How to Use The Layers Panel in Adobe Illustrator

Working with complex images can be difficult for a graphic artist, especially when changes are needed. One method available of simplifying and organizing images is layers. Layers can be thought of as tissue paper. Each layer contains a different element of the overall picture and can add additional elements such as highlighting, gradients or other detail. When all layers are stacked together, the combined image appears. Layers can help you organize an image or experiment with changes without disrupting your base object.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs One software package that graphic artists can use to create layers is Adobe Illustrator. Learn how to use the layers panel in Adobe Illustrator through this graphic design tutorial.

Open an image in Adobe Illustrator, then open the layers panel. Select the "Window" menu then select "Layers". Click the triangle beside the layer name to expand the layer's elements. Multiple paths, or sections, of the image will be visible. Click on the circle on the right side of each path's horizontal line to highlight it on your image. Remove a path by clicking on the eyeball icon on the left side of each path. You can also bring up the "wire frame" of the image by holding down the command button (control button on Windows systems) and click on the eye next to the primary layer name.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

Press the double paper icon at the bottom of the layers box. This icon resides to the left of the trashcan icon. Pressing this icon adds a new layer. To start, the layer is transparent and blank. If you want to lock one of the layers so that no changes are made, press the empty box next to the eye icon on the layers window. A lock will appear to indicate no changes can be made to the layer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

Drag each layer to change its position on the visible image. The top listed layer will be the first one visible. Each successive layer will be under the top listed layer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

To delete a layer, simply click on the layer to highlight it in blue. Press the trashcan button at the bottom of the layers panel. A confirmation box will appear. Press "Yes" to delete the layer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

Click on the box in the upper right-hand corner of the layers box. In the drop-down menu, select "Panel Options" at the bottom of the list. You can change the row size smaller or larger, or adjust thumbnail features. Larger icons can make it easier to see each layer, and smaller icons can allow you to see more layers on a complex image.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

To make it easy to quickly identify each layer, you can name the layer. Double click on the layer name. In the pop up box, name the layer in the top box. You can also choose a color for the layer outline for easier recognition.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIcmRSq6zs

Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for Adobe Illustrator:

1. How to Use Brushes in Adobe Illustrator
2. How to Use the Auto Trace in Adobe Illustrator
3. How to Create Your Own Brush in Adobe Illustrator
4. How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
5. How to Use the Layers Panel in Adobe Illustrator
6. How to Use the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator
7. How to Use the Selection Tool in Adobe Illustrator