why use layers

[mapgirl]

I've read over and over that using layers keeps the original from getting destroyed in post-processing. But I'm not clear on why other techniques don't work as well. I start in RAW and save that version. Then as I work, I save as a .psd until I'm satisfied and then save as a .jpg, keeping all 3 versions. And as I make changes, if I don't like something I've done, I just hit "undo."

However, I always see posts about how imperative it is to use layers. I'm open to learning, but would still like to know what working in layers will give me that my (admittedly clunky) habits don't. There's a class coming up at a local community college that focuses on layers and I'll take it if it will make a real difference for me.

I use Photoshop Elements 7

Thanks!

[jeff.amadon]

To me, using layers is a more powerful and customizable version of "undo".

Example: you make a set of 10 changes in a row, but after change # 10 you realize you didn't like change # 5. If you go the "undo" route you have to undo back to change # 4, then start again (since you lost changes 6-10 in the undo process). If, instead, you use layers, you would have 10 layers, and you could simply delete layer #5 and all other changes would be intact.

Similarly, using layers gives you more power over each layer at the end of your process, without having to undo and redo so much.

Also, layers let you play with blend modes, which can give you more creative options.

It's a matter of personal preference / convenience. Nothing is "imperative". If your process is working, keep doing what works for you!

[mapgirl]

Originally Posted by jeff.amadon

To me, using layers is a more powerful and customizable version of "undo".

Example: you make a set of 10 changes in a row, but after change # 10 you realize you didn't like change # 5. If you go the "undo" route you have to undo back to change # 4, then start again (since you lost changes 6-10 in the undo process). If, instead, you use layers, you would have 10 layers, and you could simply delete layer #5 and all other changes would be intact.

Similarly, using layers gives you more power over each layer at the end of your process, without having to undo and redo so much.

Also, layers let you play with blend modes, which can give you more creative options.

It's a matter of personal preference / convenience. Nothing is "imperative". If your process is working, keep doing what works for you!

Wow jeff.amadon. This makes so much sense. Honestly, I've been searching and Googling all over the Internet trying to get a straight answer. This is the first one that makes sense to me. I have had to redo some because of the "undo" problem you cite. And I'm assuming that at some point you assemble all the layers and there's no loss of clarity due to the layers (I guess I'm thinking of physical overlays that could cloud the original at the bottom of a pile). And I don't know what a "blend mode" is but I'm sure I'll find out.

Thanks again! Very helpful.

[jeff.amadon]

Originally Posted by mapgirl

Wow jeff.amadon. This makes so much sense. Honestly, I've been searching and Googling all over the Internet trying to get a straight answer. This is the first one that makes sense to me. I have had to redo some because of the "undo" problem you cite. And I'm assuming that at some point you assemble all the layers and there's no loss of clarity due to the layers (I guess I'm thinking of physical overlays that could cloud the original at the bottom of a pile). And I don't know what a "blend mode" is but I'm sure I'll find out.

Thanks again! Very helpful.

haha, you're welcome!

No, you don't lose any clarity from layers as far as I know (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) - think of them as 100% perfect transparencies, unless you tell them not to be.

[garrettth]

yes they are 100% perfect. it's hard to wrap your thought process around the idea of layering.

another cool thing is to...while you're learning or tweaking a new way you can move the layers around and get different affects. I"ve done this and had some success, but understand that you're changing the what the layers on top of hat you are switching are now effeting a different immage due to the new placement of that layer. i dont know if that made any sence but it did in my head

Or if you're not really sure of the final out come you can do say3 layers of relatively the same thing just slightly different and turn them on and off at the end to get the effect you want. this has helped me out a ton...just fun stuff.

IMO layers are such a great tool, once you make them work for you.