Learn Photoshop Elements By Conquering Layers

In my opinion, absolutely the very best feature of photo modifying software programs like Photoshop Elements would be the Layers Color palette. Working with layers offers you so much flexibility to use different elements on your layout design without inadvertently ruining some other part of the digital graphic.

So in case you are only becoming familiar with layers, here are the Ten Best Ideas to learn Photoshop Elements by mastering layers.

1. At all times create a copy of your initial layer just before altering it. Then if you do not really like the way it has ended up you are able to dispose of it as well as easily begin anew on yet another backup of the original.

2. To produce a fresh empty layer, click on the New Layer symbol towards the top left of the layers colour palette. A new layer will show up directly over the layer you currently have on the go.

3. To copy a layer, initialize the layer by clicking on it within the layers color palette and drag to the new layer image at the very top left in the palette.

4. To view or conceal your layers, just click on the eye icon beside the layer thumbnail inside the layers palette. This is handy if you're attempting to make decisions about the merits of varying components on your layout. You are able to simply toggle their visibility and invisibility so you can very easily examine the appearance of diverse selections.

5. Make use of the Layers Styles and Effects color palette, and is typically found above the Layers Color scheme, and is the perfect tool to apply diverse styles, for example drop shadows or even special effects with photographic properties to change photos to sepia or you can even add a colored shade).

6. In order to rotate the layer but not the entire graphic be sure you make use of the layers control part at the bottom of the Image - Rotate menus.

7. Maintain each individual element on a separate layer. Each time you drag a new element in to your layout Photoshop Elements will instantly put it on a fresh layer. But when you add your own elements (for example. using the Select tool to make a journal box that you can load with coloring before incorporating your textual content) be sure you do so on a brand new layer. That means you can transfer them around the page as well as re-size them without affecting other elements.

8. Attempt making your own personal backgrounds through placing two different backgrounds on top of each other within the layers palette. Then using the top one active , click the blending modes pop up menu (top left in the layers color palette) and play with the different choices inside the menu. You are able to create some great effects in this way. Don't forget you can lessen the opacity as well to manage how much of the top layer dominates the general effect.

9. In case you are planning to alter color and or contrast use an Adjustment Layer. Open the layer you want to adjust (click on it within the layers palette), then click on the black and white circle symbol next to the New layer icon at the top of the layers color palette. Select the type of adjustment you want to make (such as hue/saturation) and then make your adjustment inside the adjustment layer. This will take effect on the layer beneath. But the wonderful part about doing your adjustments in this way is that your adjustment settings are stored and you can easily change them, even after you've stored and reloaded your file.

10. Now, go and learn Photoshop Elements by watching professionally made video tutorials for beginners - For a more detailed overview (including a sample Photoshop Elements video tutorial with before and after subject images), just visit LearnElementsNow.com/blog and grab your "Beginners Guide To Elements" FREE Report.