Layer Styles
Effects can be added to individual layers in Photoshop that automatically change as a layer is modified. The combination of effects on any given layer is called its Layer Style. We�ll teach you how to use and make your own layer styles in this tutorial.
Layer styles are special effects that can be quickly and easily applied to individual layers in Photoshop to drastically change the appearance of something in very little time. They can be preset, customized, or even saved and used for later.
One of the useful properties of Layer Styles are there relationship to the layer contents. Since the style is actually a separate entity that is just linked to the layer, it will continually update itself as a layers contents are edited or moved. Furthermore, the effects can easily be adjusted after applying them, making them non-destructive in nature.
Using Layer Style Presets
Photoshop comes packed with a good number of Layer Style Presets, all which are accessible through the Styles Palette (Window > Styles). To apply a Layer Style, select the Layer you�d like to work with in your document from theLayers Palette, and then select the Layer Style which you would like to apply.
After applying a Layer Style, the effects in the layer can be seen, adjusted, disabled or reenabled from the Layers Palette. Layers with effects applied to them will have a small round icon with an �f� in it. To expand or collapse the effects applied to a layer, click the arrow to the right of this icon.
When a layers effects have been expanded, you can quickly disable specific effects within the layer style by clicking theeye icon next to the effect. Just like a layer, these effects can become visible again by clicking the blank area (where the eye would reside) when an effect is disabled.
Making Quick Changes
You can make quick changes to a layers style by double clicking the �f� icon to pull up the Layer Style Options. From here, you can completely customize your layers style.
Creating your own Effects and Styles
To add your own layer effects, and create your own styles, go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options, or Right Click your Layer, and select Blending Options. This will bring up the Layer Style Options.
Layer Style Options
- Style Presets � List of the Style Presets.
- Effects � The various effects that can be used in a layer style. It�s important to note that by clicking on the name of any of the effects will enable that effect, and display the options for the individual effect.
- Options / Settings � When the name for an effect is checked, it�s options will be shown here. When Blending Options is selected, settings such as Opacity, Fill, and other advanced options will be displayed.
- Layer Style Preview � A preview of the Layer Style.
Effects (B) can be enabled by checking them, and likewise, disabled by unchecking them. To edit an effect, you need toclick the name (rather than checkbox). The effects settings will be displayed in the Options area (C), where they can be easily adjusted. To apply a set of effects and options, simply press OK.
Layer Effects
"Styles can be built with the effects"
- Drop Shadow � Creates a shadow behind the layers contents.
- Inner Shadow � Creates a shadow on top of the layers contents.
- Outer Glow - Creates a glow behind the layers contents. Cannot be distanced like the drop shadow.
- Inner Glow � Creates a glow on top of the layers contents. Again, cannot be distanced like the inner shadow.
- Bevel and Emboss - Used to create unique highlight and shadow effects on a layers contents.
- Satin - Gives the layer contents a satin-like, glossy appearance.
- Color Overlay - Fills the layer contents with a solid color.
- Gradient Overlay - Fills the layer contents with a gradient.
- Pattern Overlay - Fills the layer contents with a pattern.
- Stroke - Creates an outline on layer contents using a solid color, gradient, or pattern.
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