What are layers for?, Im really new to photoshop and need serious help Options

[xxRAWRxxx]

What I don't understand about photoshop is really everything but mainly the layer part.. it seems important but I just don't know how they are important,how the are used,and when to use them.. anybody please help!!!

[*SinfullySweet*]

There are about a million things the layer are used for. I use to layers, so I can later midify a graphic/layout, if I want anything changed. Save your graphic as a pds, and you can edit it later. The layers also are great for duplicating layer, setting the layer styles, to give great photo effect. You can also create new layers, and set the layer styles to different varities.

[lkajsfklajskds]

i dont know how to explain so i googled this up for you:
http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/layers/intro.htm

[RAWRstephishere]

I mainly use layers for which graphic is infront of the other.

[queen]

it's basically like... painting. first you have the base layer, on which you put the background wash. then you put the next layer, then the next, etc. at the very top are the minute details.

you could use layers in that way or you could use them to separate things into categories or for backup of a specific layer. sometimes layers are necessary to obtain a certain look or effect.

[*IVIike*]

layers can help you in many different ways whether you are vectoring or using it to make images on top or behind one another

[xKatt]

So you can edit, create, change, add, delete and erase a select part of your picture but not affect the whole thing. It simplifies things incredibly.