Chapter 4: Layers

There are three types of layers you can use depending on the type of graphics and artwork you are aiming to achieve: bitmap, vector, and 3D.

Bitmap Layers: Allow you to create 2D graphics that are resolution independent. Bitmap graphics are made of pixels on a grid that resemble tiny dots, which altogether make up the drawing you are creating or artwork you are importing. Bitmap graphics impart a more natural and soft look to your work. The colour is defined on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Vector Layers: Allow you to create 2D graphics that are made of many individual, scalable objects. Each object is created by a mathematical equation rather than pixels, so they always display at the highest quality. Because they are scalable, vector objects are resolution independent. You can increase and decrease the size of vector objects and your lines remain crisp and sharp, which is ideal for cartoons! On vector layers, the colour is defined for the whole stroke.

Vector objects can consist of lines, curves, and shapes that you can edit and transform using control handles. Vector graphics are not restricted to rectangular shapes like bitmap graphics. You can place vector objects over other objects, and the object below will show through.

3D Layers: Allow you to import 3D objects into layers, creating a project that mixes 2D and 3D styles—see Adding 3D Objects to the Storyboard.

Adding Layers

You can add an unlimited number of layers to a panel.

To add a layer to a panel:

  1. From the Thumbnails view, select the panel to which you want to add a new layer.
  1. Do one of the following:
Select Layer > New Vector Layer or New Bitmap Layer.
Click the New Vector Layer or New Bitmap Layer button in one of these areas: Layers toolbar, Stage view, or Layers panel.

Deleting Layers

You can delete layers you no longer need. This keeps your project clean and tidy.

To delete a layer from a panel:

  1. Select a layer.
  1. Do one of the following:
Select Layer > DeleteLayer.
Right-click the layer’s tab and select Delete Layer.
In the Layer toolbar, click the Delete Layer button.
From the Layers panel, click the Delete Layer button.
In the Stage view, click the Delete Selected Layersbutton.

Hiding and Showing Layers

Working with many layers, it may be useful to hide certain layers.

To view layers in the Stage view:

In the Stage view, click the arrow button to expand the layer tabs.

To show or hide a layer:

  1. Select the tab of the layer you want to show or hide.
  1. Do one of the following:
Click the Show/Hide Layer icon.
Select Layer > Show/Hide Layers.
Right-click the layer tab and select Show/Hide Layers.

Locking and Unlocking Layers

You can lock the currently selected layer to protect any objects on it from being changed. Once locked, you can unlock the layer to make changes to any objects on it.

To lock or unlock a layer:

  1. Select the tab of the layer you want to lock or unlock.
  1. Click the Lock icon, located directly under the layer name.

Other ways to lock or unlock a layer:

Select Layer > Lock/Unlock Layers.
In the Layer toolbar, click the Lock/Unlock Layers button.
Press [Alt]+[L].