Working with layers in Photoshop

Layer Palette Layers: The layer palette contains all the layers in the image. Eye: The eye icon present on the left most column of the layers palette indicate the visibility of the layer.we can show/hide layers using this icon. Blending mode: It tells how the pixels blend with the pixels of the image. We can have no of effects using this blending modes.

Opacity: We can increase or decrease the opacity using the opacity slider. Types of locks on layers: Lock Transparency: If you want to lock the transparent portion on the layer. Lock Image: Contents and transparent portion of the layer are locked. Lock position: Prevent the movement of the contents of the layer Lock All: any editing on the layer is disabled.

Working With Layers Create a new layer: we can create a new layer from the layer palette in new option select layer we can set color,name,blending mode and opacity of the layer. We can also create layer via cut and layer via copy from the image selecting the portion of the image then choosing the option from the layer menu.

We can hide/show the layers using eye icon. We can reposition or sort the layer by dragging to the new position. We can delete the layer by right clicking on it or dragging the layer to the delete icon on the layer palette. After editing the layer we can merge layers by selecting merge visible , merge layer and flatten image.

Linking layers: we can link two or more layers by selecting them then clicking on the link option in layer palette. We can move resize the linked layer at one time. Adjustment layer: we can create different adjustment layers on layer to see the different types of effects on the image changing the color balance ,changing the brightness/ contrast etc.Adjustment layer is created choosing option in the layer palette.

Layer Effects: we can give different layer effects to the layers present in the layer palette. We can give these effects double clicking the layer or selecting layer style option from the layer palette.

Layer Masking Open up an image in Photoshop the create a duplicate layer of it . Goto edit menu then select transform and flip horizontal on layer copy. Then go to layer menu then select layer masking option and select reveal all. Then select gradient tool and revel the part of image so that only that is visible rest is invisible this makes the mirror image of original image.

Shape Masking Open an image in Photoshop double click on it to give it new name so that we can perform editing on it. Select custom shape and draw it on the image. Drag the image layer above it. Press alt key and click on the line between the two layers the clipping mask is applied the shape get the portion of the image. Create a new layer drag it to the bottom give any color you want to give to it.