ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 9

USING PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 9
Using layers
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Convert the Background layer into a regular layer
The Background layer is the bottom layer in an image. Other layers stack on top of the Background layer, which usually
(but not always) contains the actual image data of a photo. To protect the image, the Background layer is always locked.
If you want to change its stacking order, blending mode, or opacity, you must first convert it into a regular layer.
1 In the Edit workspace, do one of the following:
• Double-click the Background layer in the Layers panel.
• Choose Layer > New > Layer From Background.
• Select the Background layer, and choose Duplicate Layer from the More menu in the Layers panel to leave the
Background layer intact and create a copy of it as a new layer.
You can create a duplicate layer of the converted Background layer no matter how you convert the layer; simply select
the converted Background layer and choose Duplicate Layer from the More menu.
2 Name the new layer.
If you drag the Background Eraser tool onto the Background layer, it is automatically converted into a regular layer,
and erased areas become transparent.
Make a layer the Background layer
You can’t convert a layer into the Background layer if the image already has a Background layer. In this case, you must
first convert the existing Background layer into a regular layer.
1 In the Edit workspace, select a layer in the Layers panel.
2 Choose Layer > New > Background From Layer.
Any transparent areas in the original layer are filled with the background color.
Editing layers
Select a layer
Any change you make to an image only affects the active layer. If you don’t see the desired results when you manipulate
an image, make sure that the correct layer is selected.
❖ In the Edit workspace, do one of the following:
• In the Layers panel, select a layer’s thumbnail or name.
• To select more than one layer, hold down Ctrl (Command in Mac OS) and click each layer.
• Select the Move tool , right-click the image, and choose a layer from the context menu. The context menu lists
all the layers that contain pixels under the current pointer location, as well as all adjustment layers.
To select layers interactively as you use the Move tool, select Auto Select Layer in the options bar. To see which layer
will be highlighted, select Show Highlight On Rollover. Drag to select multiple layers at a time.
Last updated 1/27/2011