Help with photoshop 7, about layers

[cccx]

i am having trouble with doing different layers. you see when i make a new layer from the layer menu, the picture i started out with is on this new layer, and its called layer 1 (the first being 0). when i go to edit this layer 1, i do whatever i want to do, and here come the problem.

i try to merge the two layers, one with a picture and the other with a background for it. but i get left with this background and the picture has disappeared. i try to switch back to layer 0(picture)but all i get is this layer one, constanly there not going away and giving my picture back. (i've used that layer pallette and the menu to try and switch back.

so, after all my rambling, can someone please show me the correct way to do layers, making them, drawing on them, and finally merging them so i can stick the picture on the background

help is much appreciated ^^

 

[SPYDERIX]

Hi,

When you are using layers you should get into the habbit of hiding other layers (click on the 'eye' next to the layer to hide it, click in the emtpy space again to show it) and then do any editing you need to do.

When you want to modify something on a layer make sure that you are actually on that layer. You can see a little thumbnail of what is on the layer, if you only see a chekcboard then the layer is probably empty, click on the layer in the layers palete to edit it.

The way you see your image is determined by the stacking order in the layers palette, you may need/want to change the stacking order by dragging a layer on the layers palette above or below other layers.

Hope this helps!

http://www.spyderix-designz.com

 

[SPYDERIX]

One trick I like to do, is when I'm finished everything and want one layer that is everything merged, I make a new layer at the top of the stack and then press Crtl+Shift+Alt+E this merges all the layers together as a single layer, yet all the original layers are still left in tact underneath for additional changes.

Hope that is useful to everyone who doesn't know that trick!

http://www.spyderix-designz.com