Tap into the power of layers
Learn all the Layers features in the new version of SketchBook Pro with a three-step basic formula by Paris Christou
Learn the Layers features in SketchBook Pro with Paris Christou.
Layers, and how they work, are an integral part of SketchBook Pro’s flexibility. To those unfamiliar with the term, a layer is an image stacked on top of another, and they are the building blocks to a piece of artwork.
Imagine SketchBook Pro layers as glass that you can see through. So for example if I were to draw or paint a clear blue sky
1 The background layer
The background layer enables you to change the colour – and therefore the fundamental mood – of your canvas. To do this in SketchBook Pro, you simply click the big white circle on the background layer to open the colour wheel, and then you need to select the colour of your choice. Turning off the eye icon on the background layer will give you a transparent background, which some may find useful.
2 The Layers panel
All the features on the Layers panel are shortcuts designed to help you manage your SketchBook Pro layers. They are as follows: Add a new layer (A); Add a new group (B); Add an image (C); Clear anything on a selected layer (D); Dropdown menu of all the options of the Layer Editor (E); Drop-down menu of all the Blend Modes (F); and finally The Opacity bar (G). Once you get used to them they’re really useful.
3 Your layer options
Here are all the features on a layer that you can manipulate in SketchBook Pro: Hide/ View a layer (A); Colour label your layers (B); Lock the Transparency (C); The Opacity bar (D); Drag a layer (E); and finally, Click and hold down to launch the layer options (F). Then flick any of the following icons: Add Layer, Delete Layer, Rename Layer, Merge All, Merge with Below, Lock Layer, Hide, Duplicate Layer. on a piece of glass (a layer) and then add another piece of glass (a new layer) on top, I can still see the painting of the blue sky below through the new layer. This is useful to the digital artist because they can just draw and paint a forest on the new layer that will go together with the clear blue sky.
Okay, let’s see how SketchBook Pro helps you manage your layers.