A layer is a term used to describe different levels at which you can place images stacked above and below each other.
You can move a layer to position the content on the layer, like sliding a sheet of acetate in a stack.
Layers are used to perform task such as compositing multiple images, adding text or vector graphics images.
A layer can have certain transparency and a number of other properties.
Layer panel
Layer panel is a Command Central for layers.
If there's something we need to do in Photoshop that has something to do with layers, the Layers panel is where we do it.
We use the Layers panel to create new layers, delete existing layers, rename layers, move layers around, turn layers on and off in the document etc.
Types of layers
Thumbnail → A small picture of the layers content.
Layer group → This puts picture of the layers into a folder. Layers can be dragged in or out of groups in the layer panel.
Type layer → It is same as a image layer, except this layer contains type that can be edited.
Adjustment layer → This layer applies a common effect like brightness or saturation to other layers. However, as the effect is stored in a separate layer, it is easy to try it out and switch between different alternatives, without changing the original layer.
Layer style → An effect has been applied to layers. Click the eye to turn it on or off. Double click "effects" to open the layer style options.
Layer mask → A layer mask is linked to a layer and hides part of the layer from the picture. It allows you to paint on the mask to show and reveal portion of the image.
Smart object → It is like a container that can hold multiple layers, vectors for illustrator, raw files, video, 3D or many others types of objects.
Art layer → It is a regular layer.
Background layer → Always locked, cannot be moved or have layer effects applied to it. It can be unlocked double clicking on the thumbnail.
Video layer → This indicates that there is video on this layer. It is available in newer version of Photoshop.
3D layer → Photoshop is capable of importing and working with 3D objects. It also has the ability to do 3D printing.
How to create a layer?
Open Photoshop go to File and select New Document it will create a new document with white background. In layer panel you can see it is created with name Background.
Now create a new layer clicking on the symbol new layer
A new layer is created with checkerboard pattern which tells that it is blank, name as layer 1 given by Photoshop.
The layer is highlighted means it is currently in use.
Now create a rectangular shape selecting the Rectangular Marquee Tool from the Tools panel.
Go up to the Edit menu at the top of the screen and choose Fill. When the Fill dialog box opens, change the Use option to Color, then pick a color for the square from the Color Picker.
Same as rectangular shape draw a square using the Elliptical Marquee Tool.
You can see all the layers presented in layer panel.
You can also change the order of layer just swapping them.
It will give the image in reverse, without layers we can't reverse the images because all the images are draw only in on layer which is overlapped the pixel.
Image created in layers can also be moved using the move tool.
You can also delete a layer dragging the layer into Trash Bin.
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