Image layers

Placed images will automatically be added to the Layers panel as an image layer. This includes files that are dragged and dropped onto the document, placed via File>Place, or by any other placement method.

Image layer

A placed image.

Image layers retain all of the data from the original image, which remains intact when the document is exported.

An image layer has a container which retains the placed image's original color space, resolution and physical dimensions (when placed at native resolution).

Image layers can be recolored much like an opened image or a pixel layer. If an image layer is drawn on, the layer will be rasterized and will adopt pixel layer properties. Rasterization is required to convert the image to the document's color space.

To create an image layer by placing content:
  1. From the File menu, select Place.
  2. In the pop-up dialog, navigate to and select a file, and click Open.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • Click to place the file at its default, displayed size.
    • Drag on the page to set the size and position of the content.
  4. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file onto the page to place it. The current image placement policy (embedded or linked) will be honored.
To convert an image layer to a pixel layer:

Do one of the following:

SEE ALSO: