Photoshop Elements /

Layers / 1 - Introduction

Layers are great.

They're not especially difficult to understand, but there's a lot to learn.

This writer suggests you start using them with one of the tutorials.

Then, return to this section to learn about what you did with the layers in the tutorial.

Before you do that, let's get you oriented.

Layer #1 - On the Bottom

When you open a photograph, the bottom layer is your photograph.

This layer is called Background.

The Background layer is locked.

You can't make any changes to a layer when it's locked.

If you want to unlock it, rename the layer.

Double click Background in the layer, and enter a new name.

To make a layer into a Background layer, go to Layer > New > Background From Layer.

Layer #2 - Next One on Top

The tutorials suggest you make a a copy of the Background layer.

Then, if something goes wrong, the copy is messed up, not the Background layer, the original photograph.

Click the Background layer, hold, and drag it onto the icon called Create a new layer.

You now have a layer called Background copy.

You can add many more layers.

Layer #3 - To Make the Photograph B&W

Let's add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.

You'll learn how to do this when you do a tutorial.

Here's what it looks like.

Among other things, this type of layer can turn your color photograph into a B&W one.

Again, try out one of the tutorials.

The next section has lots of information about layers that you probably can't use just yet.

Have a quick look, if you wish.

Then, do a tutorial.

Come back after you've done a tutorial.

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