GRAPHICS - LAYERS

The graphics produced by Graphic News are constructed in layers so that they can be modified and the text translated or edited easily. More information about graphics separately.When a graphic is first opened, all of the layers should be locked except the top text layer. Not all layers are used in every graphic:–

Text Layer
Pointer Layer
Top Art Layer
Box Rule Layer (Contains the black rules above and below the graphic)
Main Art Layer
Placed Art Layer (Used for images and picture elements)
Background Layer (Usually white or with a gradient fade)
Translation Layer (Invisible as behind the background layer)
Guides Layer (Invisible usually. Useful for aligning text)

The Translation Layer contains a copy of the text in English made before any of the text is outlined. This is useful for translators.

  • To show or hide the Layers Palette select Layers from the Window Menu. A check mark next to the palette name indicates that the palette is currently open. Toggle to close. Drag by the title bar to move a palette to a convenient location on your screen.
  • The Visibility column in the palette controls whether items are visible or hidden. The eye icon indicates that the item is visible; a blank space indicates that the item is hidden. The icons toggle one to the other.
  • The Edit column in the palette controls whether items are locked or unlocked. The lock icon indicates that the item is locked and elements within that layer cannot be edited or selected; a blank space indicates that the item is unlocked and can be edited. When you open a graphic from Graphic News all the layers should be locked except the text layer
MISSING LAYERS: If a PDF file, that has been saved so that it is compatible with Adobe Illustrator, is opened with an old version of Adobe Illustrator, all the layers are lost. When opened with Adobe CC the layers will be retained. So if you are using an old version of Illustrator always used the AI version of a graphic if you want to modify it or change the words.