Layers: Creating a Semi-transparent Tile

Layers are probably PSP's most powerful feature. Think of layers as sheets of transparent film on which you can paint image objects. You can paint different objects on different layers, and you can add new layers, delete layers, or rearrange the order of your layers. Your final image will be a composite of all the layers. (Well, of all the visible layers, but we won't worry about that here.)

In this tutorial, we'll make a semi-transparent background tile using layers, fading the original tile:

Original tile	Faded tile

1. First, open the image that contains the opaque version of your tile. (See Creating Backgrounds for instructions on creating a background tile.)
2. Press Ctrl+C to copy the image to the clipboard. You can then close this file.
3. Next, open a new 16-million color file with a white or light-colored background. Give this file the same dimensions as your opaque tile.
4. If the Layer Palette isn't already visible, click the Layer Palette toggle on the PSP toolbar (or press the L key on the keyboard) to toggle the Layer Palette on.

   

   You'll see that your image contains a single layer called "Background". "Background" is special in that it is always completely opaque and its opacity cannot be adjusted with the Layer palette controls.

5. Press Ctrl+L to paste the previously copied selection in as a new layer. Notice that the Layer Palette now shows two layers: "Background" and "Layer1".

   

   Layer1, the new pasted-in layer, is above the background layer. Since Layer1 is completely opaque, you can no longer see the Background layer underneath.

6. Go to the Layer Palette and drag the Opacity slider for Layer1 to the left. Watch how the opacity of your tile image changes, with the color from Background showing through. The example below shows the opacity of Layer1 set to 60 percent:

   

7. When you have the opacity at the level you like, you can save the file. If you think you'll want to experiment with this layered file again, first save using the PSP format. (Layers are saved to disk only in the PSP and PSD formats.) Then use Save Copy As or one of the Export wizards under File > Export to save your tile.

This tutorial introduced only some of the most basic aspects of layers. Check out the later layers tutorials for discussion of more advanced features, such as Blend Modes.