PSD's and Layers

[WidmarkRob]

I've just started my web development freelance career… I've downloaded a PSD Web Template, I want to practice converting those templates into working websites.

Before I start that, I have one question (for now ).

I noticed when I opened the PSD, I opened up the layers palette… Because I'm new to this, it surprised me to see a few layer groups & independent layers.imp:

Before I start experimenting;
I know how to hide multiple layers & independent layers. I also know it would take a long time to go through and individually hide all of the layers I don't want. I'm fine with that though. This is my first practice project, so… I don't mind doing things a long/hard way. As long as I'm learning I don't mind.
With that said, I have already painstakingly hidden all layers… Except for one (I know, I know… I'm crazy).

With that one layer showing. Can I create a new document out of that layer?
I know I probably could have just used the clipper tool, but… I don't like how I'm constrained to boxes and rectangles. I don't need all of that extra information that the clipper tool forces you to take.

Side note: after making a clipping… Would I be able to use the freeform selection tool in conjunction with the clipper tool?

Anyway, back to my main question.
Can I create a new document out of a single layer?

 

[dv8_fx]

Yes , you can....

with the layer selected, hit CTRL+A to select all the contents on the layer.

Then CTRL+C to copy the contents.

Create new documnet... CTRL+N

CTRL+V to paste clipboard contents on new document. ....

Increase or decrease document size if needed...

 

[dv8_fx]

Did you mean clipping mask/group?

Yes, you can use the transform tool on grouped/clipped layers. It will transform as a group.

 

[WidmarkRob]

Okay, now… I have multiple layers visible. Only the ones I need.
This time though… I merged all of the visible layers into one layer.

I know there's a little status bar down the bottom left, letting you know the dimensions, different properties and so on and so forth.

With my new layer from the merge layers.
How do I go about finding the size (dimensions) for this new layer. Just the layer itself.

That way when I go to create a new document. I can set the dimensions of the new document to be just a few pixels bigger then the newly created layer.

Maybe show the ruler?

As I'm writing this, I just thought of it.

It would be nice to know if there was a way to find out what the exact dimensions are for the X and Y axis.

 

[dv8_fx]

If you mean object in the layer, hit CTRL+T.... the width and Height will show in the menu....

At the bottom of the document, you'll see document specs. click and hold , you'll see the full document size/specs ......

 

[WidmarkRob]

Okay, now… I have multiple layers visible. Only the ones I need.
This time though… I merged all of the visible layers into one layer.

I know there's a little status bar down the bottom left, letting you know the dimensions, different properties and so on and so forth.

With my new layer from the merge layers.
How do I go about finding the size (dimensions) for this new layer. Just the layer itself.

That way when I go to create a new document. I can set the dimensions of the new document to be just a few pixels bigger then the newly created layer.

Maybe show the ruler?

As I'm writing this, I just thought of it.

It would be nice to know if there was a way to find out what the exact dimensions are for the X and Y axis.

Very Very Nice… Just now noticed we can insert pictures…

I will start taking screen caps… In the meantime, here is that PSD I'm working…

 

[WidmarkRob]

I was able to isolate the vehicle at the top with some of the drawing effects…

I merge all of the layers & this is as far as I got so far…



With this new layer, I would like to create a new document out of this…

I've been watching a few videos in YouTube… What do you think about creating a mask out of this new layer? Then creating a new document out of that mask?
Letting Photoshop automatically creating the right size.

I just don't know the steps.

 

[ibis]

If i get you right,
you want to make document of the certain size with componets from the template?
te easiest way is:
make blank new document of the desired dimensions Ctrl+N and type lets say 21x29,7cm 300dpi
drag and drop desired layer from the template
scale it to fit your needs holding Shift to preserve proportion
merge te layers.

 

[WidmarkRob]

as of right now, it is 4:30 AM Alaska time

I don't remember the author of the blog for the address of the blog…

I was able to make a selection of the layer: Ctrl+Win+click your desired layer

Then I was able to refine my selection, then I was able to invert my selection… Then I hit Del to get rid of what I didn't want (leaving me with no background in my layer).

Then I carefully cropped this document, leaving about 10-20 pixels at the bottom of the document, room for error.

Now it is ready for me to use on a webpage:cool2:

 

[ibis]

it would be as simple as:
make rectangular or whattever shape selection
select modify feather and put about 5
hit ctrl+J to make another layer with softened eadges selection
delete original layer.