About layers

Every Photoshop file contains one or more layers. New files are generally created with a background layer, which contains a color or an image that shows through the transparent areas of subsequent layers. You can view and manipulate layers with the Layers palette.

All new layers in an image are transparent until you add artwork (pixel values).

Working with layers is analogous to placing portions of a drawing on sheets of acetate: Individual sheets of acetate may be edited, repositioned, and deleted without affecting the other sheets. When the sheets are stacked, the entire drawing is visible.

Viewing information in the Layers palette

Now you’ll open the start file and begin the lesson by working with the image as you learn about ...

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