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How Layers Work in Adobe Photoshop

By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create and use layers in Adobe Photoshop. Inside Photoshop, you can use layers to quickly create everything from amazing digital art to high-quality photo retouches. During this project, you'll use layers to create multiple digital art pieces, all based on a single photo. First, you’ll get used to navigating the Photoshop workspace, layer panel, and layer options. Then you’ll import an image and use that to create an eye-catching digital art piece. Then you’ll learn how to export your work in one piece or automatically turn layers into separate files. By the end of the project, you’ll be comfortable using layers in Photoshop, and you’ll know how to create endless variations on a single image.

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Develops skills central to digital art and photo retouching in Adobe Photoshop

Provides a hands-on approach through digital art piece creation using layers

Taught by Jonathan Owen, who has expertise in digital art

Requires learners to have access to Adobe Photoshop software

May be a good choice for those interested in digital art or photo retouching

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How Layers Work in Adobe Photoshop with these activities:

Review Photoshop Basics

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Reintroduces you to core Photoshop concepts and ensures a strong foundation before diving into more advanced topics.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Go over your notes or textbooks from previous Photoshop courses.
Watch introductory Photoshop videos or tutorials.
Complete some basic practice exercises to test your understanding.

Follow Photoshop Tutorials

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Provides structured guidance and step-by-step instructions to enhance your Photoshop skills in specific areas.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Identify topics or techniques you want to improve in.
Search for reputable Photoshop tutorials on websites like YouTube, Skillshare, or Udemy.
Follow the tutorials carefully and apply the techniques to your own projects.

Gather Photoshop Resources

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Empowers you to build a personalized collection of useful Photoshop tools, tutorials, plugins, and inspiration for future projects.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Create a folder or online space to store your Photoshop resources.
Search for and bookmark helpful websites, tutorials, and articles.
Experiment with different Photoshop plugins and add the ones you find valuable to your collection.
Organize your resources into categories or subfolders for easy access.

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Read 'Adobe Photoshop for Beginners'

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Provides a solid foundation in Photoshop's tools and techniques, helping you confidently create and enhance digital art.

View The photoshop elements 13 book for digital... on Amazon

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Skim the book to get an overview of the topics covered.
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to practice what you've learned.

Master Photoshop Layer Techniques

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Solidifies your understanding of layer management and manipulation, enabling you to create complex digital art with ease.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Create a new Photoshop document with multiple layers.
Experiment with different layer modes, blending options, and masks.
Practice creating layer groups and organizing your layers efficiently.

Attend a Photoshop Workshop

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Provides hands-on training from experienced Photoshop professionals, enhancing your skills and knowledge.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Research and identify relevant Photoshop workshops in your area.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Actively participate in the workshop, ask questions, and take notes.

Create a Digital Art Portfolio

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Develops your artistic skills and allows you to showcase your Photoshop proficiency to potential clients or employers.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Gather a collection of your best digital art pieces.
Create a visually appealing portfolio website or online gallery.
Optimize your portfolio for search engines and social media.

Participate in a Digital Art Contest

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Challenges you to push your creative limits and receive feedback from peers and industry professionals.

Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop

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Research and find digital art contests that align with your interests.
Create a unique and compelling digital art piece that adheres to the contest guidelines.
Submit your entry and wait for the results.

Career center

Learners who complete How Layers Work in Adobe Photoshop will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Digital Artist

A Digital Artist creates digital art for various channels, platforms, and mediums. These include websites, blogs, social media, film, television, and video games. They use specialized design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to create their work. Many Digital Artists work freelance or run their own businesses, while others work in-house at a creative agency, design studio, or marketing department. This course is an excellent way to build a foundation for a career in Digital Art by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create digital art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers use visual concepts and page layout techniques to create visual content for a variety of mediums, including websites, brochures, magazines, and social media. They use specialized design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to create their work. This course is an excellent way to build a foundation for a career in Graphic Design by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They use specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop to design website layouts and graphics. This course is an excellent way to build a foundation for a career in Web Design by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create web designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers design physical and digital products. They use specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop to create prototypes and mockups. This course is a useful foundation for a career in Product Design by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create product designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

User Experience Designer (UX Designer)

UX Designers research, design, and evaluate user interfaces for websites and applications. They use specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop to create prototypes and mockups. This course is a useful foundation for a career in UX Design by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create UX designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer (UX Designer)

Motion Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics for a variety of mediums, including websites, television, and film. They use specialized software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to create their work. This course is a useful foundation for a career in Motion Graphics Design by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create animated graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Photojournalist

Photojournalists use photography to tell stories and report on current events. They use specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance their photographs. This course may be useful in a career as a Photojournalist by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

Photographer

Photographers take pictures using specialized equipment and techniques. They use specialized software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to edit and enhance their photographs. This course may be useful in a career as a Photographer by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Video Editor

Video Editors assemble and edit video footage to create video content for a variety of mediums, including websites, television, and film. They use specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop to edit video footage. This course may be useful in a career as a Video Editor by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to edit video.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of a project, such as a magazine, website, or advertising campaign. They work with other creatives, such as designers and photographers, to ensure that the project's visual elements are consistent and effective. This course may be useful in a career as an Art Director by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create visual elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products and services. They work with other professionals, such as engineers and designers, to ensure that the product meets the needs of the market. This course may be useful in a career as a Product Manager by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create product designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work with other professionals, such as designers and writers, to develop and execute marketing materials. This course may be useful in a career as a Marketing Manager by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers plan and execute social media campaigns to promote products and services. They work with other professionals, such as designers and writers, to develop and execute social media content. This course may be useful in a career as a Social Media Manager by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create social media content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Creative Director

Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a project, such as a marketing campaign or product launch. They work with other creatives, such as designers and writers, to develop and execute the project's creative strategy. This course may be useful in a career as a Creative Director by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create visual elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals and white papers. They work with other professionals, such as engineers and designers, to ensure that the documentation is accurate and easy to understand. This course may be useful in a career as a Technical Writer by teaching the fundamentals of using Adobe Photoshop to create visual aids for technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How Layers Work in Adobe Photoshop.

The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers

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Is specifically tailored for photographers looking to master Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and manipulation. It covers a wide range of techniques and workflows, including layer management, image retouching, and color correction, making it a valuable resource for this course.

How Layers Work in Adobe Photoshop

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