PhotoPlus X2 User Guide - Serif

Layers and Masks 135
• Use lock buttons on the Layers tab to prevent accidental
modification of opacity, pixel colour, object positions or all three on the active
layer or group), respectively.
• To convert any shape or text layer to a standard layer, right-click on the layer
name and choose Rasterize from the menu.
• Use different thumbnail sizes in the Layers tab by clicking the Tab Menu
button, then choosing Small Thumbnails or Large Thumbnails.
• To convert the Background layer to a standard (transparent) layer, right-click
"Background" on the Layers tab and choose Promote to Layer. The layer's
name changes from "Background" to "Layer ." To convert a
standard layer to a Background layer, right-click the layer and choose Layer to
Background.
• To access Layer Properties—including Name, Blend Mode, Opacity, and
Blend Ranges—right-click the layer name and choose Properties....
To control layer content:
• To move layer content, select one or more layers containing the content
to be moved (from the Layers tab), then drag with the Move Tool with no
selection area present (press Ctrl+D to remove any selection).
• To align layer content, select one or more layers (as above), then choose Align
from the Layers menu, then select an option from the submenu.
• To distribute layer content, select one or more layers (as above), then choose
Distribute from the Layers menu, then select an option from the submenu.
To carry out advanced layer operations:
• To create a new standard layer from a selection, choose New Layer from
Selection Copy or New Layer from Selection Cut from the Layers menu. The
former command leaves the original region intact; the latter cuts the original
region to the Clipboard.
• To clone one or more active layers and their contents as new standard layers,
right-click the selected layers then choose Duplicate... (or Alt-drag in the
editing window with Move Tool selected). The process also lets you copy the
layer to a new or currently opened image.