Chapter 5: Adjust Photos with Layers, Selections, and Masks

The power of Photoshop lies in your ability to use layers, selections, and masks to create unique documents that become new images. New layers lie on top of your original image, which Photoshop calls your Background layer.

There are many types of layers other than background layers. A layer can start out empty, or transparent. A layer can contain text, adjustments to your image, and your selections and masks. Every layer is independent of every other layer, allowing you to transform and adjust each without affecting any other. You can combine layers in complex ways with blending modes, copy and paste them, and flatten them to a single file when you are done.

By making a selection

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