A raster paint layer is a canvas into which you draw strokes. The strokes are merged together as they are drawn to produce the resulting raster image. Each layer has a front and an alpha. You can select the one on which you want to draw by selecting its proxy image in the Layer Editor.
For example, the following graphic shows that the layer named “University” is selected and its front image selected for painting (it has a white frame around its proxy image).
All layers appear in the Layers list. The Layers list allows you to view and rearrange layer ordering in the Paint node, as well as select layers to be hidden or revealed.
Layers can be internal or external to the Paint node. An internal layer is a transparent layer that can only be added from the Paint node. It can be used to create, for example, an alpha.
An external layer does not originate from the Paint node. It can be an image and can include a front and/or alpha. An external layer is connected to the Paint node by means of a Layer node, whereas an internal layer needs no such connection since it originates with the Paint node. A common reason for adding an external layer is to touch up an image's front or alpha. When you paint on an external layer, you are compositing strokes onto the incoming image. This makes it possible to change the incoming image without losing your strokes.
When you add either an internal or external layer, it goes to the top of the Layers list. The order in the Layers list reflects the layer order on the canvas. The topmost layer covers the image data of the underlying layers. Layers can be hidden or rearranged within the Layers list.
When you delete a layer, it is removed from the Layers list. When you clear a layer, it remains in the Layers list but all strokes are removed. See Adding Deleting Clearing and Wiping Layers
When you create a new layer in Raster Paint, you can change the layer's format as long as you haven't committed any paint strokes to the layer. To change the layer's format, double click the paint node, then click to highlight the raster layer node. You can adjust the settings in the Raster Layer tab. However, once a paint stroke is committed to the layer, the following settings cannot be changed:
If you want to change the format settings of a layer, you must create a new layer and start over.
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