THE LAYERS PALETTE

The layers palette allows you to experiment freely with the different elements of an image until you decide on your final presentation and merge the layers.

Images with layers or with transparent backgrounds can only be saved in the photoshop file format.

You can have up to 100 layers if the computer has enough ram.
Layers allow you to make changes to an image without altering your original image data. For example, you might store photographs or elements of photographs on separate layers and then combine them into one composite image. Think of layers as sheets of acetate stacked one on top of the other. Where there is no image on a layer (that is, in places where the layer is transparent), you can see through to the layers below.

THE LAYERS PALETTE (WINDOW/SHOW LAYERS)




The layers palette lists all of the layers, a thumbnail image appears on the left and is updated as you edit it.
You can use the layers palette to CREATE, COPY, MERGE, HIDE, DISPLAY and DELETE layers. You can also create layer sets and change the viewing options.



Only one layer can be edited at a time, the active layer. Make a layer active by clicking on it's name in the layers palette, a paintbrush icon appears to the left and the layer name appears on the title bar of the image window.





SELECTING A LAYER
Click on the layer name in the layers palette OR Using the move tool (v), CONTROL-CLICK the element in the image window and choose it from the context layer which appears next to your cursor.

Inputting images from typical sources into Photoshop

HOW SCANNERS WORK
Scanners operate by shining light at the object or document being digitized and directing the reflected light (usually through a series of mirrors and lenses) onto a photosensitive element. In most scanners, the sensing medium is an electronic, light-sensing integrated circuit known as a charged coupled device (CCD). Anything that can fit on a scanner can be scanned in and directly imported into Photoshop for manipulation.






HOW DIGITALCAMERAS WORK

The digital camera has all the same physical parts as the analogue camera, such as lens, shutter and focusing mechanism, but rather than simply having film to react to the light that makes up the image, the camera must have internally all of the electronics necessary to capture the light and change it into a digital image file. In most cameras, the sensing medium is an electronic, light-sensing integrated circuit known as a charged coupled device (CCD). Cameras are connected to a computer and opened in Photoshop for manipulation.





HOW DIGITAL DRAWING TABLETS WORK

The tablet consists of two parts, a flat surface for drawing, and a pen that is programmed to work with the tablet surface. Artists and illustrators use this as an ergonomic method of input into Photoshop

The Three Stages of Digital Imaging

1. Input – get your images into digitized into the computer.
Scanning, slide scanner, digital camera

2. Image management – editing your images, this can be a whole lot if things from co lour correction, brightness, selective lightening and darkening. image repair, composite, college.

3. Output - print, digital file for hand off, web.

Imaging Best Practices.

Save your images often.
There’s nothing worst than working on an image and the computer crashing. Save with meaningful names angel_1.psd, angel_2.psd. This could be very useful for analyzing the progress of your images.

Know your final output
Know your final output before you start if you are creating images for the web, then you would start with a low resolution, whereas if you were working towards print them you would start with a high resolution. Some designers like to start with a high and then down sample after.

Use Layers
Use layers wherever possible not only does this make it easier to edit your images, but this also allows you to make non destructive changes to your images.

Photoshop Class Notes

The Three Stages of Digital Imaging
Photoshop's Interface
Inputting images from typical sources into Photoshop
Introduction to Layers
Layer Styles Overview
Advanced Blending Options Using The Layer Styles
Selecting Things
Selection by Attributes
The Brushes Palette
Defining the Brush
Using the History Brush
Using the toning tools
The Text Tool
Creating Patterns Using Photoshop
Creating Step And Repeat Patterns In Photoshop
Creating vector shapes using the Shape Tool In Photoshop
Creating Channels and Masks In Photoshop
Creating Web Pages using Photoshop

Teaching Digital Media

These notes have developed
From teaching digital media
for over 8 years.

These include subjects such as:
Web Design
Animation Techniques
Print Design
Interactive Design