Page 42 - CC2017_PS_Look_Inside

Stage 2 Managing Layers

When you composite images into a cohesive design, you almost certainly need to manipulate and
transform some of the layers to make all of the pieces work together. Photoshop includes a number
of options for managing layers: naming layers for easier recognition, creating layer groups so multiple
layers can be manipulated at once, moving layers around on the canvas, transforming layers both
destructively and non-destructively, controlling individual layer visibility, and arranging the top-to-
bottom stacking order of layers to determine exactly what is visible. You will use all of these options in
this stage of the project.

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It’s always a good idea to name your layers because it makes managing the file much
easier — especially when you work with files that include dozens of layers. Even with
only four unnamed layers in this file (counting the Background layer), it would be
tedious to have to toggle each layer on to find the one you want.

1. With aftermath.psd open, review the Layers panel.

2. Option/Alt-click the eye icon for Layer 1 to hide all other layers.
Toggling layer visibility is an easy way to see only what you want to see at any given
stage in a project.
Clicking the eye icon for a specific layer hides that layer; clicking the empty space where
the eye icon should be shows the hidden layer. To show or hide a series of consecutive
layers, click the visibility icon (or empty space) for the first layer you want to affect, hold
down the mouse button, and drag down to the last layer you want to show or hide.

The checked pattern
shows transparent areas
of the visible layer(s).

Click an empty space
to show a hidden layer.
Click the eye icons to
hide individual layers.
Option/Alt-click an
eye icon to hide all
other layers.

3. Double-click the Layer 1 layer name, and then type Storm.
Press Return/Enter to finalize the new layer name.
You can rename any layer by simply double-clicking the name and typing.

Double-click Press Return/Enter
the layer name after typing to finalize
to access it. the new name.

52 Project 1: Composite Movie Ad