Working with layers

[Paul F]

Today I thought I'd have a go at working with layers for the first time and things aren't going like they are suppose to. Or at least how I think they are suppose to.
My question is, when you open an image in PS6 and then create a layer, shouldn't any editing done to the image, appear on the blank layer(s) ?
When I first open an image, it automatically becomes the background layer.
I then create a layer which appears blank above the background layer.
It's in this new layer that I thought any changes I make to the image, would appear.
They don't. They appear in the background layer and the blank layer, stays blank.
This is an example of what I mean.
In the image I was working on, I did a crop of a car that was in the picture. There was a lot more in the picture other than the car. After agreeing to the crop, just the car itself appeared in the background layer while the blank layer stayed blank.
I was expecting to see the car appear in the blank layer and if not the car, then the rest of the picture without the car.

Obviously, I'm not doing something right and the sad part about this is I have The Missing Manual book for this program and I still can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Any pointers would be appreciated.

Paul

[vawitt]

Hi, Paul. Cropping will remove the area outside the crop.

If you want extract the car onto its own layer, you need to use one of the selection tools, like the lasso, or the magic wand, or the magic selection brush.

First, make a copy of your entire original background layer (CTRL+J). Then, click the eyeball next to the original layer to switch it off. Now you have it to return to in case you change your mind, but you won't see it.

Work on the copy to make your selection using your tool of choice. Once you make your selection, choose Layer > New > Layer via cut (if you want car on one layer and rest on the original layer), or, Layer > New > Layer via copy (keyboard shortcut: CTRL+J). This will give you the car on its own layer, and the intact picture on the original layer. Then, if you only want to see and/or work on the car layer, switch off the eyeball next to your copy layer.

Hope this helps! You might do a forum search for "selection" if you haven't done much with those tools.

Post back if you need more advice!

[Grafix]

Paul,

You don't need to make a "blank layer" first. Just make a copy of your background by dragging the background layer onto the "new layer icon" and it will duplicate it as "background copy." Then, with the "copy" layer selected, do your crop and apply.

I hope this answers your question for what you are trying to do. Have fun!!:)

[GaryK]

Paul

Any editing done shows on the active (highlighted) layer. But you can only edit what is on that layer.
If you had a blank layer above your background you could draw on it or add a shape or whatever and it would not be "on" your background.

Layers do take a bit of getting used to and there are always things that pop up because you are trying to do something on the wrong layer. Non the less, they are the true power to this program.

I like to think of them as transparencies stacked on top of each other. You can see what is below as long as it is not covered. You can rearrange them, do anything you want on a layer and it will not alter the one below.:)

[ljameso1]

It really helps to take the PET class on layers to get an understanding on how they are used.

[Paul F]

Thank you Vawitt,Grafix, Garyk and |jameso1 for your replies and tips. I'll experiment a bit more with layers today using the tips provided and see how that goes.