PhotoPlus X2 User Guide - Serif

118 Image Adjustments and Effects
Applying 2D layer effects
The wide range of PhotoPlus 2D layer effects let you easily apply shadows, glows,
bevels, and emboss effects to your layers either individually or in combination.
Unlike image adjustments and Effects menu manipulations, layer effects don’t
directly change image pixels—they work like mathematical “lenses” that transform
how a layer’s bitmap appears. Since the settings are independent, you can adjust
them ad infinitum until you get the result you want!
To apply an effect to the active layer, click the Add Layer Effects button on
the Layers tab (or choose Effects>Effects... from the Layers menu). The Layer
Effects dialog appears, with a branching checklist of available effects. As the
checkbox format suggests, you can apply one or more effects to the same layer
simply by checking boxes to switch them on individually.
Here's an example of each effect applied to the letter "S".
Drop Shadow
Inner Bevel
Inner Shadow
Outer Bevel
Outer Glow
Emboss
Inner Glow
Pillow Emboss
• Drop Shadow adds a diffused shadow "behind" solid regions on a layer,
while Inner Shadow adds a diffused shadow effect inside the edge an object.
• Outer Glow adds a colour border (stroke) outside the edge of an object.
• Inner Glow filter adds a colour border (stroke) inside the edge of an object.
• Bevel and Emboss/Inner Bevel adds a rounded-edge effect inside an object.