How To Manage And Separate Layers In Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most well-known graphical editing apps out there, with a plethora of versatile tools to make most kinds of visual edits. Though one of its most basic features, layers, is arguably the most essential.
Typically located in a designated menu, layers act just as the name implies and let you work on different aspects of an image without affecting others. Provided they’re separated, of course. They’re what make moving text independent of background imagery possible. They make backtracking through one’s design processes easier. They also provide a pretty easy way to create multiple color or style options to quickly click through when trying to decide on a look.
One of the most basic ways to utilize layers is to keep every visual element (photos, shapes, textures, words, etc.) on a separate layer for easy editing in the future. However, there’s a lot more to them than that. You can even create separate layers from a flat (i.e., single layer) source, provided you know how to go about it.
Separating layers
Splitting a flat image into separate layers isn’t exactly complicated, but it does require a bit of effort — and there’s more than one way to go about it.
Separating an image into multiple layers is a simple matter of following the same steps used to create a layer for your initial selection (such as a photo’s subject) but applying them to the bits that weren’t previously selected (such as the same photo’s background).
Basic layer management
Not every Photoshop project requires complex layer usage, but most will benefit from the fundamentals. Many of which have their ownkeyboard shortcutsfor faster implementation.
As with most imagery in Photoshop, individual layers can often be edited using other tools and styles. Be aware that some things, such as text, aren’t always compatible with every graphical tool.
Advanced layer management
Outside of the basics, there’s plenty more you may do with Photoshop layers if the situation calls for it. You can export all the visible or hidden layers of a project as separate files. Click on the Files option at the top of the screen and select Scripts, then choose Export Layers to Files and follow the prompts.
Some layers — mostly text, shapes, and other vector elements — will have to be rasterized (converted into a flat image) to use filters or painting tools on them. Click on Layer at the top of the screen and select Rasterize, then choose either Layer or All Layers.
At times, you may want to merge layers to make adjustments to all of them at once. You can do so by first holding shift and clicking on all the layers you want to merge. Once they’re all selected, click on the Layer option at the top of the screen and select Merge Layers. Note that this can’t be undone if you save and close the document.
Alternatively, you can flatten your entire project (i.e., merge all layers) by selecting Layer from the top of the screen and then choosing Flatten Image. However, this is not recommended if you believe you might need to go in and edit individual layers later.
Actions such as merging and rasterizing layers will permanently alter the structure of your project if you save and close. So, if you aren’t sure about your decision, create a copy and keep the unaltered document separately.
