Adobe 13102498 - Photoshop CS3 - Mac User Manual page 287

Convert background and layers
When you create a new image with a white background or a colored background, the bottommost image in the
Layers palette is called Background. An image can have only one background layer. You cannot change the stacking
order of a background layer, its blending mode, or its opacity. However, you can convert a background into a regular
layer, and then change any of these attributes.
When you create a new image with transparent content, the image does not have a background layer. The
bottommost layer is not constrained like the background layer; you can move it anywhere in the Layers palette and
change its opacity and blending mode.
Convert a background into a layer
1 Double-click Background in the Layers palette, or choose Layer > New > Layer From Background.
Set layer options. (See "Create layers and groups" on page 280.)
2
3 Click OK.
Convert a layer into a background
1 Select a layer in the Layers palette.
Choose Layer > New > Background From Layer.
2
Any transparent pixels in the layer are converted to the background color, and the layer drops to the bottom of the
layer stack.
Note: You cannot create a background by giving a regular layer the name, Background—you must use the Background
From Layer command.
Create layers and groups
A new layer appears either above the selected layer or within the selected group in the Layers palette.
Create a new layer or group
Do one of the following:
1
• To create a new layer or group using default options, click the New Layer button
the Layers palette.
• Choose Layer > New > Layer or choose Layer > New > Group.
• Choose New Layer or New Group from the Layers palette menu.
• Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) the New Layer button or New Group button in the Layers palette
to display the New Layer dialog box and set layer options.
• Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) the New Layer button or New Group button in the Layers
palette to add a layer below the currently selected layer.
2 Set layer options, and click OK:
Specifies a name for the layer or group.
Name
Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask
masks" on page 323.)
Assigns a color to the layer or group in the Layers palette.
Color
Specifies a blending mode for the layer or group. (See "About blending modes" on page 343.)
Mode
This option is not available for groups. (See "Mask layers with clipping
PHOTOSHOP CS3
User Guide
or New Group button
280
in