For most casual Photoshop users, the most enticing and important utility is the software's ability to correct, digitally enhance, and fix photos. Adjustment layers are Photoshop layers that affect all other layers beneath them (unless you use an adjustment layer as a clipping mask - but that's an advanced topic for another day). For example, if you wanted to make a layer semitransparent or if you wanted to give your text one of those slick 'Web 2.0' gradient effects, you can do so by applying and adjusting layer styles.

Layer styles are one or more effects that alter a layer.

This concept is digitally incorporated into Photoshop and is a convenient way of editing your images quickly. In photography, filters are camera accessories that you place on your lens to capture photos that will have fascinating effects. Layers allow you to stack different objects and images to keep your work separated, ordered, and easily editable. The most important concept you should understand about Photoshop is its layering system. Photoshop For Beginners: The Power of Layers.If you're just starting out with Photoshop, you will no doubt be spending plenty of your time using the Tools panel, which contains various tools for working with type, painting, drawing, moving objects, and so forth. This tutorial on SitePoint, a popular site for web professionals, will guide you through the Photoshop fundamentals and the basic tools available at your disposal.

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