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Using Layers

In Edit mode, you can use the Layers pane to add effects and shapes to your photos in layers, perform photo manipulations, create composite images, and much more. Layers allow you to work on a single element of an image without disturbing others. Layers can be as transparent or opaque as you desire. This allows you to stack layers to achieve the level of visibility you want for the elements you add on each layer. You can also hide layers.

You can use layers in conjunction with image effects and adjustment tools, drawing tools, text, and more. Effects and adjustments will be applied to the layer selected in the Layers pane. You can also create a blank image and layer other elements on top of it.

Geometry adjustments are applied to all layers.

You have the option of adding watermarks to a new layer. If you do this, the watermark will be saved on top of the image, not as part of the image, so you can go back and edit it at any time.

To Open the Layers Pane:

With an image open in Edit mode, go to Panes | Layers.

In the Layers pane, you will see Layer 1 with your image on it. At this point, you have the option of editing the photo, or adding additional layers containing other photos or drawing elements, such as shapes. You can also create a mask to hide or reveal portions of the layers below.

To Add a Layer:

Do one of the following:

Press the Add blank layer button at the bottom of the Layers pane.

Go to Layer | Add Blank Layer.

To edit a layer, select the layer in the Layers pane.

To Add Another Image to the Layers Pane:

Do one of the following:

Press the Add a File as a Layer button at the bottom of the Layers pane.
Go to Layer | Add a File as a Layer.
Select an image thumbnail from the Filmstrip at the bottom of Edit mode and drag it into the Layers pane.
Right-click an image thumbnail from the Filmstrip at the bottom of Edit mode and choose Add Image as a New Layer from the context menu.

To Add Multiple Images to the Layers Pane:

In Manage mode, select your desired images, right-click and choose Process | Load Files into Stack from the context menu.

To Set Layer Visibility:

To show or hide all layers, do one of the following:

Choose Layer | Show All Layers or press Shift + J.
Choose Layer | Hide All Layers or press Shift + Y.

To show or hide individual layers, select the layer and press the Show/Hide Layer button.

Show Layer
Hide Layer

To Delete a Layer:

Select the layer and press the Delete Layer button.

To Duplicate a Layer:

Select the layer you would like to duplicate and press the Duplicate button.

To Move a Layer:

In the Layers pane, select the layer and drag it up or down.

To Name a Layer:

To rename a layer from "Layer 1", etc, select the layer and right-click.
Choose Rename Layer from the context menu.
In the Rename Layer dialog, enter a name for your layer and press OK.

To Merge a Layer:

You can merge a layer with the layer below.

Select the top layer, or a layer above another.
Press the Merge Layer Down button.

To Flatten an Image:

To merge all layers into a single image, do the following:

Choose Layer | Flatten Image.

To Change a Layer's Blend Mode and Opacity:

Blend modes describe how the layers blend together. Blending sticks with the layer it was applied to, regardless of the layer order being changed. Opacity describes how transparent the layer is.

Select the layer.
Select a Blend Mode from the drop-down menu at the top of the Layers pane.
Move the Opacity slider at the top of the Layers pane.

Saving Layered Images:

When you save a layered image, the Save Image As dialog opens with the file format set to .acdc by default. By saving in the .acdc file format, your layers will remain accessible should you re-open the image in Edit mode in the future.

The .acdc file format will not be displayed in the Save Image As dialog by default if you have flattened or merged all layers.

This file format saves in 8 bits per channel by default for all bit depth images. You can choose to save in 16 bits per channel for images that already have 16 bits per channel data, such as RAW files, 64-bit TIFF files, etc. This will allow for a higher quality image, but will also create a larger file size. To save in 16 bit, check the 16 bit per channel data checkbox in the Save Image As dialog box. If you try to use this option to save images that have lower than 16 bits per channel data, it will still save as 8 bits per channel.

To Create a New Image:

You can create a new, blank image.

Go to File | New Image... or press Ctrl + N.
In the New Image dialog, enter a name for your image and the dimensions. You can customize the unit of measurement with the drop-down menu.

Neither your width or height setting can exceed 16,000 pixels.

Next to Aspect Ratio, select an aspect ratio from the drop-down list. You can define your own ratio using the Custom option. You can also delete ratios by selecting them in the drop-down and pressing the Delete button.
Next to Resolution, use the Dots Per Inch field to specify a resolution.
From the Background Contents drop-down, select the color of your image's background.
From the Bit Depth drop-down, select whether your image will be 32 or 64-bit.
Press OK. The new image will open in the .acdc format.

You can save your new image settings as a preset in the New Image dialog. Next to the Preset drop-down, press the Save Preset icon. You will then be prompted to enter a name for the preset. Select OK to save. To delete a preset, choose it in the drop down menu, and press the Delete Preset icon.

To add a layer mask, see Using Masks with Layers.