When you create or import an image in Corel PaintShop Pro, the image has a single layer. Depending on the type of image you create or import, the single layer is labeled as Background, Raster, Vector, or Art Media. When you open a photo, scan, or screen capture, the single layer is labeled as Background on the Layers palette.
For most simple corrections and retouching, you do not have to add layers to an image. However, it is a good practice to duplicate the single layer before making image corrections, so that you preserve the original image on its own layer. If you intend to do more complex work, such as creating a collage with text and other elements or creating a photo composition with layers of effects — the use of layers is highly recommended.
Layers are like separate sheets that you combine to create a final composition.
Each layer you add begins as a transparent sheet over the background. As you add brushstrokes, vector objects, or text, you cover up parts of the Background layer. Transparent areas let you see the underlying layers. You can stack multiple layers to create artistic compositions, photo collages, or complex illustrations.
There are nine types of layers: Background, Raster, Vector, Art Media, Mask, Adjustment, Group, Selection, and Floating Selection. For information about the last three types, see Working with selections.
Only grayscale and 16 million–color images can have multiple raster-based layers (Vector layers are the only non raster-based layers). When you add a new raster-based layer to an image of another color depth, such as a 256-color indexed image, Corel PaintShop Pro automatically converts the layered image to 16 million colors.
Corel PaintShop Pro supports up to 500 layers. The actual number of layers allowed in an image may be limited by the available memory in your computer.
The background layer is the bottom layer of an image. When you import JPEG, GIF, or PNG images into Corel PaintShop Pro, they have only this single layer, which is named “Background” on the Layers palette.
The background layer contains raster data and is promoted to a raster layer when you change its properties, such as its blend mode or opacity. You cannot change its stacking order unless you promote it to a raster layer.
To position a background layer higher in the layer stack, you can promote it to a regular raster layer. For information about promoting the background layer, see Promoting the background layer.
If you create a new image with a transparent background, it does not have a background layer, and its bottom layer is a raster layer named “Raster 1.” You can move this layer anywhere within the stacking order. You can also change its opacity and blend mode.
Corel PaintShop Pro supports transparency on layers other than the background. To create an image without transparent areas, you can choose a solid-colored background. The image contains a background layer as the bottom layer.
To create a new image with transparent areas, choose a transparent background. The image contains a raster layer as the bottom layer. For more information, see Starting from a blank canvas.
Raster layers
Raster layers are layers with raster data only. Raster data is composed of individual elements, called pixels, arranged in a grid. Each pixel has a specific location and color. Photographic images are composed of raster data. If you magnify raster data, you can see the individual pixels as squares of colors.
Raster layers let you display subtle changes in tones and colors. Some tools, options, and commands apply only to raster layers. For example, the painting tools and the commands that are used to add effects can be applied only on raster layers. If you try to use a raster tool while a vector layer is selected, Corel PaintShop Pro prompts you to convert the vector layer into a raster layer.
Vector layers are layers with only vector objects (lines and shapes), vector text, or vector groups. Vector objects and text are composed of geometric characteristics — lines, curves, and their locations. When you edit vector objects and text, you edit these lines and curves, rather than the individual pixels. Vector graphics and vector text maintain their clarity and detail at any size or print resolution.
Objects or text created with vector layers can be easily edited. Images of any color depth can include multiple vector layers. Each vector layer contains a list of all individual vector objects on that layer. You can expand or collapse the group to view the individual objects. For more information, see To expand or collapse layers. Vector objects can be moved from their layer group to another vector group.
You cannot move a vector object to a nonvector layer; vector objects must be placed on vector layers. If you create a vector object while a raster layer is selected, Corel PaintShop Pro creates a vector layer just above the selected layer.
Art Media layers are automatically created when you use any of the Art Media tools.
When creating a new image, you can choose to create the image with an Art Media layer.
Art Media layers can be converted to raster layers, but not to vector layers.
Mask layers
Mask layers show or hide portions of underlying layers. A mask is an adjustment layer that modifies opacity. You can use masks to create sophisticated effects, such as a picture frame that fades away at the center to reveal the subject.
Mask layers cannot be bottom layers. You cannot delete other layers if deleting them would cause a mask layer to become the bottom layer.
Adjustment layers are correction layers that adjust the color or tone of underlying layers. Each adjustment layer makes the same correction as an equivalent command on the Adjust menu, but unlike the command, the adjustment layer does not change image pixels.
Adjustment layers cannot be the bottom layer. You cannot delete other layers if deleting them would cause an adjustment layer to become the bottom layer. For more information, see Using adjustment layers.
