Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
paint on it, for example). In the Layers panel, the new layer appears just above the layer that
was active when you added the new one. Elements always puts new layers directly above the
active layer, so if you want a new layer at the top of the stack, click the current top layer to
make it active before creating the new layer.
TIP
The only practical limit to the number of layers you can have in a single document is your
computer's processing power. But if you find yourself regularly creating projects with up-
ward of 100 layers, you may want to upgrade to Photoshop, which has tools that make it
easier to manage lots of layers.
As mentioned earlier, some things you do create new layers automatically. For instance, if
you copy and paste an object from another photo (see
Moving Objects Between Images
for
instructions) or add artwork from the Content panel, then the object automatically arrives on
its own layer. That's really handy because it lets you put the new item right where you want
it without disturbing the rest of your composition.
So why would you want to manually create new layers? One example is when you want to
clone something (
The Clone Stamp
)
. If you don't add a separate layer to clone on, then your
changes go right onto your existing layer and become part of it; once you save and close the
file, you can't undo any of that cloning. But if you put your changes on a separate layer, you
can always go back and discard that layer if you change your mind. Elements doesn't auto-
matically create a layer when you clone, so you have to add one yourself.
Deleting Layers
If you decide you don't want a particular layer anymore, you can easily delete it.
Figure 6-6
shows the simplest method, although Elements also gives you a few other options:
▪ Select Layer→Delete Layer.
▪ Right-click/Control-click the layer in the Layers panel, and then choose Delete Layer.
▪ Click the button at the upper right of the Layers panel (the square made of horizontal
lines), and then choose Delete Layer.
