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05/16/2009 07:36:50 PM · #1 |
| Alright, you guys totally rocked my question on lighting, so I figured why not ask this one. I have been learning, or should I say attempting to learn photoshop for a few months now, I also use GIMP. Can someone please explain to me the use of Layers, 1.) What is a layer? - I know how to create a new layer, I just don't know what to do with it, or its purpose 2.) Why do you use a layer? 3.) How do you use a layer? Okay so I had more than one question. Please explain this as if you were telling a 4 year old child...LOL... I am so lost with this. I even have a giant photoshop tutorial book that really doesn't go into any great detail on layers, or at least explain them in any way I can understand. Any and all info is greatly appreciated |
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05/16/2009 07:40:03 PM · #2 |
Link google will find you lots of interesting and informative reading on layers.
For the visual learners you tube has several.
Matt
Message edited by author 2009-05-16 19:40:52. |
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05/16/2009 07:44:35 PM · #3 |
| dude that first link is freakin awesome... thank you sooooo much |
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05/16/2009 07:50:43 PM · #4 |
| I have used Planet Photoshop before too.... It has video tutorials for a bunch of different things. Just by following the tutorials, I found that I learned a lot about photoshop. |
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05/16/2009 08:34:06 PM · #5 |
I had a hard time wrapping my head around layers. I understood the concept, but it took some practice until I could do anything productive with them. I'm still not an expert, but I can do lots I could not do before. One thing for me was understanding the distinction between a raster layer and an adjustment layer. Now I'm trying to figure out masks. I've played with them a bit, but still can't make them do anything that I can't do easier with a simple erasure. I know once I get the concept down it will give me some capabilities that I can't envision right now.
Message edited by author 2009-05-16 20:34:25. |
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05/16/2009 08:37:38 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Now I'm trying to figure out masks. |
Oooohhhhhhhh, I was so incredibly happy when I figured them out - they opened a whole new photoshop world!
I'd be happy to try and share with you the bit that I know about them. |
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05/16/2009 08:56:33 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Beetle:
I'd be happy to try and share with you the bit that I know about them. |
Thanks. I would need a little translation, though. I am using PaintShop Pro and I understand there is a difference in the way masks are part of layer groups. Mostly I think I just need to practice until it clicks, but any advice or insight you can give me is appreciated. |
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05/16/2009 09:01:58 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
I've played with them a bit, but still can't make them do anything that I can't do easier with a simple erasure. |
The biggest advantage of using masks vs. erasing is that you preserve the layer's image information. For example, if you erase too much, that part of the image is gone "forever". If you mask out too much, it's a simple matter of unmasking the bit that you want back. |
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05/16/2009 10:14:46 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
....but any advice or insight you can give me is appreciated. |
I sent you a pm :-) |
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05/16/2009 10:40:18 PM · #10 |
| Oh, I thought this must be another Slippy thread. Glad to see it's something useful instead :) |
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05/16/2009 11:11:21 PM · #11 |
I'm currently reading the book linked below. I was already familiar with layers and used them frequently, but I'm still learning a lot from this book. Well worth the time. The section on blend modes is excellent. Appropriate for everyone but an expert, i.e. newbies through advanced.
//photoshopcs.com/ |
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