Photoshop 6 Working Review pg 3: Production Graphics with Wendy Peck at webreference.com

Photoshop 6 Working Review: Lock and Love Those Layer Sets

Hands up if you have ever had so many layers in a document that it was difficult to to work efficiently. Until now, Photoshop was restricted to 99 layers. The new release allows you to create at least 8,000. But wait – didn't I start off by implying that you could have too many layers, and yet I seem to be saying that it is terrific that we can have nearly 100 times more?

Truth is, I never once hit the 99 layer limit, but I do not do a lot of computer art. For that intensive work, 99 layers was a restriction. But the real change that could almost make a document manageable, even with, for example, 700 layers, is a new feature called Layer Sets.

The first image at the left shows the Layers palette. This is a fairly familiar look, with the layers all visible. Note however, that there are two "folders" in the list. In the second image here, I have shown the exact same layer setup as above, but with the folders, or Layer Sets, collapsed.

This feature will save hours. The nice part is that you can create your sets at any time, and drag layers to the set. Although it is always best to plan your layers, the drag and drop function allows you to organize your layers after they have been created. You can also turn your linked layers into a set. I have used this feature to bring a Web comp Photoshop document, with an unmanageable number of layers, into perfect control. You are going to love working with Layer Sets.

Layer Style (was Effects)
New name, new styles and you can save your own styles for repetitive use. The appearance of the Layer Style menu will throw you off the first time you open it, but it is much easier to use, and offers many more options than we had in version 5.5.

First, there are more styles to choose from, including new texture options and Gradient and Pattern overlays (that has to get your imagination going). And Stroke. No more selecting.

Style Options are available by double clicking on the listing at the left of the window.

Save Styles
The menu looks a little strange compared to the tiny Layer Effects menu in 5.5, but you will appreciate the flexibility and one stop access to layer styles.

But there is a new feature that is custom made for professionals. Do you have a favorite shadow, or maybe a 3D effect that you tend to use over and over. A couple of mouse clicks will save the values for a style, and you will then have one click access to that style. The final two styles in the sample at the left are my custom style. Click on the fly-out menu, and one click will deliver the same shadow over and over. As with any style, you not only save time, but are guaranteed consistency when you create a custom style.

Lock 'em Up
When you have completed one portion of your image, wouldn't it be great to to make sure you can't edit it accidentally? Or, are you tired of moving your background because you missed selecting the right layer by one pixel? You can now easily lock layers or layer sets and work safely.

In the image at the left, note the series of lock options just above the layers listing. These will lock, from left to right, transparent areas, filled areas, position only, or the entire layer. Simple idea, simple to use, but enormous potential to save time.

And you still must discover vectors ... carry on.

Next page

Photoshop 6 Working Review Tutorial Index

Photoshop 6 Working Review Start
Powerful Text Upgrades
Lock and Love Those Layer Sets
Vectors, Wonderful Vectors
ImageReady is Ready