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Photoshop

Layers

Overview

In this section you will be introduced to the most powerful feature that Photoshop has to offer. Layers offer versatility because of their ability to interact with each other while remaining autonomous. We will examine how to create, modify, move and manage layers as well as how to apply special layer effects such as bevels and drop shadows. Drawing and editing vector shapes is included in this module because they are created on special layers. There is a project at the end of the module that reviews what you've learned.

Here is a summary of the topics in this module:

(1) Layers Panel

In this lecture, layers are defined and options for managing layers are discussed. A practice exercise will help you to learn the basics of layers.

(2) Layers Panel Menu

The Layers panel menu allows you to make quick changes and modifications to the layers used in your Photoshop image.

(3) Selecting and Moving Layer Content

The Move tool is introduced in this lecture. It can be used for a number of functions, including repositioning layer content. We also cover creating selections based on a layer's opacity. Both features are explored in a practice exercise.

(4) Aligning and Distributing Layer Content

To make your layouts more accurate you can align and/or distribute the position of content on multiple layers in relation to each other or in relation to a selection marquee.

(5) Copying and Duplicating Layers Between Images

You'll often find you need to transfer layers from one image to another. This can be accomplished by dragging layers between images or by using the Duplicate command to specify the destination image.

(6) Layer Blending Modes

Using Layer Blending modes allows you to create special effects through a special interaction between layers.

(7) Layer Styles

Apply effects like drop shadows and bevels to your images using layer styles.

(8) Layer Style Settings

Each layer style has settings for customizing the effects used in the style.

(9) Clipping Masks

Clipping masks provide a way of masking portions of layers that are part of the mask. It's a great creative tool and the beauty of it is its flexibility for making modifications later on.

(A) Vector Shapes

Up to this point, you've been working with pixel-based or raster images. Photoshop has a set of shape tools with which you can create simple geometric vector shapes that can be transformed with no loss in quality and that can be rasterized. Because shapes occupy a special type of layer, they are included in this module. A practice exercise will let you get your feet wet with creating and manipulating shapes.

(B) Smart Objects

Smart objects are a relatively new, but extremely useful Photoshop feature. You can put a layer or number of layers into a smart object, and work with it as one single layer, while still having the ability to edit the original layers. Smart objects can also be used to place vector objects into Photoshop without rasterizing, and function as "master copies" of duplicate layers.

(C) Layer Comps

The Layer Comps panel creates snapshots of design compositions to help you view and manage multiple design versions within a single Photoshop file.

(D) Layers Project

This lecture contains a step-by-step tutorial for creating a fictional advertisement. Many of the layer functions covered in this module will be used in the project so you'll get practice applying what you learned.

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Photoshop - TOC - Introduction - Books -
[ Layers ] - Links - Questions -
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - A - B -

Photoshop - TOC - Introduction - Books -
[ Layers ] - Links - Questions -
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - A - B -