What is Layer?
The layers feature in Photoshop allows you to stack or move slices of information in order to create your image composition.
Shape Layers
A shape layer contains vector graphics objects called shapes. Shapes consist of paths, strokes, and fills by default. Shape layers are created by drawing them in the Composition panel with the shape tools or the Pen tool.
Raster Layers
Those raster layers that are open, but not in an Image window view, are only listed in the Data Manager.
Mask Layers
The Layer mask is reversible and can be used to hide part of a layer. As a result, you can edit layers more easily than if you permanently erased or deleted parts of them. Masking layers is useful for creating image composites, cutting out objects for use in other documents, and limiting edits to parts of layers.
Fill Layers
A fill layer has the same opacity and blending modes as an image layer. The same functions can be performed on them as they can on image layers, including rearranging, deleting, hiding, and duplicating.
Adjustment Layers
Image adjustment layers provide more control and flexibility than direct adjustments, allowing you to make non-destructive adjustments to colors and tones in your images without permanently altering the pixels.
Vector Mask Layers
Vector masks are resolution-independent paths that clip out the contents of layers. The accuracy of vector masks is generally better than that of pixel-based masks. Using the pen or shapes tools, you can create vector masks
Clipping Mask Layers
In Photoshop, clipping masks are a powerful tool for controlling layer visibility. Therefore, clipping masks are similar to layer masks. Although the end result may be the same,
Smart Layers
In Photoshop, smart objects are the ultimate non-destructive layer. Smart objects can be edited again or undone; they are never permanently baked in.
3d Layers
Photoshop wraps a layer onto a 3D object preset when you create a 3D shape from a layer. This 3D object can then be rotated, repositioned, resized, and even lit from various angles with a variety of colors.
Video Layers
Photoshop makes it easy to add video layers! In Photoshop, you can drag and drop your video file into the workspace or use the ‘New Layer’ button in the ‘Layers’ panel.
After adding your video layer, you can trim, crop, and rotate it using the ‘Edit’ menu.
Style Layers
A layer style consists of one or more layer effects and blending options applied to a layer. The effects of a layer can be drop shadows, strokes, or color overlays.
Groups
Groups help you organize the layers of your Photoshop project. A group can contain multiple layers of a project. In a large or detailed project with many shapes and text elements, this is especially useful.
Artboard
Artboards are blank canvasses in Photoshop where images, objects, text, and other elements can be added. As you add layers to a project, the artboard can contain multiple layers and layer groups.
Background
Our document is surrounded by a layer called Background, which acts as its background. In the document, we can add additional layers above the Background layer.