What is a composite layer?

[Sepiana]

Hi,

Today I was doing a tutorial (English tea can effect) that required the creation of a composite layer. I got it right, but now I'm curious.

- what is a composite layer exactly?
- In which circumstances does one need to create one?
- Can layer styles be applied to it?

Thanks in advance.

[Michel B]

A composite layer is a layer acting like a canvas where different other layers are merged or combined. I did a google search and found this, which you'll probably find interesting:
http://www.webreference.com/graphics/elements3/2/

[TonyW]

There do seem to be some different ways the term composite is used but Michel is right it's a combined layer so works like any other layer - Ctrl-Shft-Alt-E will create a combined layer of whatever is visible at the time (it's called Stamp Visible). When you save you do have the option (unless you turned it off in Preferences) to save a psd file with a composite (it's the maximise compatability option in Preferences). If you have saved that way you can open just the composite by holding down Shft-Alt when you go to Open a psd file. If the psd file wasn't saved with a composite it will give you a message in 4 different languages like this:

2150

That's probably more than you wanted to know but I got that message one time and wondered what it was about so had to dig around a bit to find out :D

Tony

[Sepiana]

A composite layer is a layer acting like a canvas where different other layers are merged or combined. I did a google search and found this, which you'll probably find interesting:
http://www.webreference.com/graphics/elements3/2/
Hi Michel,
It was very nice of you to take the time to do a google search on composite layers. I'll be checking that website the moment I'm done here.

[Sepiana]

Hi Tony,
I do appreciate you taking the time to provide me with a detailed explanation on composite layers. It was very helpful.

[Byron Gale]

...Ctrl-Shft-Alt-E will create a combined layer of whatever is visible at the time (it's called Stamp Visible)....It is worth noting that this process acts a bit differently in earlier versions of PSE.

In early versions, pressing that four-key combination REPLACES your currently selected layer with the composite.

In later versions, pressing the four-key combination ADDS a new layer above the currently selected layer, the new layer containing the composite.

I do not know off-hand which version implemented the change, but will post back when I have checked.

[Sepiana]

Hi Byron,

Thanks for the input. I use PE4. When I pressed Ctrl-Alt-Shift-E, it added a new layer above the currently selected layer.