Core_Computer Studies: Layers
Layers some basic brief notes
Each time you paste in Adobe Photoshop a new layer is created. Layers are designed to enable a user to manipulate separate parts of an image without disturbing other parts of the image. Each part is on a transparent background. An easy way to think about them is as if you are working on acetate transparencies placed one top of each other. These sheets with elements of images are called layers in Adobe Photoshop. On each layer you can draw, manipulate the image, re-order the stack of layers and so on. Layers can be repositioned by using the Move tool.
You will find that layers are indispensable -back in the year dot, how we worked without them I do not know!
To Display the Layers palette
Choose Window > Layers.
This palette enables you to perform such tasks such as displaying a layer (obviously!), creating a new layer, hiding a layer, copying a layer, and deleting layers. From here you can also title and move layers. Many more options are available in the fly out menu indicated by the right facing triangle. Click the triangle to access these.
To add a new layer click the New Layer button at the base of the layers palette it will appear above the layer you had selected.
To name a layer, in the Layers palette, double click on the text in the layer. Now that it is a highlighted text box you can rename it.
A selected layer is highlighted
To select a layer click a layer in the Layers palette.
The Layers palette also allows you to hide and display the contents of layers. To hide a layer you click on the eye icon next to the layer you want to hide. This 'blinds' the layer. To display it again simply click in the same spot and the layer is no longer hidden.
To copy a layer select it first then drag the layer to the New Layer button at the base of the layers palette, or choose Duplicate Layer from the Layers menu or the Layers palette menu.
You can also copy layers between images. If you do this remember that the copied layer content will appear larger or smaller if it is copied to an image file that has a different resolution.
To copy layers between images first have both image files open. In the Layers palette of the image that is the source image, select a layer and drag the layer into the destination image.
To delete a layer simply drag it to the trash icon at the base of the layers palette.
To change the order of layers simply click to select and drag the layer up or down in the Layers palette. Release the mouse button when a highlighted line appears where you want the layer to be.
By linking layers you can move their contents together. You can also copy, paste, merge, and apply transformations to linked layers.
To link layers you select a layer in the Layers palette and click in the left column of any of the layers you want to link to. A link icon will appear in the column. To unlink, click the link icons to remove them.
Convert a background into a layer
When you open an image in Photoshop you will notice that the image is called a background. At some stage you may want to change its opacity, its blending mode or the stacking order. However you can't do this if it is a background but you can convert a background to a regular layer. Note that if you create a new image with transparent content, the image does not have a background layer so this does not arise.
Double-click the Background in the Layers palette, or choose
Layer > New > Layer from Background.
Set layer options you require.
Click OK.
Convert a layer into a background
You may want to move the other way and convert a layer into a background this is how you do it:
Select a layer in the Layers palette.
Choose Layer > New > Background from Layer.
When you have working your image you may want to merge the layers, into one. This helps manage the size of image files.
To merge two layers position the layers you want to merge next to each other in the Layers palette, and make sure that visibility is enabled. Select the top layer in the pair and choose Merge Down from either the Layers menu or the Layers palette menu.
You can also merge all visible linked layers when you choose Merge Linked from either the Layers palette or the Layers palette menu.
When you choose Merge Visible you merge all the visible layers in an image.
When you flatten an image, all the layers that are visible are merged into the background. Usually you flatten a file when you have finished working. This not only reduces the file size but also means you can save other file formats. For instance a JPEG for a web site. Flattening discards hidden layers.
To flatten an image first have all the layers you want to keep visible.
Choose Layer > Flatten Image, or from the Layers palette menu.
Found under the Layer, Effects menu these are which you can apply to individual layers. Some interesting artwork can result for instance artwork try painting with the Airbrush tool on a layer to which you’ve applied Layer Effects.
These notes are written for students who undertake the Core Computer course at School of Art, Australian National University. Students of the course should feel free to contact any member of staff with comments questions and general suggestions..
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