Using the layer feature

We will now move into an explanation of the “Layer” feature, which is only available on digital mediums.

Tips

“Layer” refers to a feature that allows you to paint one portion of a picture at a time, like layering clear film over it.
For example, by separating your image into “line” and “color” layers, you can erase just the colors if you make a mistake, and leave the lines in place.

An example of layering
Fig. An example of layering

Layer Menu

The layer menu will appear when you tap the icon (1) located on the bottom right of your canvas.

Layer Menu
Fig. Layer Menu

Adding and Deleting Layer Types

Adding a layer
Fig. Adding a layer

First, let’s try adding a new layer.
Tapping the icon (2) on the lower left of the layer menu will let you add a layer.

Color layer
A layer for colors. It will help you flesh out your colors. (RGB only.)
1bit layer
A layer which can only painted with one color. It cannot express shades.
8Bit layer
A layer with shades, and allows you to paint in gray scale.

*Please see the following for other, special types of layers.

【Android】Half Tone Layer
【Android】Mask Layer
【Android】Stencil Layer

For now, we will tap and add a Color Layer.

A new layer
Fig. A new layer

As shown in the image above, we have added “Layer 2”.
New layers are added on top of the layer we currently have selected.

When you want to delete a layer, tap the garbage bin icon (3) next to the add icon.

NOTE

By adding a check mark to “Draft Layer”, a draft layer will be added to your current layer. A draft layer has the following characteristics.

  • They do not effect automatic selection or the designation area of the bucket tool
  • They do not appear in work that is printed
  • They do appear when extracted to jpg or png (they do not appear in the file saved)

Painting in each layer

Let’s try our hands at painting each part in its own layer. For now, we have separated ours into line and color layers.

Layers
Fig. Layers

We will select the color layer, and begin adding color.
Let’s try erasing and coloring outside of the lines.
You should be able to confirm that it has no effect on the layer above it, which is not selected.
By separating each part into layers, you will work more efficiently, and create more detailed paintings.

The Layer Menu Feature

Next we will look at the layer menu.

Layer Menu
Fig. Layer Menu

(1) Opacity

You can alter the translucency of the layer you have selected.

Opacity
Fig. Opacity

(2) Blending

You can alter the how the layer you have selected blends.
Please see here for all layer effects.

Layer Blend (Overlay)
Fig. Layer Blend (Overlay)

(3) Protect Alpha

The translucent portion of your image will be protected, allowing only the portions with an image to be altered. See here for details.

(4) Clipping

You will only be able to paint within the bounds of the image painted on let set one level below your current layer. See here for details.

(5) Lock

A locked layer can no longer be painted on or altered.

(6) Effect

This setting is only for color layers. It will allow you to add two types of water color boundary effects to the layer. See here for details.

Effect
Fig. Effect

(7)

Here you can set layers to Display/Hidden.

(8)

Here you can alter the name, etc, of your layers.

Changing a layer name
Fig. Changing a layer name

Move Layer

When you want to move a layer, you can either use the “Transfer Button” or move it with your finger or stylus.

Transfer Button

Layer Transfer
Fig. Layer Transfer

The up and down arrow buttons (1) (2) at the center of the layer menu are the layer transfer buttons.

Up Arrow (1)
This will move your layer up.
Down Arrow (2)
This will move your layer down.
NOTE

If you want to add a layer to a folder, press the arrow buttons until the layer reaches the folder and it will automatically be added to the folder. This is the same as when you want to take it out of a folder; move it with the arrow buttons until it is outside of the folder, and it will automatically be moved.

Layers are stacked from bottom to top, which causes portions of a layer underneath a non-transparent area to disappear.
Try altering the order of your layers to see what happens.

Moving a layer with your finger or stylus

To move a layer with your finger or stylus, tap the thumbnail of the layer, and drag it up or down while pressing down on it.

NOTE

Moving a layer to a folder can be done with your finger or stylus by moving the layer so that its thumbnail overlaps with that of the folder and letting it go.

Layer Management

Tapping the menu icon on the bottom right of the layer menu (1) will bring you to “Layer Controls”.

Layer Management
Fig. Layer Management
Merge Down
This will integrate (merge into 1 layer) the layers you have selected.
Merge Folder
This will integrate all layers in the folder you have selected.
Duplicate
This will copy the layer you have selected.
Clear
This will clear (delete the images from) the layer you have selected.
Flip Vertically
This will flip the layer you have selected vertically.
Flip Horizontally
This will flip the layer you have selected horizontally.
Rasterize
This will rasterize (convert the image data into a layer that you can edit) the layer you have selected.
Mask / Stencil
This will allow you to switch between mask/stencil/no effect (normal layer) when you have 8bit, mask, or stencil selected.