Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Layers Via Copy
In the chapters that follow, we will be creating new layers in several different ways. One
method requires a little extra clarification.
The menu selection for this particular technique is
Layer > New > Layer Via Copy
This means that we will be creating a new layer by
copying
a portion of another layer.
Let's start by creating a file that contains four layers — two
Image Layers
, a
Gradient Fill
Layer
, and a
Background Layer
.
An
Image Layer
is a layer that contains a picture or drawing of some type.
A
Fill Layer
is a layer that is either a solid color, pattern, or transitions from one color to
another. A transition from one color to another is called a
Gradient
.
Gradients
can actu-
ally have several transitions in color. We will be discussing
Gradients
in detail in the next
chapter.
The bottom layer for this example was originally created by Photoshop, as the
Background
Layer
, when I created a
New File
. This was necessary to establish the size of the
Canvas
-
the total space allowed for this example.
When I added the other three layers, they took on the
Canvas Size
that was established by
the
Background Layer
. The
Canvas
was white. Since the
Background Layer
is not adding
any image detail to the composite image, it can be deleted without causing any problems.
The other layers will maintain the
Canvas Size
.
This leaves us with three layers that make up the composite image. When they are all turned
on, we see the composite. If only one layer is turned on, that is all that we will see.
