Add pictures as layers in Adobe Photoshop.
Whether you’re building a complex collage or importing a photo for editing, learn how to manipulate and control Photoshop layers with these helpful tips
Whether you’re building a complex collage or importing a photo for editing, learn how to manipulate and control Photoshop layers with these helpful tips
The simplest way to turn an image or photo into a layer is to drag it into the canvas area of Photoshop. The app will automatically create a layer for the new image.
To embed an image from another location, go to File › Place Embedded. Remember that if you edit the original image you’ve linked to, you will update it where it’s linked as well.
Using the menu bar, select File › Import › Images from Device and you can import photos directly from a camera, scanner or other connected device.
If you create a new layer, you can simply copy and paste your image there. Just right-click and use Command + C on macOS or Ctrl + C on PC.
The Layers panel is one of the main sites of control for your workspace, whether you’re making more layers, modifying your background layer, adding new elements or adjusting layers you already have. These tools can get you started in just about any type of editing:
Smart Objects allow you to make transformations and changes without losing resolution or causing permanent changes. Photoshop will automatically convert to Smart Objects when you place embedded objects. With Smart Objects you can:
You’re not able to change or alter pixel data of Smart Objects. This means to use features like blend modes you have to rasterise it, which means converting it from vector graphics to pixel graphics. To do so, select Rasterise Layer. This lets you alter the pixels of the existing layer.
Layer masks help you to return to any point in the process and fix mistakes or undo work. They work by hiding pixels in your image rather than deleting them altogether. To activate one:
With a layer mask, you’re working in white, black and grey. When using the Brush tool to paint white on a mask, you reveal that layer — black hides it. With grey, you can paint somewhere in between, allowing for varying degrees of opacity.
Whether you’re on a Mac or Windows device, you can learn many more foundational Photoshop skills. Dive in with tutorials and guides designed to help you to get better at photo editing and graphic design.
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