Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6. Layers: The Heart of
Elements
If you've been working mostly in the Quick Fix window so far, you've probably noticed that,
once you close a file, the changes you've made to it are permanent. In other words, you can
undo stuff while the file is still open, but once you close it, you're stuck with what you've
done.
Fortunately, there's a better way to work. In Elements, you can keep your changes (most
kinds, anyway) and still revert to the original image if you use
layers
, a nifty system of trans-
parent sheets that keeps each component of the image on a separate sliver that you can edit.
Layers are one of the greatest image-editing inventions ever: By putting each change on its
own layer, you can rearrange an image's composition and add or subtract changes whenever
you want.
If you use layers, then you can save a file and quit Elements, come back days or weeks later,
and
still
undo what you did or change things around some more. There's no statute of limita-
tions for the edits you make using layers.
Some people resist learning about layers because they fear layers are too complicated. But
they're actually really easy to use once you understand how they work. And once you get
started with layers, you'll realize that using Elements without them is like driving a Ferrari in
first gear. This chapter gives you the info you need to get comfortable working with layers.
Understanding Layers
Imagine that you want to figure out the various ways you can redecorate a room in your
house. The first thing you do is create a bare-bones drawing of the room. Now imagine
you've also got a bunch of transparent plastic sheets that each contain an image that changes
the room's look: a couch, different colors of carpeting, a standing lamp, and so on. Your dec-
orating work is now pretty easy, since you can add, remove, and mix and match the transpar-
encies with ease.
