One way to create a new layer is to use the layer menu bar. You should always name your layers as you make them, as with some images you can be using hundreds of layers, and it will make life a lot easier for you. You can also change the colour of the layer to help identify it. To change the name of the layer, double click on the name.
Another way to create a new layer is by creating text. You don’t even have to name this type of layer, because it will call itself whatever you have written!
The little eye in the corner of each layer lets you know if it is visible or not (sometimes you may want to work without other bits and pieces getting in the way).
You can also change the order of the layers by dragging them up and down in the palette.
Layers are very important when you are using most tools in Photoshop. For example, if you are trying to use the magic wand, and it isn’t working, more often than not you will just be on the wrong layer.
This first image (although it may be hard to see because I was having fun with filters) has the layers in the ‘right’ order. Basically, background in the very back, the text fully visible, the shadow is behind the figure, and the spot is behind the shadow.
This next image has obvious layer order problems. By putting the background in the very front nothing else can be seen at all. I wanted this really obvious example to illustrate home important basic layer order can be.
In the last image, I have moved the text so that it would be clearer where it sits between the other layers. I have moved the text to the top layer, and put the shadow as the second top (over the spot and the figure). To fix up this image, you would need to move the circle just over the background, and move the shadow back behind the figure.
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