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Adobe Photoshop/reCreating layers from a flattened jpeg

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Expert: - 3/24/2011


Question

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Hi, I just took over updating a website.  The person that created the site used Photoshop to created layered pictures.  The psd was flattened and saved as jpeg.   Now I need to update the outdated pictures.   I need to basically separate the picture from the other layer and add back in a new picture. What's the best way to do this.  

Thank you

Answer
Hi M,

Hopefully a layered .psd or .tif file has been saved because once you flatten a Photoshop document you can't go back to layers.

From the sample provided it looks like it would be easy to recreate the layered file. One way to do this would be to select your magic wand tool and set it to a low tolerance(2-8) and use it to select all the area outside the picture. Once this is done go to Selection>Inverse to select just the picture. With the selection still active go to Layer>New to create a new layer and then go to Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal Selection. This will create a mask on the new layer so any new picture added to that layer will crop to the old shape. You can also drag the layer mask to another layer that has an image on it.

It's a good idea to save your layered .psd files and use Photoshop's "Save for Web & Devices..." feature to create your flattened .jpg's for the website.

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop 7
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more Photoshop tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/photoshop.htm
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentHi Glen Thank you very much, your answer was very helpful. I've been in the IT field 25+ years and your concise answer was much appreciated! All the Best.


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Glen Demers

Expertise

I am an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop 7 and can answer any questions dealing with images for print; resolution, color correction, color space, sharpening and retouching. I am a prepress technician for Best Printing Online and if you want to know how to prepare your image for offset reproduction, I can help.

Experience

I've been working in the prepress aspect of printing for 25 years and am currently a prepress technician for Best Printing Online
I've worked with Photoshop since 1994 and have used all versions from 3 to CS3. I'm an ACE (Adobe certified expert) in Photoshop 7.0

Education/Credentials
I graduated High School and took 1 year of College level offset printing course. I've attended 2 Photoshop World conferences and taken numerous seminars pertaining to Photoshop and the print industry.

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