First things first. What are layers and what are they good for? To a PSP novice, they may seem like a lot of work until you learn how to use the simpler features. Layers can save you hours of error corrections, organize your tasks and give you more creative options than you ever dreamed possible.
Layers are transparent and flexible separations between whole images and parts of images. They allow you to separate and arrange different parts of your work so that you can work with individual aspects of the picture and retain the integrity of the whole by limiting the tools you work with to the layer you are working on and the other layers remain uneffected.
Layering is the perfect organizing tool for multiple files saved as a group, like the "minis" tubes sets. I made a set of colored pointers so I can quickly grab one and paste it into my work without a series of tools changes. I sized the familiar yellow glove to my liking on a transparent background. I opened a new file - transparent background - big enough to paste several gloves into. I set my guides by the rule of 3 - 3 equal partitions across and down. Each new color was pasted as a new layer. Because there were no other images on the layer, I moved it without disturbing the others. I left room between the gloves to quickly select one glove, copy & paste it into my tut projects. I merged the visible layers and saved it in pspimage format in a "utilities" folder where I stash goodies for quick access.
I think of layers like saran wrap, zip lock bags and a closet full of sealed see through storage bins. They separate and protect your graphics from damage if you make mistakes while you are creating.
Let's go on to do something creative instead of sitting here reading about all this stuff.
Part 2
