Using Layers > Creating grouped layers
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Creating grouped layers


In grouped layers, the bottommost layer, or base layer, defines the boundaries for the entire group. For example, you might have a shape on one layer, a photographic image on the overlying layer, and some text on the topmost layer. If you define all three layers as grouped, the texture and the text appear only through the shape on the base layer, and take on the opacity of the base layer.

Note that only successive layers can be included in a group. The name of the base layer in the group is underlined, and the thumbnails for the overlying layers are indented. Additionally, the overlying layers display a grouped layer icon ().

Grouped layer with Layer 1 and lion layers

To create grouped layers:

1 Do one of the following:
  • Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), position the pointer over the line dividing two layers in the Layers palette (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles ()), and click.
  • Select a layer in the Layers palette, and choose Layer > Group with Previous.
  • Link together the desired layers in the Layers palette. (See Linking layers.) Then choose Layer > Group Linked.
  • When creating a new layer, select Group with Previous in the New Layer dialog box.

    • The grouped layer is assigned the opacity and mode attributes of the bottommost layer in the group.

    To remove a layer from a grouped layer:

    Do one of the following:
  • Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), position the pointer over the line separating two grouped layers in the Layers palette (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles ()), and click.
  • In the Layers palette, select a layer in the grouped layer, and choose Layer > Ungroup. This command removes the selected layer and any layers above it from the grouped layer.

    • To ungroup all layers:

    1 In the Layers palette, select the base layer in the grouped layer.

    2 Choose Layer > Ungroup.

    To merge grouped layers:

    1 Make visible all the layers in the group that you want to merge (any hidden layers in the group are discarded when you merge).

    2 Select the base layer in the group.

    3 Choose Layer > Merge Group, or choose Merge Group from the Layers palette menu.

    Using Layers > Creating grouped layers