Workspace and Layers

Introducing Adobe Photoshop, a very powerful software in editing photos and pictures. So currently, I'm using Adobe Photoshop CS 3, as seen on the above, for the job. The newest version of Photoshop available is CS5. Actually, it is not necessary to update your Photoshop since every versions of it serves enough tool for you to use on your portfolios. Other than that, it is recommended to use the version of Photoshop you're comfortable with.

Next, I would like to show my workspace:


As you can see here, I'm using a default workspace for my working because I'm comfortable with the arrangement of the tools. It is up to you to decide your own arrangement of tools in your workspace so that you are able to do your work with ease.

Next, I would like to explain a bit relating the usage of layers.

In Photoshop, it is highly recommended to use layers because it helps you to organize your works accordingly as well as it serves flexibility. So, let see what it can do by opening up a new file. Size of the following file is up to your liking because this is just an experimental piece. After that, create a new layer by clicking the button shown below:


Then, select the layer and create a shape in it. You can rename the layer by double-click on the word "Layer 1". This is very helpful when you're using a lot of layers in your work.

Create another layer and repeat the same step mentioned previously. And then, stacked the shapes together.


Next, select and drag the layer containing the shape that appears at the front and put it below other layer with the other shape. The result will be like this:



Notice that the shape that previously appears at the front goes behind another shape. This is the most basic part about using layers in Photoshop.

And now, I would like to show you another trick of what layers can do.
First, create another new layer and put any shape you want for it.


Secondly, click on this button:
And then, try scratching or doodling wherever you want.
The result is like this:

What you have doodled or scratched just now will only appear within the shape. For your information, this is called 'Lock Transparent Pixel'. For older version of Photoshop, it is known as 'Preserve Transparency'.

If you want to turn off the effect, just click on the button again.

That is all about the layers for now. Next time, I will explain more about layer modes. Until next time!

The beginning of a journey.

I would like to have a brief intoduction about myself so... spotlight please!
My name is Nurain Sofia binti Ahmad Masod. I am from Shah Alam. I have a little experience in using Photoshop. So, I hope for more consultations and learnings about using Photoshop and master it as much as possible.

This semestar's Computer Graphic's class comes with a new twist: establish your own blog regarding your own understandings throughout the lessons and tutorials, which is quite interesting and challenging. Ummm... a little bit, I guess. Anyways, as for assignment 1, I've been thinking of combination of main festivals in Malaysia which are Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali. I hope Madam Lydia permit me to use the idea. If not, I will search and look on other festival, which makes this a Plan B.

That's all. Over and out!