layers

Some graphics programs will use layers to create graphics. Layers are like drawing on sheets of see through paper. Use layers whenever possible. Each new object can be drawn on its own sheet of paper or layer. This way you can change that object without affecting any of the other parts of the drawing.

To see if your program uses layers, you should look for a layer drop down menu or a layer tool under a windows drop down menu. In this example we are using a program called Adobe Photoshop

To see if your program uses layers, you should look for a layer drop down menu. In this example we are using a program called GIMP.

To open the layers in your graphic check the window drop down menu for a layer option.

Example: (using Photoshop)

1- select Window drop down menu

2 - place a check mark next to layers if

there is none

A layers window will now open. It may be docked with other panels.

The "eyeball' icon means the layer is visable.

The "padlock" icon means the layer is locked.

Layers may be dragged and dropped to reorder them. The layer on top is the first visible layer.

The trash can will delete the selected layer.

The "plus" icon creates a new layer.

Layers may be organized into groups using the "folder" icon. To be part of the group the layer must be placed in the folder group.

In the example to the right, layer 2 is part of group 1, while layer 1 and the background are not part of the layers.

To edit objects in a layer simply click on that layer to make it active. Edit the object as needed in the workspace.

You can also add, delete, rename, combine, and reorder layers using the commands in the layer menu, or in the layer toolbox, or by right clicking on the layer.

Layers may be combined by merging them by right clicking on the layer and selecting merge down or merge visible,

You may merge individual layers down, which places the top layer objects on top of the lower layer objects all in the same player.

You may also merge all visible layers.

Be careful merging layers, you may find you need them later.

If a layer has a box outline with dots on the corner, this icon mean that the layer contains objects that are not rasterized yet. They are smart objects. They need to be rasterized before they may be edited. Right click on the layer and select rasterize.

If a layer has a "T" symbol, that indicates that it is text and may be edited with the text tool. Text are also smart objects, an need to be rasterized before pixel editing may take place. Be careful with this, as one the text is rasterized, the text itself can not be edited with the text tool.

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