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Hands up if you have ever had so many layers in a document that it
was difficult to to work efficiently. Until now, Photoshop was restricted
to 99 layers. The new release allows you to create at least 8,000. But
wait – didn't I start off by implying that you could have too many
layers, and yet I seem to be saying that it is terrific that we can
have nearly 100 times more?
Truth is, I never once hit the 99 layer limit, but I do not do a lot
of computer art. For that intensive work, 99 layers was a restriction.
But the real change that could almost make a document manageable, even
with, for example, 700 layers, is a new feature called Layer
Sets.
The first image at the left shows the Layers palette. This is a fairly
familiar look, with the layers all visible. Note however, that there
are two "folders" in the list. In the second image here, I
have shown the exact same layer setup as above, but with the folders,
or Layer Sets, collapsed.
This feature will save hours. The nice part is that you can create
your sets at any time, and drag layers to the set. Although it is always
best to plan your layers, the drag and drop function allows you to organize
your layers after they have been created. You can also turn your linked
layers into a set. I have used this feature to bring a Web comp Photoshop
document, with an unmanageable number of layers, into perfect control.
You are going to love working with Layer Sets.
Layer Style (was Effects)
New name, new styles and you can save your own styles for repetitive
use. The appearance of the Layer Style
menu will throw you off the first time you open it, but it is much easier
to use, and offers many more options than we had in version 5.5.
First, there are more styles to choose from, including new texture
options and Gradient and Pattern overlays (that has to get your imagination
going). And Stroke. No more selecting.
Style Options are available by double clicking on the listing at the
left of the window.
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