Lena Rivera
Layers in Corel Painter Essentials 6 are a powerful tool for artists, allowing for experimentation with different brushstrokes and effects while keeping the original artwork untouched. Layers help to keep paintings organized, streamline the painting process, and provide dynamic effects to the underlying image. Artists can easily modify the look of their content and make selections to fill in various parts of their drawing. With layers, each new shape becomes a separate layer, and artists can group or merge shapes together. Additionally, layers can be used for more specialized functions, such as creating animations or embedding URLs in images.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of layers | To keep paintings organised, streamline the painting process, and allow users to experiment with different brushstrokes and effects without changing the original artwork |
| Layer naming | Each layer is given a default name by Corel Painter, based on the object's type and creation order |
| Layer types | Dynamic layers, pixel-based layers, vector shape layers, floating object layers, and Watercolor layers |
| Saving layers | RIFF is the only format that preserves layers in their original state. Saving in PSD format will convert all layers to standard Photoshop transparent layers |
| Layer controls | Improved contextual menus, information dialogs, layer adjuster options, and easy access to commands |
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What You'll Learn
How to create a new layer
Corel Painter Essentials 6 allows you to create, name, save, and delete layers. Layers are objects that contain image data, and you can move and edit them without interfering with the image data on the canvas or other layers.
To create a new layer, you can use the Layers panel and the Layer Adjuster tool. When you create a new layer, Corel Painter Essentials 6 will automatically assign it a default name based on the object's type and creation order. For example, pixel-based layers are titled "Layer 1", "Layer 2", and so on, while a shape's title is based on the tool used to create it. You can also assign your own descriptive names to layers, making it easier to keep track of the separate pieces of an image.
You can also create a new layer by using one of the shape tools (Pen, Quick Curve, Rectangular Shape, Oval Shape, or Text). Each new shape becomes a separate layer, and you can group or merge multiple shapes together. However, shapes are vector-based and cannot contain pixel information. If you want to perform pixel-based operations, such as painting with a brush or filling with a gradient, you must convert the shape to a pixel-based layer.
Additionally, you can open an image as a layer, trace it with a pencil on another layer, and then delete the original image layer if desired. This allows you to preserve your original drawing while adding new brush strokes to another layer.
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Modifying layers
Layers in Corel Painter Essentials 6 are a great way to keep your paintings organised and experiment with different effects while preserving your original artwork. You can modify layers in a number of ways, including:
Grouping and Merging
You can group multiple layers together or merge them into a single layer. For example, if you have several shapes on different layers, you can group them together to keep your layer panel organised. Alternatively, you could merge them into one shape, which will combine them into a single layer.
Converting Layer Types
You can convert between pixel-based and vector-based layers. Pixel-based layers support painting with brushes and filling with gradients, while vector-based layers are for shapes created with the shape tools.
Deleting
If you are not happy with the changes you've made to a layer, you can simply delete it and start again with your original image. This is a great way to experiment with different effects without worrying about ruining your artwork.
Naming
As your document gets more complex with multiple layers and groups, it can be difficult to keep track of which layer contains which image data. By assigning descriptive names to your layers, you can easily identify their content.
Saving
When saving your document, the file format you choose will affect your layers. Saving in RIFF format preserves "live" layers, while saving in PSD format converts all layers to standard Photoshop transparent layers and drops groups. Saving in any other format will cause all layers to merge into a single background image.
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Deleting layers
When working with shape layers, the process is similar. To delete a shape layer, select the shape and then press Delete on a Mac or Backspace on a Windows computer. This will remove the shape layer from your image.
Additionally, when creating a new layer, it is placed directly above the selected layer in the Layers panel. If the selected layer is part of a group, the new layer is added to that group. Similarly, if a layer group is chosen, the new layer is placed above the group. This flexibility in managing layers allows you to experiment with different brush strokes, effects, and adjustments without compromising your original work.
Corel Painter also offers automatic layer generation when using certain brush types. For instance, when applying brush strokes with a Watercolor, Real Watercolor, or Liquid Ink brush, a new layer for that specific brush type is automatically created. This feature ensures that your work remains non-destructive, allowing you to explore various creative directions without permanently altering your original image.
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Naming layers
When working with multiple layers and groups in Corel Painter, it can become challenging to keep track of the image data associated with each layer. One way to address this challenge is by assigning descriptive names to your layers. This helps you identify the content of each layer and facilitates better organisation and management of your work.
By default, Corel Painter assigns a name to each layer or group based on the object's type and creation order. For instance, pixel-based layers are typically labelled as "Layer 1", "Layer 2", and so on. Similarly, the title of a shape is determined by the tool used to create it. For example, the Rectangular Shape tool produces a layer named "Rect #", while the Oval Shape tool generates "Oval #". If you utilise the Pen or Quick Curve tools, the resulting layer will be labelled as "Shape #".
To personalise the naming of your layers, you can easily rename them. Start by locating the Layer options button and clicking on it. From the available options, choose "Layer Attributes". Within the Layer Attributes section, you will find a "Name box". Simply type your desired name for the layer into this box.
In addition to custom names, you can further enhance the descriptive information associated with a layer by adding notes to it. This feature provides a convenient way to include additional context or details about the layer's content. The Layers panel, accessible within Corel Painter, offers a comprehensive overview of all the layers in your document. It enables you to manage the order of layers, select, hide, lock, delete, name, and group them according to your requirements. The Layers panel also displays informative icons that visually represent the types and characteristics of each layer, making it easier to identify and work with specific layers.
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Layer formats
Layers in Corel Painter Essentials allow you to preserve your original drawing while adding new brush strokes to another layer. If you are not satisfied with the new brush strokes, you can delete the layer and start over with your original image.
To change layers in Corel Painter Essentials 6, you can open an image as a layer, trace it with a pencil on another layer, and then delete the image. This is possible because of the layer functionality in the software.
The improved contextual menus, information dialogs, layer adjuster options, and easy access to commands make working with layers more efficient. Additionally, the software supports stylus tilt, rotation, bearing, and pressure control, enhancing the natural painting experience.
Corel Painter Essentials also offers flexibility in file transfer. When transferring files between Photoshop and Painter Essentials, you can easily preserve colours and layers.
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Frequently asked questions
Corel Painter automatically adds a new layer to the document when you create a shape with one of the shape tools. Each new shape becomes a separate layer. You can group multiple shapes together or merge them into a single shape.
Layers help keep your paintings organised and streamline the painting process. They also allow you to experiment with different brushstrokes and effects while leaving your original artwork untouched.
As you add more layers, it can become difficult to remember which image data each layer contains. You can easily keep track of the separate pieces of an image by assigning descriptive names to your layers.
RIFF is the only format that preserves layers in their original state. If you save a Corel Painter document in PSD (Photoshop) format, all layers convert to standard Photoshop transparent layers.
Dynamic layers provide dynamic effects to the underlying image. Examples include Glass Distortion, Equalize, and Liquid Metal. They are distinct objects that you can access and modify in the Layers panel.
