Using Layer Styles - Adobe PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Manual

2 Choose Layer > Flatten Image, or choose
Flatten Image from the Layers palette menu.
Layered file, and flattened file
Tracking file size
File size depends on the pixel dimensions of an
image and the number of layers contained in the
image. Images with more pixels may produce
more detail when printed, but they require more
disk space to store and may be slower to edit and
print. You should keep track of your file sizes to
make sure the files are not becoming too large for
your purposes. If the file is becoming too large,
reduce the number of layers in the image or change
the image size.
To track file size:
Select the Document Sizes option in the status bar.
(See "Using the status bar" on page 30.)
The first (left) value indicates the size of the file if
flattened. The second (right) value shows the
estimated file size of the unflattened file.
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Using layer styles

Layer styles let you quickly apply effects to a layer's
content. You can scan through a variety of
predefined layer styles in the Layer Styles palette
and apply a style with just a click of the mouse.
About layer styles
Layer styles allow you to apply effects—such as
drop shadows and bevels—to a layer's content.
The boundaries of the effect are automatically
updated when you edit that layer. For example, if
you apply a drop shadow style to a text layer, the
shadow will change automatically when you edit
the text.
Layer styles are cumulative, which means that you
can create a complex effect by applying multiple
styles to a layer. You can also change a layer's style
settings to adjust the final effect.
Using the Layer Styles palette
The Layer Styles palette lets you view and select
layer styles. Depending on the palette display
options that you choose, you can view layer styles
as a list of thumbnails or as a list with both names
and thumbnails. The layer styles that come with
Photoshop Elements are grouped into sets. For
example, one set contains drop shadow styles;
another set contains bevel styles. You can apply
multiple styles to the same layer to create a
complex effect.
To display the Layer Styles palette:
Choose Window > Show Layer Styles, or click the
Layer Styles tab in the palette well.
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User Guide