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| Tips for Working with Layers |
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To Each His Own
It is best to place every new element, or addition to an element, on its own layer.
You can always merge (combine) layers, and it is much safer and faster to build
each element a layer at a time. Once you are satisfied with the look, you can then
combine the elements that make up that object.
Name That Layer
Name layers so they are easily identified in the future. Once you have 20 layers, will you still know what's on number 10?
Always Know Where You Are
Most Image menu commands will only apply to the selected layer. Make sure you have the correct active layer
selected by glancing at your layer tabs located at the top of your image window. The active layer has a larger, brighter tab.
Last Not Necessarily on Top
All new layers are added to the top of the layer stack. This means objects in this layer can obscure other
things below them. To move the layer in the stack just grab its tab and drag it into position at the top of the window.
Merge to Avoid Congestion
Do you have too many layers to keep track of? Would some layers be easier to
handle (move, rotate, apply special effects) as a single unit (i.e. an image
and its background frame)? Create a single layer from two or more by merging. Note: Once layers are merged,
they cannot easily be separated into the original layers (except by using Undo), so use this command cautiously.
I Can See Clearly Now that Opacity is Gone
Don't be afraid to play with the opacity of your layers. This feature
is one of your best friends when trying to create subtle, artistic effects.
Now You See it, Now You Don't
Want to quickly hide or show a layer without going to the layer menu? Double-click on the layer's tab.
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