Adding texture to color in PSCS

[andyapc]

I get so frustrated when I get a dumb spell.

I am trying to add texture to my background color. I'm reviewing my DSU110 lesson and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

First, I filled my background with color using my paint bucket, so it's a sea green color. Then, with my background layer (Layer 0) active, I clicked the little "f" and clicked Pattern Overlay and chose the Berber pattern. It adds the texture, but turns it to gray! In my tool box, my foreground color is sea green.

I am so sorry if this is a "duh" question (I'm embarrassed to ask if after taking Emma's class but I can't see what step I'm missing in my lesson notes). How can I retain my color while applying a texture?

[andyapc]

Ugh - I feel so stupid. OK - I just realized that I should have been going under Filter>Texture.

And I played around some more and realized that if I go into my Layer Styles and do Bevel/Emboss with Texture, I get a good result.

What's the difference between Filter>Texture and Layer Styles>Bevel/Emboss w/ Texture? Is it that Filter>Texture edits my actual background, but Styles>Bevel/Emboss w/ Texture doesn't and is, in and of itself, able to be edited/manipulated? When should I use one over the other?

And why is it that if I apply a pattern overlay to anything, it changes the color of the element? I'm trying to follow my DSU110 lesson and I want a strip of vellum. I inserted my shape on a new layer, clicked "f", went into Blending Options and reduced the Fill Opacity to 50%. Then I clicked Pattern Overlay and whichever one I choose changes the color of that element to whatever pattern overlay I chose. I know that I must have done this correctly when I took this class - I can't remember how though!

[Emma]

Turn down the opacity of the Pattern Overlay. It's greyscale, meant to be used as a see-through texture.

All 3 options are fine, the pattern overlay as you found dulls the color, so use a brighter color than desired, or add a bright color overlay as a style.
The Bevel>Texture is fine too, and can be used in conjunction with the Pattern Overlay.

The Texturizer is good for when you don't care to edit it later, or need to use the style to do something else with. You just choose your favorites, there are differences, and the benefits of them vs. the other depends totally on the situation and your preference