Layers in Photo shop CS4

This entry is part 4 of 18 in the series Photo Shop CS4 Tutorials

Layers are used in Photoshop CS4 images. The background layer is usually the only layer that each image has. You can use layers during the image editing process. They can also be used for special effects.

Layers

If you make a copy of a layer and then decide to change it, you will have the first layer as a backup. You would make changes or adjustments to the copy of the layer. Another thing that you can do with layers is put images together by using different content.

With the exception of adjustment layers, for the most part, layers are required to have quite a bit of memory. The larger files from Photoshop CS4 usually contain a lot of layers. To use the layers, go to the Layers palette from the Window menu.

In the first column of the palette, you will see some layers on the computer screen. You will be able to identify them by the eye icon. Even though you will be able to see the layer, it may not be totally transparent.

This means that you will be able to see any layers that are under the initial one. You will notice the transparency when you see a checkerboard pattern. There may be times when you will have to or want to change the visibility of a layer.

If you decide to edit the layer, whatever you change will also affect the newest layer. If you want to use another name for the layer, click on the layer’s name twice and type the new name. If you want another layer to be the new layer, choose that layer in the palette.

If you want to create a new layer, use the icon for creating a new layer in the Layer palette. Or you can create a new layer by moving the previous layer to the icon for the new layer.
Layers

If you want to get rid of a layer, use the trash icon. Or you can move the layer to the trash icon.

If you don’t want to make changes or adjustments to a layer, use one of the Lock boxes. These are located at the top of the Layers palette. In the Lock boxes area, you have commands and components such as lock pixels, lock layer position, lock transparent areas and lock all.

Styles in Photo shop CS4

You have different styles to choose from when you have images with layers. There are different special effects you can use to enhance your image in Photoshop CS4. You would choose the layer in the palette, then choose the Effects button. You will see a layer style dialog box. This is where you will be able to create the special effects for the layer that is open.

When you want to save the effects, you will select “New Style”. You can use some of the same effect later for other layers. To do that, choose the style in the palette and you will have the same ones to use for that layer. To use the Styles palette, select Window, then Show Styles.

Parts of layers that you can see through will have edges. You can also use effects here. If there are not transparent portion, there’s a chance you may not see any changes after the layer effects are applied.

Layers can also be used to put images together. Open two images and with the move tool, move one image on top of the other. The initial image will look like a new layer in the next image. You can also put images together by copying and pasting one image to another image. This can also create a new layer.

If you need to edit your images, you can use adjustable layers to do that. These layers are not only adjustable and editable, they can be used with Levels, Photo Filters, Hue/Saturation and other commands as need.

An adjustment layer is created by using the Layer function. Select New Adjustment Layer and then select one of the menu components. You can choose from Color Balance, Curves, Levels, etc.) Or you can choose the adjustment layer button and get the same menu of components.

If you need to adjust any settings with this, use the dialog box. With the adjustment layer, you can edit any part of it. On the other hand, a regular Levels adjustment is not allowed to be totally edited.

The dialog box will be in the adjustment layer and you can adjust any settings that you need to. You don’t need a lot of lot of memory and the file’s size does not get larger.

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