The layers in the Quick and Guided modes are automatic and allow little modification. You did not have access to the actual Mask layer, just the functionality. Photoshop Elements actually used a Mask layer to create this mask functionality. For instance, in the previous chapter when you created a selection of an object in a photo, you used a mask to select the object. Layers are used in all modes of the Photo Editor. Each is designed for a special use in Photoshop Elements 13. Based on the layer content, Photoshop Elements 13 has different types of layers-Image, Background, Shape, Mask, Adjustments, Type, and Fill layers. This is very useful to create a design composite with many layers each containing images, shapes, text, borders, or frames. Because the image is on a layer, you can work on that image without changing anything else in your photo. You can also change the opacity and Blending mode as well as add special effects and filters to each layer. You can put images, shapes, borders, frames, and messages on individual layers to create a composite image.

A layer can be compared to a clear sheet of plastic. This chapter is all about layers and their use in Photoshop Elements 13.

Applying enhancements and styles to layers.Creating layer mask, Clipping Mask layers, and Adjustment layers.

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