Geezer and Layers

[Taxeye in Canada]

I have PSE7 now a move up from PSE6.
I can do a lot of neat things with PSE EXCEPT use the most important tool - LAYERS! :o
Is there anything out there like "Layers for Dummies - Simplified for Geezers" that can take me to the promised land of using layers??
I have another friend running into the same problem and he asked me for help :D
Thanks.
Taxeye in Canada

[sandway]

I'll be watching for replies to your call for help. I'm in the same boat...just can't "get it" when it comes to layers.:confused:

[frank abramonte]

Taxeye & sandway, read through this link it will help answer your question.

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41718

[Taxeye in Canada]

Thanks Frank; :)
There's also quite a long thread re: Layers on page 2 of this forum.
I have the Brundage Book for Elements 6.
I have read and reread the section on layers and still haven't seen the "Light!!"
I'm going over it yet again.
Taxeye in Canada

[alibony]

Hi Taxeye,

Layers are really tricky at first, but once you get the hang of them, you will love using them.

I've got a brief explanation on my site here:

Layers
http://www.alibony.com/graphics/def_layers.html


You might also want to try these lessons, which use layers, to learn more:

1-2-3 Collage
http://www.alibony.com/pse/022108collage.html


Burnt Edges Vignette
http://www.alibony.com/pse/051408burnedges.html

I hope this helps!

Karen :)

[frank abramonte]

These instructions are based on Mac platform, however, most all is the same as on PC. Keyboard shortcut equivalents:

Mac Option = Windows Alt
Mac Command = Ctrl
Mac Ctrl=click = Right-click


This is your original document.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1kHLq3mXgaAXMIcljWu9J5glNDLhEy_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1kHLq3mXgaAXMIcljWu9J5glNDLhEy)

Step 1
Let’s add a leaf to the flower.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1d4ly3MsxJcn3vxp7BUXQkFd8goyfr_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1d4ly3MsxJcn3vxp7BUXQkFd8goyfr)

1. Open the leaf photo. Select the leaf by clicking on the white background with the magic wand (use a tolerance of 10).
2. Now go to Select>Inverse. This will isolate the leaf so that only the leaf will move.
3. Using the move tool drag it onto the flower photo. Note that it will create its own layer. Move the leaf to where you wish it to be.
4. There will be times when you will create a new layer by going to Layers>New>Layer. (more about this when you get a grasp of layers).
5. Once the leaf is in position, and still active, you can, duplicate it by holding down the Alt key, and dragging it to a new position. 6. This duplicate will automatically be placed on the same layer as the original leaf. This means that they will move together.
7. To be able to move them independently the second leaf would have to be moved to its own layer.
8. Go to Layer>New>Layer this will create a new layer you can name it 2nd leaf. Now go back to the original leaf photo and select it as you did the first time, unless its still selected.
9. Go to Edit>Copy.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1dLpL2zbZg56ata6aWQIOQzs2wqGna0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1dLpL2zbZg56ata6aWQIOQzs2wqGna0)

10. Then go back to the 2nd leaf layer (make sure its highligheted in the layers palette) and Go to Edit>Paste or Paste Into. The leaf will appear on the new layer. You can move it to wherever you wish with the move tool.
Layrs should have you that you can adjust any part of a photo without disturbing the other parts provided the parts are on separate layers.
That should be enough to get you started. Post back when you understand this part.

[Taxeye in Canada]

Linda & Frank,
I just came back from helping my wife install new laundry tub taps. :)
I mean helping because I'm the second worst mechanically inclined person on the planet.:D
Your responses are so very helpful and condsiderate and I thank you both so much for taking the time to help.
I can't wait to work my way through both responses and have that layers black bulb light up to bright.
I will post back as soon as I work my way through everything.
Again, thank you both for your great help!! :)
Regards,
Taxeye

[Taxeye in Canada]

Karen :o
So sorry for renaming you, Linda.
Darn geezer moments are embarrassing.
BTW, You have a great website. :)
Apologies again.
Taxeye

[alibony]

Hi Taxeye,

No problem with the Linda. If I didn't have a cousin named Linda already, my Mom would have named me Linda. It was a really popular name for my generation. ;-)

Karen

[frank abramonte]

Taxeye & Karen. i forgot to mention to open my pixenral documents in elements and use them to follow the instructions.