PDA

View Full Version : Isolate layer

hsanden
07-31-2009, 09:34 AM
Hi.
Is there a way to isolate a layer in photoshop in an elegant manner? This would be insanely useful while working with large scenes. The only way I know of now is right clicking on the eye next to the layer and using the "Show/hide other layers" command. The problem with this is that is shows all layers, and this is a major problem if you have documents where layers are hidden.

This is possible in after effects, so im thinking a feature like this may be hidden i PS as well

perhaps it would be possible to create an action or a script?

Thanks
hsanden
07-31-2009, 06:53 PM
Nevermind. I figured it out. Alt click on the eye icon left to the layer worked
gruhn
07-31-2009, 07:16 PM
A solution you probably won't like - Create two folders. Keep everything in Folder1. To isolate a layer, drag it to Folder2 and turn off visibility for Folder1. When done, drag layer back to place and visible Folder1.

A solution you may like a little better - Turn layer into smart object. Double click to "isolate".

.....

Or you could alt-click the eye. Thanks ;-).
hsanden
07-31-2009, 10:42 PM
Or you could alt-click the eye. Thanks ;-).

No problem ;-) I wish I had figured this out earlier, as I've been working with some pretty heavy files recently, talking 80 layers plus.
jfrancis
07-31-2009, 10:47 PM
The nice thing is you can solo a layer, then go back to your complicated pattern of on/off's

http://www.digitalartform.com/archives/2009/03/how_to_solo_a_l.html
frog
08-01-2009, 08:52 AM
Alt-click works OK, but for far more flexibility you can also use the Layer Comps palette, that way you can isolate more than one layer if you wish.
sbdb
08-08-2009, 08:55 AM
Alt-click works OK, but for far more flexibility you can also use the Layer Comps palette, that way you can isolate more than one layer if you wish.
Note that it's also possible to keep multiple layers from hiding without using Layer Comps.
It's not as flexible as Layer Comps, but can be useful for a situation in which Layer Comps are pure overkill.
CGTalk Moderation
08-08-2009, 08:55 AM
This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.