Layers Question

[ELFritzen]

I thought I understood layers, but apparently I'm missing something. Can anyone tell me why the tutorial by Linda Sattgast on Painted Edges in the latest issue of Photoshop Elements Techniques works. It seems counter-intuitive since the upper most layer is the image layer, grouped with adjustment layer below it. Why does the image only show when one paints on the lower adjustment layer? I would think the image should always be visible since it's the top most layer. Thanks!

[Matt K]

Hi,
I agree, the concept is a bit hard to grasp the first time around. Without going into a huge explanation, when you group a layer with the previous layer you are essentially telling Photoshop to only show parts of the grouped layer where there are pixels in the underlying layer. So, in this example, the top "grouped" layer (the photo) is only going to show through when you paint on the adjustment layer (the groupee) below it. To really see this in action. Create a Type layer. Then add a photograph layer on top of it just like in Linda's tutorial. Group it like step 3 states and you'll see that the photo is restricted to the type layer under it. Its a very powerful technique and actually very useful once you get the hang of it.
Hope this helps.

[ELFritzen]

Thanks for the explanation, Matt. I think I understand what's going on. I thought that an adjustment layer effects the pixels in the layer(s) below it. Grouping the adjustment layer limits the effect to the pixels in the layer to which the adjustment layer is grouped. Am I right? I know in Linda's tutorial she's using an adjustment layer below an image layer, which is opposite to the way I'm used to thinking of adjustment layers. In this case the adjustment layer effects the pixels in the layer above. I was able to follow your example and it works like you said. Thanks again.

[schellem]

I was confused as well when seeing this.

Now that I understand it, I look at it is a way to apply a 'layer' to only one other layer not all layers under it.