Layers questions

[blackdog]

Some basic questions about layers. Forget Elements help file, which I am sure most of you agree is anything but helpful.

1-If I click on the "Create a New Layer" icon in the layers pallate, I get a layer with a checkerboard background called "Layer 1". If I drag the background layer to the same icon, I get a layer called "Background Copy". Stupid question, but what is the difference and what can I do with each?

2-I tried the create a rainbow video with good results, but I can't figure out how to put the rainbow behind the background. I know that there is a way, but I can't seem to figure it out.

Sorry for these basic questions that have probably already been answered numerous times.

[Daviskw]

Hi There ….sorry I have to run just now but I am posting a link to a discussion a little while back that should help you.

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4894&highlight=Layer+tutorial

But real quick you usually copy a layer when you want to apply an effect to the whole picture globally.

With a new layer you are adding a particular effect over the top of layers below. For instance you want a rainbow in your picture but you want to be able to move it or change it later. You would place the rainbow on a new layer on top of the background or if you paste the rainbow in it will automatically be placed on a new layer. Remember layers are like looking down from above. The checkered area is transparent and you can see the picture below. You can move layers in the pallet by grabbing and moving to change which is on top of the other in your picture.

Butch

[ATR]

RE: 1
It sounds like you are dealing with the difference between Regular and Background (locked) Layers. If that is the case, I offer the following:

When you open a photo or new document (File/New/New File), by default the photo or new file opens as a Background Layer that is locked. With this locked layer, certain operations will result with a message--cannot complete request since layer is locked. If you hold down the Alt Key and double click the locked Background Layer, it is converted to a Regular Layer (unlocked) named Layer 0. (There are other ways to do this, but this is the quickest.) Naming of a layer identifies the layer and does not alter the layer's properties as exemplified below. Here you can rename Layer 0 if you choose.

Duplicating a layer is good practice to preserve original (Background Layer, locked), but it also generates an unlocked version of your background. The "Create a New Layer" icon in the Layers Palette when selected will result in a new Regular Layer (transparency, which has various names depending on the order in which it was created. This same icon can be used to create a specific new layer. In your case, you duplicated (created a new layer)--your Background Layer--by dragging the Background Layer to the "Create a New Layer" icon. That is a common shortcut. That duplicate was automatically named Background copy. Another way is to highlight the Background Layer and duplicate it by pressing Control J. Now your duplicate layer will be named Layer 1. Same duplicate in each case, just a different name which you can still change.

You might want to check out the additional options you have when you create a new layer via the More button in the Layers Palette.

RE: 2

Are you trying to reproduce the Rainbow Video of 1/27/06? Is the rainbow on a separate layer?

I hope that this has been helpful and has restated things you already know.

ATR

[ATR]

The last line of my reply should read,

I hope that this has been helpful and has not restated things you already know.

Sorry for the omitted "not".

ATR

[GaryK]

ATR

I always need restating of things I already know. :D :D