Different versions within a single file – Layer Comps

By Dirk Metzmacher

Photoshop allows you to save several variations of a composition in the same file by using so-called layer comps. This setting remembers the position, opacity, blending mode and style of a layer. A separate layer comps window gives you easy control.

01 Command Center

First off, create the first version of your composition. Go to Window > Layer Comps to call the layer comps palette, where you can store the different states of your work. Later on, a simple click will load up any variation. These are stored along with the Photoshop file (important: in .psd format), so they’re always available again.

02 Save a Composition

In the layer comps palette, click on the Create New Layer Comp button. When you store the current state, a dialog will automatically pop up. Enter a name and describe the composition – you should check all the items under Apply To Layers. Change your composition, then save the next variant.

03 Load a Composition

In order to display one of the stored versions, click on the symbol next to it that applies the layer comp. Using the navigation buttons (left and right arrow) at the bottom edge of the palette you can go through all the versions. To save changes to a composition you need to click on the Update Layer Comp button (circle arrows).

Not everything can be stored

Layer comps are mainly for the visibility of layer contents, the effectiveness of masks or the position of objects. But there are also changes that cannot be stored as a layer comp, such as transformations. If you have scaled a layer (Ctrl+T), then older layer comps will also display it enlarged or reduced.