Why so many different kinds of layers?

[Wayne Dreier]

I'm just now concentrating on learning layers. One of the most daunting things is why are there so many different types? For example, just a quick search through the PSE 3 Layer menu turned up all of these:

Layer
From Background
Via Copy
Duplicate
Fill
Adjustment

And most likely there are even more that I'll learn about.

For a novice, it seems it would be easier if I could merely have a choice of creating a layer and letting PSE decide if it needs to be a Fill layer, a duplicate or any other type depending on what I select to do. Right now it is hard enough to learn when I even need to create a layer let alone know what type I need to have. Part of the problem, until I get further in my learning, is the Layer type Adjustment means very little to me. The word conveys change so in my mind anything I do even if it doesn't involve Layers is an adjustment. Obviously PSE 3 has a somewhat less broad definition of an adjustment when it involves Layers.

If anyone can make sense out of this post and would care to comment, thank you. I intend to plug along and master this topic insofar as my needs are concerned. I wanted to give a beginner's viewpoint.

[Wendy]

Hi Wayne ...

I like the idea of just making a layer and Elements being able to decided what type it should be ... but sadly Elements just isn't that clever.

Have to admit that although there are many ways of creating a layer I just tend to use a couple :

Layer>New>Layer ... to create a blank layer
Layer>Duplicate Layer ... to duplicate one

if I want a fill layer ... well I just fill a blank layer :D

I find those do everything I want ... OK some may take just a little longer than using the other commands but hey I got the time :) :)

Adjustment layers really are something different ... they are very specific. Basically all they do is ensure that the adjustment you make is on its own layer ... that way if you don't like it you can later trash it or change it etc and your original image is not changed.

Wendy

[EJB]

Wayne I'm a real beginner like you and as Wendy suggests, I only use 'new' and 'duplicate' and that seems to cover most things. I haven't got to 'fill' yet:)