Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
An individual layer is like an individual transparency from the stack of transparencies. It
can be inserted into the stack in any position except the bottom layer when a
Background
Layer
is in the stack. We will be talking about
Background Layers
very soon.
There are five basic types of layers that we will be discussing in this and the next few
chapters —
Image Layers, Text Layers, Fill Layers, Shape Layers,
and
Adjustment Lay-
ers
.
An
Image Layer
is a layer that contains an image or illustration.
A
Text Layer
contains text and its associated special effects.
A
Fill Layer
is either a
Solid Color
, a
Gradient
(a transition from one color to another), or
a
Pattern
. The common thread is that these layers will
Fill
the entire
Canvas
or
Selection
(a limited portion of a layer).
Shape Layers
are geometric shapes such as rectangles, ellipses, and lines.
Adjustment Layers
modify characteristics of other layers. They can be applied to a single
layer or group of layers. The default is to modify all layers below the adjustment layer in
the stack. We will discuss
Adjustment Layers
in detail in Chapter Nine.
Each of these layer types plays an important role in creating an image that is more than the
sum of its parts.
