How to Change Opacity in Photoshop

Opacity in Photoshop refers to the transparency of a layer. You can change the opacity of a layer by giving it a value between 1% and 100%, where 1% is almost totally clear and 100% is completely opaque. The opacity of a layer will determine to what degree you can see the layers beneath it. Here is how to change opacity in Photoshop.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop Program
• Multi-layered, digitized photograph

1. First, you will need a multi-layered photograph. You can’t change the opacity of a background or locked layer. You can however, convert a background into a layer, by double-clicking the Background in the Layers palette, or by going to the Layer Menu, then New and then Layer from Background.

2. To change the opacity of a layer, first select it by clicking on it in the Layers palette.

3. Next, from within the Layers palette, enter a number in the Opacity text box, or you can drag the Opacity pop-up slider to the left to make more transparent, or to the right to make more opaque.

4. You may also go to the Layer Menu at the top of your workspace, select Layer Style and then Blending Options. Enter the value you want in the Opacity text box or you can drag the Opacity pop-up slider.

Tips & Warnings

• You can view the blending options for a text layer, in the Layer Style, Blending Options, or by choosing “Blending Options” in the Layers palette menu.