In image-editing software, a constituent part of an image that can be manipulated independently of other parts.

An image consists of a background upon which are placed various other objects. For example: A blue sky which then has clouds placed on it. Next a green hill is placed on the image followed by trees and then a house and barn. Finally, a few cows are added. Each of these placement events comprise a layer. As can be seen, an image can consist of numerous layers. Layers allow specific areas of an image to be edited without affecting any other data. Objects in one layer can be repositioned, edited, drawn, pasted, and removed without disturbing objects on other layers. In our example, for instance, we could change the clouds from cotton puff to thunder storm types without affecting any other aspect of the image.

an area that keeps image data in suspended space

an image placed on top of another image, allowing you to still show parts of the image below

an image that can be placed under or on top of another image

an individual level of an image

1) In computer graphics, one of several on-screen work spaces for creating elements within an image. Layers can be manipulated independently, and the sum of all layers make up the complete image. 2) In communications, a protocol that interacts with other protocols, providing all necessary transmission services.

In image enhancement programs like Adobe Photoshop, layers are any one of several on-screen independent levels for creating separate, but cumulative, effects for an individual photograph. Layers can be manipulated independently and the sum of all the individual effects on each layer make up what you see as the final image.