Working with Layers

So you’ve just created a simple 150x50 logo. And to think it only took a whole tutorial to get there. But wait. You’re on the verge of learning the real power of Photoshop. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll amaze your friends by producing work that rivals professional designers. How can this be? The answer’s simple. In this tutorial, you’ll learn more about the power of Photoshop’s layers.

Unless you’ve worked extensively with graphic or drafting programs, most individuals aren’t used to layers. Layers have a couple of advantages. For one, they help keep your images organized, putting each area of an image into its own separate labeled layer. You did some of this in the last tutorial. Your logo contained a layer for different text pieces, the pen graphic, and lines.

But the greatest advantage of layers is they allow you to isolate your edits. You’ll learn how to do that in this tutorial.

In this tutorial:

1. Working with Layers
2. What are Layers
3. The Layer Palette
4. The Background Layer
5. Using Layer Styles
6. Adding Patterns to your Layers
7. Managing Layers