Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Showing and hiding layers
Deleting a layer
Linking and locking layers
Creating layer mask, Clipping Mask layers, and Adjustment layers
Creating and using Shape layers
Applying enhancements and styles to layers
This chapter is all about layers and their use in Photoshop Elements 13. A layer can be
compared to a clear sheet of plastic. You can put images, shapes, borders, frames, and mes-
sages on individual layers to create a composite image. You can also change the opacity
and Blending mode as well as add special effects and filters to each layer. Because the im-
age is on a layer, you can work on that image without changing anything else in your photo.
This is very useful to create a design composite with many layers each containing images,
shapes, text, borders, or frames. Based on the layer content, Photoshop Elements 13 has
different types of layers—Image, Background, Shape, Mask, Adjustments, Type, and Fill
layers. Each is designed for a special use in Photoshop Elements 13.
Creating a New Layer
Layers are used in all modes of the Photo Editor. For instance, in the previous chapter when
you created a selection of an object in a photo, you used a mask to select the object. Pho-
toshop Elements actually used a Mask layer to create this mask functionality. You did not
have access to the actual Mask layer, just the functionality. The layers in the Quick and
Guided modes are automatic and allow little modification. The Expert mode has a Layers
panel for working with layers, and it gives you lots of control for customizing and modi-
fying layers. When you open a photo in the Photo Editor, it automatically creates and dis-
plays the photo image on a Background layer. It is a good idea to leave the Layers panel
displayed while you work in the Expert mode.
