Convert background and layers, Create layers and groups – Adobe Photoshop CS3 User Manual
Page 287
PHOTOSHOP CS3
User Guide
280
Convert background and layers
When you create a new image with a white background or a colored background, the bottommost image in the
Layers palette 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 palette and
change its opacity and blending mode.
Convert a background into a layer
1
Double-click Background in the Layers palette, or choose Layer > New > Layer From Background.
2
Set layer options. (See “Create layers and groups” on page 280.)
3
Click OK.
Convert a layer into a background
1
Select a layer in the Layers palette.
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 palette.
Create a new layer or group
1
Do one of the following:
•
To create a new layer or group using default options, click the New Layer button
or New Group button
in
the Layers palette.
•
Choose Layer > New > Layer or choose Layer > New > Group.
•
Choose New Layer or New Group from the Layers palette menu.
•
Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) the New Layer button or New Group button in the Layers palette
to display the New Layer dialog box and set layer options.
•
Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac OS) the New Layer button or New Group button in the Layers
palette 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 “Mask layers with clipping
Color
Assigns a color to the layer or group in the Layers palette.
Mode
Specifies a blending mode for the layer or group. (See “About blending modes” on page 343.)