User Guide

Layers 63
When you drop a layer, you can choose to create a selection based on the layer
contents. If the layer has a layer mask, the mask is used to make the selection. For
more information about layer masks, refer to “Working with Layer Masks” in the
Help. For more information about selections, refer to “Selections” in the Help.
To drop a layer
Editing Layers
You can paint on layers, and preserve layer transparency to prevent painting on
transparent areas. You can also move layer content to change the overall image layout.
Using selections, you can turn an area of a layer into a floating object so that you can
move it separately. Reference layers, low-resolution representations of an image, let
you quickly manipulate images in ways that might otherwise require more time.
You can edit a layer’s content by applying effects to it, such as drop shadows and
patterns, and by transforming its dimensions. You can also change a layer’s opacity,
and use composite methods to change how a layer blends with other layers. The
Image Portfolio lets you save the contents of a layer for future use.
Painting on Layers
When a layer is selected, you can use the brushes to paint, draw, erase, or clone. When
painting on layers, keep the following points in mind:
To Do the following
Drop specific layers On the Layers palette, select the layers (or
groups) that you want to drop, and do one of
the following:
•Click the Layer Commands button ,
and choose Drop.
•Click the palette menu arrow, and choose
Drop.
Drop all layers On the Layers palette, click the palette menu
arrow, and choose Drop All.
Make a selection by dropping a layer On the Layers palette, click the palette menu
arrow, and choose Drop and Select.