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Layers - advice needed please


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GerberGirl

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I haven't used Layers for a while and don't know whether I've got a problem with my software or if I've just got myself confused about how it works. I'm using CS6 but I've also tried the same thing on my old copy of CS4.

Below is a note of what I did and the possible issue:
- I opened an image which I want to edit
- I duplicated the layer and renamed it 'Layer test'
- I used the cropping tool to select an area on Layer test which I wanted to work on. The idea was that I would manipulate the small section, then flatten the layers so the area I had manipulated became part of the original photo
- When I cropped the section on Layer test, the same section on the Background layer was cropped in the same way
- I tried turning the Background layer off but this made no difference
- I tried renaming the Background layer and moving Layer test in front of it but this made no difference, both layers were altered

I thought the layers operated independently of one another so I could manipulate Layer test and this would leave the Background layer as it was. I could then bring the layers back together using things like Opacity etc.

Am I doing something wrong, or is this the way PS works? Can someone advise me on this please?

Thank you.
 
GerberGirl said:
- I used the cropping tool to select an area on Layer test which I wanted to work on. The idea was that I would manipulate the small section, then flatten the layers so the area I had manipulated became part of the original photo
Click to expand...
If you wanted to work on a small part of a duplicated layer, you are better off selecting (Not Cropping) the section, copying it onto its own layer, making changes on it and then flattening it with 'Layer Test' layer. Cropping affects the whole document, not just the layer you are working on.

If anything is unclear of if I did not understand your issue well, please revert.
 
polarwoc said:
If you wanted to work on a small part of a duplicated layer, you are better off selecting (Not Cropping) the section, copying it onto its own layer, making changes on it and then flattening it with 'Layer Test' layer. Cropping affects the whole document, not just the layer you are working on.

If anything is unclear of if I did not understand your issue well, please revert.
Click to expand...
Thanks, polarwoc. Your suggestion will work with what I'm trying to do. I didn't realise that cropping affects the whole document, including other layers.
 
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