LAYERS

 Define as one portion of a complex image that can be manipulated independent of all other portions of the file.
 Photoshop layers are like sheets of stacked acetate. You can see through certain parts of a layer to the layer below.

Why are Layers So Important?

• It allows you to work non-destructively by stacking images in top of images without interacting and mixing pixels of
images.
• It separates parts of the image and editing them without affecting other parts of the image.
• Using layers as guides or reference without including them in the final image
• Importing new images to add to the compositing
• Moving the new image around resizing it and doing whatever you like without damaging the original image
• Creating multiple versions of a layer and experimenting with different effects
• Applying filters and effects to layer independently

Different Types of Layers

1. Adjustment Layers – This layer allows you to create a transparent layer where you can make direct changes to
photograph without making any changes to your original.
- A special kind of layer used for modifying color and contrast.

What is the advantage of using adjustment layers for your corrections?

The very good reason to use adjustment layers is that it is totally non-destructive.

2. Text Layers- this layer allows you to add text to your image. You can change the font, color, size and shape of text.

3. Fill Layers lets you add a layer of solid color, a gradient, or a pattern. Fill layers also include layer masks.

4. Shape Layers – these shapes are vector-based which means that the shapes are defined by mathematical
equations which create points and paths, rather than by pixels.

5. Image Layers- referred to as a layer, is essentially a digital version of a clear acetate sheet. You can create blank
layers and add images to them, or you can create layers from images themselves.

6. Duplicate Layers- This layer will create a duplicate copy of whatever layer you are on. This sharpens the image or
layer you are currently working on.

7. Background Layer
 The bottommost layer in the Layers palette, the background layer is always locked (protected), meaning you
cannot change its stacking order, blending mode, or opacity (unless you convert it into a regular layer).

THE LAYERS PALETTE

Layer Mask
 It allows you to hide or use as much of any one layer as you like by painting with black and show by painting with
white

FLATTENING LAYERS

 the image will merge all the layers into one background

MERGING LAYERS

 It will only combine the selected layers while preserving the transparency
 Linking Layers/Grouping Layers
 It is used to form a relational bond between layers it allows you to apply certain changes to all the grouped
layers which are already formed and that is regarded as linking layers in Photoshop.

DIFFERENT BLENDING MODES

It is used to determine how two layers are blended with each other. When describing the
blending modes, there are three elements

 Base: This is the bottom Layer (The texture in the example)

 Blend: The top layer with the Blending mode applied to it
 Result: The combination of the two layers blended with the Blending mode

THE BLENDING MODES ARE SEPARATED INTO SIX GROUPS

 Normal: No special blending takes place, only opacity effects these

 Darken: The result darkens the image. White is invisible on the Blend layer.
 Lighten: The result lightens the image. Black is invisible on the Blend Layer.
 Contrast: Increases Contrast. 50% gray is invisible on the blend layer.
 Comparative: Difference between images is apparent
 Color: Works on different color qualities

THE LAYER STYLE DIALOG BOX

Layer Style Tips

o Scope
 Layer styles are automatically applied to anything new you place on that layer. If you don’t want it to take
on the same style, you need to place it on a new layer.
o Copying, Pasting, and Removing Layer Styles
If you have a layer style with a bunch of effects applied that you’d like to use on another layer, you can
right-click on the layer, choose Copy Layer Style, right-click on your new layer and then choose Paste
Layer Style.
o Don’t Overuse Layer Styles
o Experiment

Adjustment Layers
 a special kind of layer used for modifying color and contrast
 are a group of a super useful, non-destructive image editing tools that add color and tonal adjustments to your image
without permanently changing its pixels.
 With the adjustment layers, you can edit and discard your adjustments or restore your original image at any time.

SMART FILTER
 Any filter applied to a Smart Object is a Smart Filter. Smart Filters appear in
the Layers panel below the Smart Object layer to which they are applied.
Because you can adjust, remove, or hide Smart Filters, they are
nondestructive.
 You can apply any Photoshop filter (that has been enabled to work with Smart Filters)—except for Lens
Blur, Flame Picture Frame, Trees, and Vanishing Point—as a Smart Filter. In addition, you can apply
Shadow/Highlight as Smart Filters.

 To work with Smart Filters, select a Smart Object layer, choose a filter, and then set filter options. After
you apply a Smart Filter, you can adjust, reorder, or delete it.