Introduction | Creating and Opening an Image | Editing an Image | Understanding and Switching Between Layers
Cropping and Resizing Images | Moving and Selecting/Deleting Parts of Images | Adding Text
Altering Your Images | Rotating and Drawing Shapes | Eyedropper and Zoom Tools | History
Brightness & Contrast | Layer Styles | Filters | Saving

Understanding Layers:
One of Photoshop's most powerful features is the ability to create and use multiple layers within the same image. A layer is literally what it sounds like: one layer on top of another, all of which can be edited independently of each other and laid on top of or beneath one another, and then later combined to form a single, flat image.

When you first create an image, you will be working with the "Background" layer. You cannot always use all effects on a background layer, so you may wish to start working directly with normal layers. To create a new layer, click the "Layer" menu, and pick "Layer" from the "New" menu (or click Shift+Ctrl+N).

In the new window that pops up, click "OK."

Now look down in the bottom-right of the screen to the lower-most window, which we haven't looked at yet. It will have three tabs on it: Layers, Channels, and Paths. We'll be staying on the main "Layers" tab, for now. It should look something like this:

You will notice that "Layer 1" is above "Background" in the window. This means that anything that's on Layer 1 will take priority over anything in the Background layer. Things in the Background layer will be obscured by things in Layer 1. Why would you want to do this? You can switch back and forth between layers to move items independently of items in other layers, allowing you to lay things out exactly as you want.

So what are all these options in the layers window?

1. Paintbrush Symbol - This symbol (and the blue shading of the layer) notes the currently active layer

2. Show / Hide Layer - When the eye icon is visible, the layer is displayed in your project. If the eye is clicked, then the layer is hidden but not deleted.

3. Link Icon - Indicates if the layer is currently linked to another layer. When linked, layers act "locked" together (and will move with each other, accordingly), but still remain separate layers. Layers can be linked together by selecting one layer, and then clicking the boxes in the other layers to display the "Link" icon (number three on the above list and image).

4. Background - The Background is technically not a layer, however, it can be edited. It is the bottom-most portion of the image.

5. Layer - Each layer has its own name (default is by numbering). Click a layer's name to edit on that layer.

6. Text Layer - Adding text creates a new text-specific layer.

7. Effects - When you add effects to a layer, a sub-menu appears with that layer listing the effect applied to it. Double-click an effect's name to bring up that effect's menu to make adjustments.

8. Add a Layer Style - By picking an option from this menu (such as Drop Shadow, Inner Glow, or Bevel and Emboss), you can apply special effects to a layer.

9. Add a Mask - Masks are used to hide pixels on a layer in order to view the rest of the image. Layer masks are either a black or white background color. The default color is white, which lets pixels be seen, while black hides pixels.

10. Create a New Set - By making a new set, you can create a separate folder for layer storage.

11. Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer - The options in this menu allow you to change the color properties and dimensions of a layer. For example, you can make a layer lighter or darker, add a gradient (a blending of two colors), or invert the entire layer.

12. Create a New Layer - Clicking on this icon creates a new layer. You can name your layer in the text box that appears and position it in the palette.

13. Delete a Layer - Deletes the currently selected layer. You can also drag a layer to the trash.

14. Opacity - Use this to adjust a layer's opacity (its transparency).

Some notes about layers:

• Layers can be repositioned in different orders in the Layers palette by clicking on a layer and dragging it to a new position in the palette. To make a layer appear on the top-most part of the image, drag it higher up on the list. Do the opposite to position a layer at the bottom-most area of an image.
• Only a selected layer can be edited. To select a layer, click on the layer name in the palette.
• You can only work with layers in a *.psd file (Photoshop's native format). If you want to modify a *.gif or *.jpg file (or any other type of image file) with layers, copy and paste that image into a new, blank Photoshop canvas.
  

Switching Back and Forth Between Layers:
The layer that's selected under the "Layers" tab will be the one changes are made to when working on the canvas. If you wish to work on a different layer, click the name of that layer. Remember, if you want to bring a different layer to the front of the image, click and drag it above or below to where you want it.

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