Re-edit Layers in Photoshop Elements 8

Q: In Photoshop Elements 8 which is the best method of saving, after working with layers, if I want to edit it again?
Will the layers be visible when I open the image again?


A: This is a common question people have about working with Layers in Photoshop Elements. Here's what you can do.

If you want to preserve the Layers with your document go under the File menu, and instead of choosing Save, choose Save As…. A dialog box will open (see photo above).

Make sure you have the Layers box checked. From the Format drop-down menu choose Photoshop, it's the best Format to save a Layered file in. You should see the extension at the end of the name in the Save As field change to .psd, which stands for Photoshop Document.

Now you can close that file and at any time open it and all your Layers will be intact.

You probably will also want to save a Flattened version of your photograph. So after doing the .psd Save As, go up to the Layer menu and choose Flatten Image. All your Layers will be merged into the Background Layer.

Now you can choose Save As from the File menu and this time in the Dialog box choose JPEG from the Format drop-down menu. You should see the extension at the end of the file name in the Save As field change to .jpg.

Now you will have 2 files for your photograph. A Layered file with .psd at the end of the name. And a flattened version with .jpg at the end of the name. Good luck!

Until next time,
Rick