other
layers.
Blending Modes
Blending modes allow you to blend layers in various ways. To access blending modes,
click on the drop-down menu in the Layers panel. Each blending mode has a different
effect, such as screen, which brightens the image, or multiply, which darkens it.
You can also adjust the opacity of a layer to make it more transparent.
PiXimperfect
Layers in Photoshop can be compared to transparent sheets of paper stacked on top
of each other, allowing for freedom in editing graphics. If a graphic is directly
painted onto the background, it cannot be moved, rotated, or enlarged. However, if
created on a separate layer, it can be easily manipulated. Adjustment layers can
also be added to adjust all layers beneath it.
Layers are important because they provide flexibility in editing designs. For
example, text and graphics can be easily changed or moved around. The visibility of
layers can also be adjusted. Merging layers makes it difficult to make further
edits to the design.
Some techniques that can be applied using layers include removing blemishes,
adjusting skin tones, adding contrast, and dodging and burning.
Visibility and Soloing Layers
Visibility is important in Photoshop because it allows you to turn layers on and
off to see if you need them or not. You can turn off the visibility of a layer by
clicking on the eye icon next to it. You can also solo a layer by holding the
Alt/Option key and clicking on the eye icon, which will turn off the visibility of
all the other layers. To turn everything back on, right-click and choose "Show or
Hide All Other Layers."
The Background Layer
The background layer is a special layer that cannot be moved, named, or have its
stacking order changed. It is also opaque and prevents transparency. To work with
the background layer, you need to convert it to a regular layer by clicking on the
lock icon. You can then change its opacity, blend mode, and interact with other
layers.
Blending Modes
Blending modes allow you to blend layers in various ways. To access blending modes,
click on the drop-down menu in the Layers panel. Each blending mode has a different
effect, such as screen, which brightens the image, or multiply, which darkens it.
You can also adjust the opacity of a layer to make it more transparent.
