Tools Utilized: Adobe CC Photoshop | iMac Desktop
Layers are any digital artists best friend. Henceforth, they are one of the most powerful tools in a software program. Whether you’re an artist, graphic designer, or website designer these nifty entities will help one go to new levels in their work. Photoshop software does it like no one else. In this basic tutorial on photoshop layers, we will be looking at some of the ways you can best utilize them.
The benefits of layers
There is nothing more delicious than a cake! Especially one with layers! As an artist, likewise is true for a software program. Looking at Photoshop, layers allow one to composite / build them into multiple pieces. By creating your work in parts this ensures you work de-constructively. Layers can contain images, backgrounds, colors, patterns, filters, and masks. Say you want to place yourself onto a different background. You would put yourself on one layer and the background on the other. You can work on each one separately. If you make a mistake on a portrait it won’t affect the background. Therefore helps you build up a project or isolate the problem.
How to access layers
Similar to most things in photoshop there are several ways to access the tools you need. The layers tool is no different.
The most common way [option 1] to do this is to go to the main menu bar. Next go to the Windows tab and select layers. This should bring up the layers panel if it’s not already there. The location can be different depending on workspace layout or customization. But it will appear in the workspace area [option 2]. The more direct approach is by using the direct select tool. Located at the top of the toolbar on the left side of your screen if you are using the Essentials default workspace [option 3]. Also make sure auto-select is checked in the main menu and the drop down menu is set to layers. You can now click on your art project and move individual layers. However, the only downside is when clicking on layers if you have multiple layers on top, the direct select tool will only move the layer directly on top. Layers below cannot be selected easily using this method.
Get the most out of your layers
Now that we have a better understanding of the layer tool, the time has come to learn how to operate the tool! Next, make your way to the layers panel, there are many options.
First, you will notice there is already one layer there. It’s titled the background layer and is locked. If you like you can unlock it by clicking on the lock icon. Conversely, you can lock it by clicking on the lock icon in lock options menu directly above the layer name. The other lock options I rarely use, only the lock icon, as it helps ensure you don’t accidentally work on the wrong layer.
Keep it organized!
Also it is good practice to name each layer. If you have several layers and want to group them into a folder, no problem! For example, Let’s say you have 2 birds each on a different layer, and a background layer. You could group the birds into a folder and name it.
To do this click on the new group folder icon near the bottom of the layers panel. A folder will now appear above the layers. You now drag and drop them into it. You can access the layers inside any time by clicking the arrow next to the folder. Now imagine you have 25 birds on each layer, and you have your other layers as well. The layers can become an eyesore. By using folders and layer naming you keep your layer panel organized.
Duplicate and delete layers
Need another bird and don’t have another photo? Fortunately there is easy way around this issue, is to duplicate the bird layer.
There are Three options to Duplicate a layer:
- Click on the layer that you want and hold CMD + J on mac, alternatively on PC it’s control + J.
- Click on hamburger (3 lines in the layer panel) then select Duplicate Layer from menu. [See Fig. 2]
- Right click on the layer in the layer panel and Select duplicate layer from menu.
There are Two options to create new layers:
- Click the white square with the plus sign near the bottom of the layer panel. [See Fig. 4]
- Click on the layer that you want and hold Shift + CMD + N on mac, alternatively on PC it’s Shift + Control + N.
Finally, it’s time to delete a layer. Maybe after having fun duplicating too many birds, you want to get rid of a few.
There are four options to delete a layer:
- Go to the layer panel and click the hamburger icon in the top right corner. Select delete layer from menu. [See Fig. 6]
- Right click on the layer in the layer panel and Select delete layer from menu.
- Click on the layer in the layer panel and hit delete on the keyboard.
- Click on the layer in the layer panel and click the trash can icon near bottom. [See Fig. 9]
Multitudes of options
We have just covered the basics, such as principles, location, and basic use. However, there are so many other options that encompass layers. Now that your feet are wet other tutorials will explore such as layer masks, adjustments, filters, and overlays. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Check back routinely for new and expansive tutorials in my tutorials category of my blog. See you see soon!
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