Layered Template Tips

Here are a couple of tips for using layered templates that I didn't cover in my previous template tutorial. If you have never used layered templates or are looking for step-by-step instructions, I recommend starting with the first Layered Template Tutorial.

The first tip involves resizing and rotating your photos within the template. Drag your photo onto the template and place it in a layer just above the photo layer in the template.



Key Ctrl+G (Ctrl+Alt+G in PSCS2) to clip your photo to the template shape.



Once you've clipped your photo to the template shape, you can still resize and rotate the photo. Make sure your photo is the active layer. Select your move tool. The bounding box should now be around your photo and you can resize and rotate in the same way you normally would. Remember it is 'clipped' to the shape, so only those portions of the photo overlapping the template shape will be visible. Once you are satisfied right click on the photo layer and select 'merge down'.



The second tip is helpful if you want to move items around on page. If you have two or more pieces that you want to stay in the same position relative to one another (for example a photo and frame), hold down your control key and click on each layer once in the layers palette. Release the control key and then click on the link icon at the base of the layers palette (top of the palette in PSE). A set of links should appear on each linked layer in the layers palette. Now if you move any one of the linked layers, the other layers will move with it. If you ever want to unlink them just repeat the process (hold down control while clicking each layer in the layers palette and then click the link icon).



Templates are an excellent starting point for contructing a layout. You can create several unique layouts using the same template by moving template pieces around, rotating the template, applying style layers and various embellishments.