Some questions about layers

[TheGoofster]

I enjoy editing photos, but I have never gotten as far as using layers when I do it. Recently I downloaded Gimp 2, and that has been my first taste of using (or trying to use) layers.
Unfortunately the help section for Gimp isn't very long (or helpful), and I am still having quite a time trying to figure out how to use layers.
Tonight I downloaded a free 30 day demo of Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2, and I've been enjoying trying out some of the different features. Layers are also a big part of this program, and if I should decide to purchase this program, I'm sure I would want to take advantage of this feature.

So, my question is if someone knows of a good book (preferable something in the 10 - 15 dollar range) that can really explain how to best use layers (in terms that don't assume that you already know all about it), or even a web site that really goes into depth, and has an easy to follow guide.

I did come across a book that was written for Photoshop that deals with Layers called "Layers, the complete guide to Photoshops most powerful feature." for 21.95. It's more than I want to pay for a book, but if there is nothing else available for a better price, then it might be what I'll have to get. I'm also assuming that even though it is written for Photoshop, that most of what it says could be adapted to Corel's Pain Shop.

If anybody has any info about a good book (hopefully that's cheaper than what I found), or a good web site (something that even noobs can easily follow), I would really appreciate it.

Also if anybody has any opinions (either for or against Corel Paint shop Pro Photo X2) I would appreciate any feedback about that as well.

 

[MICKEY88]

Corel Paint shop Pro Photo X2 is an awesome program

 

[ukcatfan]

Layers pretty much work the same in different programs. The actual commands to do the same things can vary dramatically though. A book for a different program is likely going to frustrate you. Have you checked your local library? There are books out there for The Gimp, but may be a little out of date.

 

[racreel]

Paint Shop Pro layers tutorial

 

[wenrob]

There are several books for Corel Paint Shop Pro. They run in the $30 range but are well worth it. I've been using PSP for years and still reference mine on occasion. I recommend "Corel Paint Shop Pro (version #) for Photographers." Straight forward and easy to understand. You could probably find used copies on Amazon.

I've found quite a few tutorials for Photoshop that I've easily applied to PSP but that's after knowing my program quite well. I wouldn't start out that way though, it's best to know you tools first.

 

[GrillMouster]

I don't really have anything to say againt Corel Paint Shop Pro. It's a very capable program comparable to Photoshop. However, you'll find that 9 out of 10 times when you read tutorials or anything on the net about post-processing your images it will be for Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Therefore, you may have to do a little more digging to get help with Corel PSP.

 

[TheGoofster]

Just wanted to say thank you to every one who posted.
I now have some good options to look into, and hopefully will eventually get a hang of using layers.
Corel actually has a built in help guide that gives some information (I played around with it today), but again, there is enough of it written in a way that assumes that you already have a good idea of what you are doing that I still didn't quite get a good grasp on it yet.

Anyway, at least it gives me something to shoot for.

 

[wenrob]

Just wanted to say thank you to every one who posted.
I now have some good options to look into, and hopefully will eventually get a hang of using layers.
Corel actually has a built in help guide that gives some information (I played around with it today), but again, there is enough of it written in a way that assumes that you already have a good idea of what you are doing that I still didn't quite get a good grasp on it yet.

Anyway, at least it gives me something to shoot for.

Oh hey, I just remembered that the full version comes w/Lydia tutorials. I seem to remember them being easy to follow.