Layers for Dummies?

[fishtek]

I can use lots of the features in Elements (I've had 4 and 5, now using 6), but have never been able to figure out layers. There's always some nomenclature or assumed skill that I've missed, to the point I don't even try to use layers. As a great number of users refer to layers, I assume that a great number do, indeed, use layers. Is there something so BASIC (note all caps, please) out there I can acquire, that I might figure it out? (Yeah, I've got the elements books that came with the program...)

TIA, and best regards!
Don

[ljameso1]

Corey has a great layers class on his site. Also, do some of the scrapbook tuts to get a feel for the things layers can do.

[Bayla]

Don,

I took the Layers course over at the PET site and it was the best $20 I ever spent. It was written for PSE4 but it applies to all versions although there is the odd thing that needs a work around. The course has since moved to:

http://www.kelbytraining.com/online/all-classes.html

Bayla

[CarolLHB]

I have to echo the comments here and add that layers is really the thing you want to learn-it is the basis for all flexible work in PS. Do take Matt's class, it's great.:)

[Inspeqtor]

I have to agree with everyone here. Taking the Layers Class is important to understanding Elements (and full photoshop) The layers class that Matt teaches (http://www.kelbytraining.com/online/all-classes.html) is great as Bayla mentioned. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to find it. This is what you want to look for:

2914

[light3828]

Corey has a great layers class on his site. Also, do some of the scrapbook tuts to get a feel for the things layers can do.
Where can I find Corey's site you refer to?

[Bayla]

Where can I find Corey's site you refer to?

HERE (http://www.planetphotoshop.com/)

Bayla

[shrinkie1964]

The most recent book on PSE6 (which is also useful to Windows users who have PSE7) is much better than I expected it to be. It doesn't have a formal treatment of "all there is to know about layers", but it does provide numerous algorithms for various scenarios, most of which use layers extensively. You learn pretty quickly what layers actually do in a number of pretty common situations. I didn't think I would find much use for the book, but just the practical advice on sharpening alone was well worth the 30 bucks or so I paid for it. The edge sharpening technique using the Emboss filter is similar to the High Pass technique recently mentioned around here, and, you guessed it, uses layer and employs some key principles like blending mode and opacity.

If you are going to work with layers, be sure to get a free add on action that provides the layer mask capability of the full PS--Grant's Tools is the one you hear most about. In his book, Kelby emulates layer masks effectively without this, but his workaround is a little bit less intuitive. Layer Masks are an essential tool, and why Adobe just doesn't put them in PSE and be done with it is a bit perplexing.

hth,
Les