Photoshop Elements 11 All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 1: Creating Layers

In This Chapter

Comparing backgrounds versus layers

Taking a look at the types of layers

Working with the Layers panel

Commanding the Layer and Select menus

Creating layers

Compositing with layers

Using Elements without the assistance of layers would be like trying to wash your car with a toothbrush and a pail of water instead of with a hose and a power-scrubber brush. Yes, it can be done. But it takes a lot longer and is downright tedious. The benefit to using layers is that you have tremendous flexibility. You can make endless edits as long as those layers exist. You can rearrange their order, and if you decide that you no longer want them, you simply delete them. Layers make working in Elements a lot more forgiving, allowing you to make changes quickly and productively.

But hey, it’s not just the technical and practical aspects that make layers awesome. ...