Convert background and layers, Convert a background into a layer, Convert a layer into a background – Adobe Photoshop CS4 User Manual
Page 292: Create layers and groups, Create a new layer or group
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USING PHOTOSHOP CS4
Layers
Last updated 1/10/2010
Convert background and layers
When you create a new image with a white background or a colored background, the bottommost image in the Layers
panel is called Background. An image can have only one background layer. You cannot change the stacking order
of a
background layer, its blending mode, or its opacity. However, you can convert a background into a regular layer, and
then change any of these attributes.
When you create a new image with transparent content, the image does not have a background layer. The bottommost
layer is not constrained like the background layer; you can move it anywhere in the Layers panel and change its opacity
and blending mode.
Convert a background into a layer
1
Double-click Background in the Layers panel, or choose Layer
> New
> Layer From Background.
2
3
Click OK.
Convert a layer into a background
1
Select a layer in the Layers panel.
2
Choose Layer
> New
> Background From Layer.
Any transparent pixels in the layer are converted to the background color, and the layer drops to the bottom of the
layer stack.
Note: You cannot create a background by giving a regular layer the name, Background—you must use the Background
From Layer command.
Create layers and groups
A new layer appears either above the selected layer or within the selected group in the Layers panel.
Create a new layer or group
1
Do one of the following:
•
To create a new layer or group using default options, click the Create a New Layer button
or New Group
button
in the Layers panel.
•
Choose Layer
> New
> Layer or choose Layer
> New
> Group.
•
Choose New Layer or New Group from the Layers panel menu.
•
Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac
OS) the Create a New Layer button or New Group button in the Layers
panel to display the New Layer dialog box and set layer options.
•
Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac
OS) the Create a New Layer button or New Group button in the
Layers panel to add a layer below the currently selected layer.
2
Set layer options, and click
OK:
Name
Specifies a name for the layer or group.
Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask
This option is not available for groups. (See “
Color
Assigns a color to the layer or group in the Layers panel.
Mode
Specifies a blending mode for the layer or group. (See “