User Manual

Layers and Masks 31
Using layer groups
For greater management and
efficiency it is possible to place selected
layers into a created group. There are
many reasons why you might want to use
groups in addition to layers. Here are a
few...
• To create a self-contained
group of layers which are all
related, e.g. all the Retouch
layers used in your photo.
• To collect layers together
which make up a specific photo
feature, e.g. the beach
components of a seaside shot.
• To make a mask or blend apply
to only specific layers, i.e.
those that contained within a
group.
• To apply changes to a group
that you would otherwise have
to apply to each layer in turn—
thus improving efficiency.
In reality a group is really just another layer but one which can store layers
within itself. It’s not surprising then that a group can have its own blend mode,
opacity and blend ranges just like a layer. A group can also be merged and made
visib le/invisib le—or even grouped within another group.
To create a Layer Group:
• In the Layers tab, select a layer to set the position in the layer stack in
which you want to place the Layer Group.
• Click the New Layer Group button (or select New Layer
Group... from the Layers menu).