Photoshop 7 layers palette
by Emir Plicanic | Views: 843 | Get Video CD
Layers are most important but also very complex part of the Photoshop. To be able to use photoshop layers you need to understand Photoshop 7 layers palette. 
The Palette
- The big T in the box indicates that this layer contains text
- The eye symbol indicates that the layer is visible. To make layer invisible just click on it.
- The pen symbol along with the highlighting shows that this layer is active, which means that you can make changes only to this layer. Tip: If you are trying to edit an object in you image and you are getting error messages, check if you are in the right layer.
- The arrow in a circle symbol leads you to detailed options of layer palette.
- Fill setting has the same effect as Opacity for a Layer, except that is leaves Layer effects untouched.
- The padlock symbol at the bottom right of the Background Layer entry indicates that the Background Layer cannot be moved or altered in any way, except by placing other layers on top of it.
To move layers around click and drag the layer you wish to move to the new position.
More Palette
- The dropdown menu sets the blending mode for the layer.
- This icon locks the transparent pixels in the Layer to insure that any changes you make only affect those parts of the layer where there is a visible image.
- This icon is just opposite of the transparent one. When clicked it ensures that any changes you make affect only transparent pixels in the layer.
- The cross symbol, when clicked, lock the position of the current (active) layer in relation to the Background layer.
- The padlock symbol locks the Layer completely, which means that you can not make any changes to that layer unless you unlock it first.
- The chain symbol indicates that the layer mask (on the right) is linked to the Layer (on the left). Double on either to bring up the options specific to each one.
To rename layers double click on the default names and type in new name. Try using descriptive and memorable names.
Further Useful Palette Items
- This is the button you need to click to create new layer style from the popup menu, which includes options such as drop shadow and glow.
- Click this button to add a mask to entire layer. You can use it to add effects.
- Click here to create a new layer set. Layer sets are used to organize and manage your layers. They work like folders. When new layer set is created you can click and drag layers to it.
- This button is used to create new fill or adjustment layer. Best to use for adjusting brightness, color and so on.
- This button is used to create new blank layer in the Layers palette.
- This button deletes active or selected layer. You can also drag the layer to it to delete it.
A common way of creating new layer is to take piece of the image and cut and copy it to the new layer. To do so select area of the image you wish to copy, right-click on it and choose, Layer via Copy or Layer via Cut. New layer with your selection is automatically created.