Background layer - new project

[andyapc]

Probably a very basic question, but I just want to clarify something.

When I start a new project with a transparent background, it says "Layer 1" in my Layers Pallette. When I start with a white background (or choose "backgound color"), it says "background" in my Layers Pallette and it is locked.

So, when I do a tutorial, such as the Two-tone Text Method 1 and it begins with "open a new document and create a new layer", how do I proceed in the above instances?

If I started with a transparent background and have Layer 1 already in my Layers Pallette, am I all set with Layer 1 and don't have to create a new layer? What if I start with a white background and only have "background" in my Layers Pallette - do I need to create a new layer?

Is there a benefit to starting with a transparent background as opposed to a colored background?

Sorry if this is one of those "duh" questions. I'm thinking I can't see the forest for the trees.

[jamie]

If I were doing the tutorial and had a transparent bg, I wouldn't create a new layer, but if it were solid, such as the white, I would. The reason is because when you start to work with the background layer, whatever you do will become part of that layer and since its locked, you can't change its position. On the transparent layer you can still move it up and down in the layers palette, make sense?

As far as starting, I ALWAYS start with a transparent background only because its habit. When I'm making elements, I want my bg transparent. If you are creating a layout, it doesn't really matter what color bg you start will if you are going to put papers and elements on top of it. :)

[Meryl]

I alwys start with a coloured background - white usually, I find it very hard to see how an element will look on a LO when its on transparent - when i'm finished i just delete the background & save as a .png.
If the background is "locked" just double click it and it will change into a layer.

[jamie]

Wow Meryl, thanks for the tip lol ... I learn something new from this place every day! I always just made a copy of my background layer and deleted the original to turn it into a layer! :p

[Emma]

I either always start with a white background and just turn the Eye off when I save as a PNG (will only include the visible layers when saving as jpg or png), or I'll start with transparent and immediately make a white layer so I can see what I'm doing. Those checkerboards distract my eye. bEsides, I need to use several colors besides white to see how that affects my drop shadows. Usually white is so light that I make my shadows way too subtle, then i can hardly see them at all on any other color,e specially darker ones.

IF you like to work on transparent backgrounds, which most don't, you don't need to put the base object on a new layer. If you work on white, then yes, create a new layer or it'll be flat with the white layer. Easy to fix, just get the Magic Eraser and click the white, but it's better to just start with a new layer if using colored background.