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Layers tutorial
Part 1 - Introduction to Layers
This tutorial is illustrated with Adobe Photoshop but the principles are the same for other editing programs that have layering capabilities (not all do).
The number of layers you can create is limitless. In this example the file has three.
The first background layer is a photo (jpeg). Layer two is a graphic of a heart, which is a gif file with transparent background. The third layer is created when you begin using the type tool.
Notice how the layer order in the illustration was changed for final image.
Stacking order:
- Background layer - the text
- Middle layer - the heart
- Top layer - the photo
Stacking order for final image:
- Background layer - the photo
- Middle layer - the heart
- Top layer - the text
Launch your image editing program then open the photo and graphic.
You will have a separate window for each. Resize and, if desired, crop the images. Next, click on the heart with the "drag tool" and drag and drop it onto the window with the photo. Now you have two layers.
Make sure the layer with the heart is highlighted in the Layers Palette so it is active. Use the Move Tool to position the heart. Also use the Layers Palette (left) to change the stacking order layers by clicking and dragging to layer to a new stacking order
Next select the Type Tool. Click anywhere on the image and a text layer appears. Type your message. In most image editing programs, you can highlight the text and change the font style, size and color just like you do in a word processing program. Click the Move Tool and then select and drag the type for repositioning.
Add a border, also known as a stroke, by selecting the photo layer and applying it using the Styles Palette.
You may have to merge or flatten the image to add a border. Among other things, the Styles Palette (left) can be used to add drop shadows to text or a graphic. When done, simply save the image.
