Using Layers; Chapter 8 About Layers - Adobe PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Manual

Chapter 8: Using Layers
ayers are the basis for creating and editing
L
images in Photoshop Elements. Layers help
you to customize your images, and can
give your images different artistic effects. Layers
also make managing components in your
images easier.
About layers
When you create, import, or scan an image in
Photoshop Elements, the image consists of a single
layer. If you're simply retouching the image, you
don't have to create new layers. However, if you
plan to add different elements to your image,
layers will make your task a lot easier.
The power of layers is that they allow you to work
on one element of your image without disturbing
the others. Until you combine, or merge, the layers,
each layer remains independent. This means you
can experiment freely with different compositions
without making permanent changes to your
overall image. In addition, special features such as
adjustment layers, fill layers, and layer styles let
you create sophisticated effects.
A good way to think of layers is as sheets of acetate
stacked one on top of the other. Where there is no
image on a layer, you can see through to the layers
below. Behind all of the layers is the background.
In the following illustration, each animal and the
map are on separate layers. The dark texture is the
background. Depending on how you stack and
position the layers, the composition changes.
Zebra is on topmost layer.
Transparent areas on a layer let you see through to the
layers below.
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