How Can I Layer Images Onto Each Other in Photoshop CS3?
You can use Photoshop CS3 to layer one or more images on top of another, then edit those layers to create a new and substantially different picture. When working with layers, it is important to remember that you can only edit one layer at a time. The Layer Panel is an important tool for this process to keep track of which layer you are working on. If you are working with a lot of layers, merge them together whenever possible to keep track of them.
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Instructions
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Open an image you want to use as your base image in Photoshop. This will be the bottom image layer.
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Click on the "Windows" menu and select "Layers" to reveal the Layers Panel. Note that there is a "lock" icon on this layer, indicating it is locked from editing. If you want to edit this image, select "Duplicate Layer" from the "Layer" menu. This will create a copy of the image that you can edit freely.
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Click on the "File" menu and select "Place." Select your second image from the navigation menu. Click "OK." Then press "Enter" on your keyboard.
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Look at the Layers Panel. You will see a new layer has been added for your second image, with the name of that image file. Double-click on the name to rename it. The name will change to an editable text field. Type "Top," then press "Enter" on your keyboard.
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Click on the "Layers" menu and select "Rastersize." Then click on "Layer." This will allow you to edit the top image.
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Erase portions of the top image by clicking on the "Eraser" tool in the Photoshop Tool Box. Hold down your mouse button and drag the Eraser tool across the image. Notice that the background image becomes visible where you have erased.
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Make the top layer semi-transparent by clicking on the "Opacity" text box on the Layers Panel. Type "50" and press "Enter."
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Select the "Lasso" tool to select a portion of the top image. Drag the tool around any detail on the image while holding down the mouse button. You must end your lasso at the same point you started. Release the mouse button. Press "Ctrl" and "X" on your keyboard to cut your selection from the top image.
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Press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the selection you just cut. It will appear as a third layer in the Layers Panel.
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Move the third layer by selecting the "Move" tool. Then click on it with your mouse and drag it into position while holding down the mouse button.
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Change the arrangement of your layers by clicking on any layer in the Layers Panel. Then select "Arrange." You can choose from the options available, including "Move Forward" or "Move Backward."
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Make a copy of any layer by selecting it in the Layers Panel. Then select "Duplicate Layer" from the "Layer" menu.
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Delete any layer by selecting it in the Layers Panel. Then press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.
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Merge the layers together when you are satisfied with your image by clicking on the "Layer" menu. You can merge all the layers, or merge visible layers. To merge only two layers, select the top layer and select "Merge Down" from the "Layer" menu.
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