How to : PhotoshopCS3: Layers

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By maestro83
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photoshop workspace and layers panel

A brief article explaining how to use layers in PhotoshopCS3

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

PhotoshopCS3

Step 1

I know that using photoshop can be tough, i've been there and so have many other graphic artists. But once you learn how to use it, it's like driving a car or riding a bike. That is-if you don't forget how it works. (I paid too much money for college to forget how Adobe works :P)
Step 2

Screenshot of Photoshop new file information

First, load photoshop. Now open a new file, make it whatever you want, you can even load an image if you like. But, in this tutorial I will be working from scratch.
Step 3

workspace and layers panel

Once you have your file opened you should notice in the lower right corner, which is your layers panel, it says "background". You never want to work directly from the background, just in case you have problems and you need to fix something (If it is not in a layer then you have to start over if the "undo" button doesn't work all the way)
Step 4

Layers Panel (Create new layer)

Now, take a look at your layers panel. Below the first layer, or very bottom layer you will see a set of icons. There is an icon named, "Create new layer" and it resembles one small box with a large box behind it. Please view image for more detail.
Step 5

PhotoshopCS3 Layers panel, layer 2

Now, click on the "create new layer" icon. You will now see "new layer 1" or something similar to that in your layers panel. And, below it you will see "background". So-lets' forget about the background, it doesn't exist. Please view image for details
Step 6

In this step I want you to put your mouse over "layer 2" and just click on it once. Just remember, the layer you work on is the layer that is highlighted. So, you want to have "layer 2" highlighted, or clicked on. Please view image for details
Step 7

layer 1 red background

Now, your layer is ready to be worked on. Let's start by coloring "layer 1". Go to the paint bucket and choose any color you like. Then click on the canvas area. I chose to do my background red. Please view image for more details
Step 8

After you have colored your background of "layer 1" go on ahead and click the icon below, "create new layer" and create "layer 2". Now you can work with Layer 2.
Step 9

Above Layer 2(technically 3) I used a custom shape to get the star and then used the fx options to create the dropped shadow and inner shadow. Now I could stretch this tutorial several more steps, but I think I have explained using layers well enough. Please view image for more details
Step 10

Just remember to use a layer for each piece you wish to retouch or create. Not only does using layers organize your data in the image, but it helps when you have to go back and edit something. Good luck using layers.