Layers Explained: The 5-Minute Primer
New to layer-based editing? Here is everything you need to know — stacking, blend modes, masks mindset, and when to flatten.
PhotoCraft TeamIf you've only ever edited photos in one flat pass, layers are the single habit that will most improve your results. Here's the short version.
Think in sheets of glass
Each layer is a sheet of glass stacked over your photo. Paint on one sheet and the ones below stay untouched. Hate the change? Delete the sheet.
Blend modes change how sheets interact
Set a layer to Multiply and dark ink darkens what's below. Screen lightens. Soft Light gently boosts contrast. Every mode in PhotoCraft matches desktop editors, so skills transfer both ways.
Adjustments belong on layers
Drop exposure tweaks directly on the layer that needs them. A background that's too dark doesn't need a global edit that flattens your subject — it needs its own brightness nudge.
Flatten late, export once
Keep layers live while you work. Flatten only happens at export, and your original stays intact.
Open the editor and try a two-layer experiment: photo below, text on top, then set the text layer to Soft Light at 80% opacity.