Basics of Layers

What are layers:

Layers are a feature of Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro and other more complex image editing programs which allow you to compile more than one image within an image.

Common uses for layers:

Compiling One Photo from Many Photos.

The most common use for layers is to take part of an image and place it into another image. For example, adding yourself as a baby into your parent's wedding photo.

This technique also works great for collages.

Colorizing a Black & White Photo.

By adjusting the transparency of a new layer, you can "hand tint" an old photograph.

Fancy Frame Effects.

By making a new layer and colorizing it or using a different photo as a top layer, you can create some neat frame effects by erasing or removing a section of the top layer.

Tips for using layers:

 - To make a new layer, click on the middle icon in the bottom left corner of the layer window.  The one that looks like a page curl.

 - You can always adjust a layers opacity by adjusting the percentage in the box that the top of the window.

 - In his same area you can adjust how that layer reacts with the images underneath by changing the info in the box that reads "Normal".

As always, experiment and you will find some great things!