Moving layers

[Alan9940]

Sometimes (OK, maybe more than sometimes!), PL just baffles me...

Here's what I did this morning:

1. Open base image.
2. Open another image with a beautiful sky that I want to put into image #1.
3. Use the rectangle lasso to select sky of image #2, copy, and then paste as layer into image #1.
4. Grabbed the layer handle on right side to scale the new sky layer to the base image layer.
5. Now, I simply want to drag the sky layer under the base image layer so that I can mask out the old sky.

Seems like a very simple thing to do that I've done hundreds of times before, except this time I can't move the layer. Why? I tried unlocking the base layer, I twirled in my chair 3x, but nothing will let me move the new sky layer. What am I doing wrong?

Best regards,
Alan

[Gerhard Huber]

save it in PLD format. Reload it and see if the problem still exists. If so, send it to support@pl32.com

[photoken]

nothing will let me move the new sky layer. What am I doing wrong?

It's because of the differences in DPI between the two images. First temporarily change the DPI of your incoming image to match the DPI of your receiving image before selecting and copying the incoming image.

[Alan9940]

Ken - nope, that wasn't the issue. Both images are 300 DPI which is my standard for RAW conversions.

Gerhard - nope, saving in PLD format, and then reloading it didn't fix the problem.

But, I did finally figure out the issue. When I selected/copied the new sky and pasted as layer into the original image, and then resized the new sky layer using the right layer handle the pixel dimension of the new layer was slightly different than the base layer. I selected the new sky layer, did Layout>Image>Bring to Document Size, and was able to move the new sky layer below the base layer without issue.

Best regards,
Alan

[Eurgail]

In picture mode, the lowermost layer defines the size and dpi of the whole image. As it is shown in the layer attributes, it's not allowed for this layer to be scaled or rotated non-destructively.
Therefore, you have to fix the inserted (#2) layer first (similar to the way, you described), because, every time you use the handles, you change the layer non-destructively (watch the values in the layer attributes)
or you change to document mode (then there is no preferred layer anymore)
or you create a new layer and move it to the lowermost position (then you will have defined another layer as background)
or you begin with image #2 and insert #1.
Just the possibilities, that crossed my mind this moment.

[Herbert123]

I generally just duplicate or clone (virtual layer) the background layer. I am lazy.

[evren]

I have te same issue and interrupts my work in really bad timings.
The problem is, it is really hard to reproduce. Still I'm looking over a sample file which causes this each time.

[Eurgail]

Probably, the only non-destructive solution is, that PhotoLine allows the movement, but changes automatically to document mode then.

[Alan9940]

I have te same issue and interrupts my work in really bad timings.
The problem is, it is really hard to reproduce. Still I'm looking over a sample file which causes this each time.

The easiest solution is what Herbert123 said...create a duplicate virtual background layer (basically a placeholder), and then proceed with whatever additional layers required. You should be able to move any layer above the virtual layer to any position needed.

Best regards,
Alan