Chapter №7.

Layers

Layers are similar to pure rags ацетатной fabrics: opaque there where there is any picture, and transparent there where the picture is not present. For each layer it is possible to set own level of opacity and a mode controlling how this layer is combined with the layers allocated below it. It is possible to change the order of layout of layers, and also to connect to any layer a layer mask. It is impossible to edit some layers simultaneously: when you change an image part, other layers thus are not affected.

If at creation of the new image in the revealed ambassador of performance of menu command File> New (the File> New) a dialog box to install switch Contents (Content) in position White (White) or Background Color (Background color), the lowermost part of the image becomes a background, that is will not be a layer. If to select variant Transparent (Transparent), the lowermost part of the image appears a layer. At any moment to the image it is possible to add additional layers.

On palette Layers (Layers) the list of layers is allocated, since the uppermost and finishing the lowermost. Certainly, Background (Background) will be in the list end (fig. 7.1). A layer selected at present on a palette (active), - unique which can be edited. To activate any layer, it is enough to click on his name. The name of the active layer (or word Background) is displayed in image window title.

Fig. 7.1. Palette Layers

If you already studied how to interpose the selected area into a layer or to create the text you know that in both cases automatically there is a new layer. From chapter 9 you learn about such variety of layers, as adjusting layers which are used for print preview of effects of adjustment of color on underlaying layers. In the same chapter the main information on layers is stated.

Fig. 7.2. Display of the size of the document in status bar

The remark

If to save images in any format except format Photoshop (.psd) or Advanced TIFF (.tif), all layers will be united, and the transparent points of the lowermost layer become opaque white color. As to change of a mode of the image (for example, conversion from mode RGB in CMYK) if you want to save layers, install flag Don't Flatten (He to unite) or Don't Merge (He to merge).

Fig. 7.3. The button of creation of a new layer on palette Layers

Fig. 7.4. A window of a choice of parameters of again created layer

Fig. 7.5. A choice of the size of a miniature of a layer

The remark

In the image so much layers can contain, the free storage and a place on a disk how many allows. Пикселы, allocated on each layer, occupy certain disk space, therefore when you stop to work with the big image, it is better to unite or merge layers to reduce file size (fig. 7.2).