This is Lesson #5 and the Name is "Layers, Why Bother?" In past lessons we took different elements to create a graphic image, we placed each element one on top of the other. If we had used layers while making these graphics we could manipulate each element, if we didn't care for the look of that element we could repair or even delete it. Let's take an example. We made tags, we used a background, a tube, a border and our text, if we had put each of these elements on layers we could move the layers around, add things to each layer or even delete the layer to add something else. I urge you to use layers, then if you want to go back and rearrange things it becomes much easier. In this lesson there are some differences between PSP 9 and PSP XI, General instructions are in black for PSP 9 and in Blue for PSP XI.

The first thing we need to know about using layers is the difference between Raster and Vector layers. Raster images are composed of individual elements, called pixels, arranged in a grid. Each pixel has a specific location and color. If you magnify raster data, you can see the individual pixels as squares of colors. Raster images can appear to be jagged when magnified to a great extent.

Vector images use geometric characteristics—lines, curves, and their locations—to define objects. For example, a door in a graphic of a house is made up of a rectangle with a certain width and height at a specific location and filled with a certain color. In vector images you edit objects or shapes rather than pixels. Vector graphics do not lose clarity or detail when scaled to any size or printed at any resolution. They work well for technical illustrations or corporate logos and the like.

Generally speaking, if you are planning to add, change or resize to a great extent vector layers are best, if you are making static images, images that you are not going to be changing, or resizing to a great degree then Raster Layers are best. In our instructions we will let you know in the beginning which kind of layer is best, once you are comfortable with how these layers work you can decide which way to go.

On our Layer Palette (should be below the Materials Palette on the right of our Workspace). Each Layer is shown separately by the type. The bottom layer is called the Background layer, this is usually the colored background like we used in our tags, can be solid, gradient or pattern or even Transparent. When you merge layers then they all become background layers, more on this later.

Each layer after the background are numbered consecutively with the type of layer, i.e. Raster, Vector, Art Media, etc. . . It is a good idea when working with layers to name each layer, so you will be able to use it quickly without have to view each one. In PSP XI there is a thumbnail for each layer that shows them easily, there are also tabs at the top to manipulate each layer, a nice change from VS 9.

Most of the time we will be using Raster Layers, because they show subtle changes in tones and colors, most of the tubes and other graphics we will be using are done in raster layers. Your background layers will always be Raster Layers.

Create a new image, our default image, 300 X 300, 200dpi, transparent raster image. To make it easy on you at the top of the new image window there is a drop down menu next to an input box, picture below. Click on the drop down menu and there is an icon on the right side that looks like a disk, click on this icon and you can save your settings, you will need to name it, so you can use these settings over and over again without having to type in the dimensions again and again. These are called presets and are available for most tools as well. This process is the same in VS XI.

OK with your Flood Fill Tool choose a solid color from the Materials Palette and fill in your image. This is your first Background Layer. Now lets add a tube, first you need to add a new Raster Layer. Go to LAYERS / NEW RASTER LAYER this brings up a new window, We are going to name this layer as Tube Layer, and leave the rest of the settings as is. Click ok. Looking at the Layer Palette you will see that we now show two layers, your background layer and the new Tube Layer. Choose a tube and use it on this layer.

Move your cursor over each layer on the Layer Palette you will see that we now have two layers, one with the tube image and one with background color. In XI there are small thumbnails next to each layer that shows what is on that layer. We are going to add another layer, Go to LAYERS / NEW VECTOR LAYER again you will see the new window, Name this Layer "Vector" and click ok.

On the Tools Menu Bar make sure that you have the Star shape showing and the "Create on Vector" box is checked. Choose a Yellow in the Materials Palette, The Foreground Color will outline, the Background Color will fill. Now draw two or three stars on your image.

My Heart is the Tube and the Stars are my Vector Layer. Going back to our Layer Palette move your cursor over the Vector Layer you will see your stars on this layer separately. We can adjust this layer now if we like. Say we don't like the placement of stars and want to move one of them. Making sure that you have the Vector Layer highlighted, Choose the Object Selection Tool on the Tool Bar

then set the cursor to outside your star you wish to move and drag to the other side of the star. In PSP XI you will need to choose the Pick Tool This tool will automatically choose the shape just by clicking on the image. Once you have your star selected move it to the position you want and let the mouse button go. See how you can change things on this layer without disturbing the work we did on the other layers? That is the beauty of layers.

I would like to go over a few of the icons on the Layers Palette. Above the area where the Layers are listed there is a small menu. See above. XI is different as you can also see above.

The second one is for a new vector layer. The third is for a new Art Media Layer. The fourth is for mask layer (we will discuss this later) The fifth is for a new layer group, and next is to delete a layer and the last is to edit selection on the layer The last two, delete and edit selection are on the top menu along with the drop down menu we just described.

We know what a raster layer and a vector layer is but what is an Art Media Layer? When we start using Art Media Effects this will come into play. Art Media Effects are tools that make drawings look like pencil, colored chalk, charcoal and other media. Everytime you use one of these tools you will automatically be using it on a new Art Media Layer. More on this in later lessons.

This all that we will be discussing on layers at this time. Just get into the habit of using a different layer everytime you start a different element and you will cut down on some of the frustration level you may experience otherwise.