Chapter 2

Layers

Having to spend time renaming and reorganizing layers is like the parent who has to clean up their child’s room. If you can teach them to clean it themselves, or not to make such a mess in the first place, you’d be able to get done all the other stuff on your list.

Name Layers & Be Accurate

Be as descriptive as possible on *every* layer. “Layer 0 copy copy” isn’t gonna cut it. i

Name Layers & Be Accurate

The quintessential piece of etiquette: naming your layers instantly decreases confusion and improves acclimation to an otherwise unfamiliar document.

Use Groups

Tell me what folder the layer I’m looking for is in, not that it’s halfway-ish down the list. i

Use Groups

Happy layers have happy homes. Folders group like-items for easier navigation and editing.

Delete Unnecessary Layers

Are you a layer hoarder? It’s OK to get rid of all the unused layers from your PSD. i

Delete Unnecessary Layers

Sifting through hundreds of layers is an arduous task that needn’t be made any more difficult due to a bunch of unused layers.

Globalize Common Elements

No reason to have 5 copies of the logo for different layouts. Globalize it on a master layer. i

Globalize Common Elements

By using Smart Objects, any assets that appear multiple times in your PSD can be edited all at once.

Collapse Upon Exit

All done? It’d be splendid if you tucked in layer effects and collapsed all the folders, thanks. i

Collapse Upon Exit

It’s the same reason we tell kids to clean up after they’re done playing: it gets the room ready for the next play session. Plus, who wants to pick up after them?