Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1482193
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 • G R A P H I C S P R O 4 7 Another method to open the dialog box is to choose a specific style from the list labeled fx at the bottom of the layers panel (Fig. 5) e controls of the selected style are automatically displayed. Click the name of the style in the list on the left side of the dialog box to display the specific controls. Just clicking the check- box applies the default style and doesn't display the controls, so be sure to click the name. Many of the controls have similar- ities and understanding the characteris- tics of one will help you understand them all. Apply the style with the Preview box checked to see the result of your efforts on the image in real time. e square swatch under the Preview check box demonstrates the effect and displays the cumulative results of combining styles. Each layer st yle provides a unique and potentially complex set of options. Experimentation with the controls, with the Preview box checked and by com- bining styles produces the best possible results. Minor tweaks that are possible by slightly adjusting the sliders can make a huge difference. GLOBAL LIGHT W hat is the mysterious checkbox located to the right of the angle slider on several of the layer styles? It's the Global Light checkbox to be checked on the Drop Shadow, Inner Shadow, and the Bevel and Emboss styles. is feature assures that the light source will be consistent on all Fig. 4. The Layer Styles dialog box is the control center where the layer styles are chosen and their characteristics are specified. Fig. 5. Another way to open the Layer Style dialog box is to choose a specific style from the list labeled fx at the bottom of the layers panel. layers that are checked. Any adjustments to a layer style on a single layer will affect all the layers that have the box checked. EDGE STYLES e styles you'll use most often affect the edges of the layer content. at's why it's crucial to surround layer content with transparency. An edge style, a glow, bevel, or stroke, affects the outermost pixels of the layer content. Color, texture, noise, contour, opacity, and blend modes can be assigned to most of these effects for further enhancement. Here are descriptions and illustrations of each effect: • Drop Shadow (Fig. 6): Every object casts a shadow if placed in the path of a light source. Drop shadows are a key element in credible, realistic images with visual depth. A drop shadow is a silhou- ette of the shape of the pixels on the layer. e Drop Shadow control panel displays two sets of controls. Structure determines the opacity, size, softness and position of Fig. 6. A drop shadow is a silhouette of the shape of the pixels on the layer.