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I am wanting to create some of my images to half opacity (unsure of how to correctly word that!). Is there a way I can just drop the opacity without creating a layer? Haven't got my head around layers yet, so would like an easy explanation.

I'm trying to achieve an opaque image so that it can be used as a background to some words, and not be a dominant feature.

Hi Kerry,
Not knowing which program you use, I'll assume it to be PhotoShop Elements?
You might look for tips in this forum: http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/ Be sure to include the program version when asking questions.
There's also a lot of tutorial sites you can find using Google, including video tuts which seem to work best for me... even though my processing stinks.

Thanks for replying Dang... apologies, I'm in Photoshop 7. Still working on this little project, hence delay for getting back. Appreciated, your reply.

kerrym wrote:Thanks for replying Dang... apologies, I'm in Photoshop 7. Still working on this little project, hence delay for getting back. Appreciated, your reply.

I know from your first post that you're generally layer-averse, but at their simplest they can be quite easy to use and would probably be the best solution for what you have in mind.

Try this solution:
- Look at the image information to see the exact size of your existing image. I came into PhotoShop with CS2 so I don't know where it is in 7, but 7 probably has an Image menu, and that's doubtless where that information is.
- Create a new blank image with the exact same dimensions as your existing image, using whatever background colour you want.
- Select the whole of your existing image.
- Paste that selection into your new image. This will go on as a layer.
- Go to the Layers dialog, probably [F7] or on the Windows menu. You should see a layer called Background, and a layer called Layer 1. All you have to do now is change Layer 1's opacity to about 50%, and you've got your wish.

The other advantage is that it leaves your original image unscathed.

It'd work in CS3; I can't guarantee that it'll work in 7, but I can't think why it wouldn't. This is pretty vanilla functionality for PS.