Third Quarter - Textbook Exercises

Before the end of this Third Quarter, I need you to learn about "Merging Layers," "Naming Layers," "Adding Layers," "Adding Color to Layers," "Duplicating Layers," and "Creating Layer Groups." You should also learn how to "Flatten" and image.

You already know how to organize your layers in the Layers Palette by moving them around (dragging layers below or above other layers). You also know how to add layers and how to delete layers, by dragging them into the "Delete Layer Button" (Trash Can at the bottom of the Layers Palette). Another way of deleting layers is to simply select the layer, click the "Delete Layer Button" and when the window pops up asking you "Delete the layer ...?" you can click Yes. To check other ways to delete layers you can check the Adobe Photoshop CS3 Textbook, page 2-9. You should also know by now how to duplicate layers.

Naming Layers: Photoshop automatically assigns a sequential number to each new layer name, but you can rename a layer at any time. You can go to Layer on the Menu Bar > select "Layer Properties" and type the name in the Name text box, then click OK; or simply double-click the name on the Layer, type a new name, then press Enter (Return in Mac Computers). You can check the Photoshop Textbook, page 2-9.

Remember that you can also add Blending Options to layers (not only to text). To add Blending Options you double-click on the right side of the layer or go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options.

Merging Layers: you can "merge" layers to combine multiple image layers into a single layer. First you select the layers you need to "merge" by using the Shift Key or the Command Key (press the Shift key to select a group of consecutive layers or press the Command key to select non-consecutive layers). Then go to Layer > Merge Layers (or press Command-E). Merging layers is not the same as Flattening layers. "Flattening" merges all visible layers (to "flatten" layers, you go to Layer > Flatten image - make sure that all layers you want to display are visible before you flatten an image!). Check the Textbook pages 2-8 to 2-11 and page 2-17.

We will do the "New England Fall" Exercise in Class (3/17/09). You can find these images in iLife05 under DataFilesforStudentsPS, Chapter 2. You will learn how to use the "Color Range" to select an image on a white background (page 2-14) and how to move it to another document; and also how to "Defringe" an image (page 2-15). On pages 2-16 and 2-19, you will learn how to organize your layers into groups; and how to add color to your layers. Follow instructions for this exercise on page 2-19. This exercise should be in your 3rd Q Exercises Folder in the Server.

A layer group allows you to organize your layers on the Layers Palette. A layer group contains individual layers. To create a "group" go to Layer > New > Group... (Layer Set in the Photoshop 7 Version). You can give your group a name and add color to this "group layer." You could organize your layers, so that all the Type layers (Text) are in one group (or folder). Then certain images can be in another group, and other images in another. The whole idea is to organize your workspace in the Layers Palette, since you could be working with a huge amount of layers. You will practice this and how to flatten an image in the textbook exercise "New England Fall" pages 2-16 to 2-21.

You should review the whole Chapter 2 - "Working with Layers."

March 18, 2009: You will work on the "Music Store" exercise on page 2-23. Please follow the book instructions and stop on No. 4 on the third column (under "Organize layers with layer groups and colors"). Save it in the Server under your Digital Applications Folder (3rd Q Exercises) as a PSD file. I need to see if you completed all the instructions. I will grade it as a Quiz.

Extra Credit Exercise: You may complete the exercise on page 14-19 "Art School Poster." Create a new Photoshop Document with the following measurements and requirements: 7.5" W x 10" H; RGB Color; Resolution 72; Background Color - your choice. Follow instructions. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Feld.