Working with fill layers

[Margules]

I'm having a problem using a fill layer to create a shadow. UsuallyI extract an object from a picture with either the extract filter, or the magic wand and I transfer it to my document and copy it to make the shadow. When I try to fill the shadow layer with black, I get a message that it cannot fill the layer because the history state does not contain a corresponding layer. Any suggestions? This has never happened to me before and I'm stumped.

[dmrdm]

I'm not exactly sure I understand what you are doing...but are you saying, you extract an item, lay it on your destination LO, then you make a duplicate of the extraction your already bought to you layout...then you click on picture of the extraction on the layers platte icon to select it and get the marching ants around your extraction and you try to then fill that extraction with black? Are you selecting the extraction and then doing EDIT>FILL>BLACK, or are you selecting the extraction and on the layers palette clicking on the CREATE NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER icon>SOLID COLOR or selecting the extraction and clicking on the ADD LAYER STYLE ICON>COLOR OVERLAY>BLACK? I guess I was assuming you wanted the outline of your extraction completely filled with solid black, not a layer which is just totally black, right?

Is you layer there? Are you seeing the duplicate you made? Even if you would've done an EDIT>PURGE>Histories, your layer would not have disappeared in your LP, the history of you duplicating it and bring it over is the only thing that would no longer show up in the History P.

You're not using the drop shadow layer style if I'm understanding you correctly, you're making your own shadow from a duplicate of the extraction. You're not trying to do a clipping mask either I assume.

Well, hopefully someone will come along and be familar with your error message. If not, please clarify just a little more. Take care. (which version of photoshop are you using CS3, 2, CS?) Have fun!

[jodys]

Check to make sure your image is in RGB colors. If not you can come up with strange error messages. Go to IMAGE, mode and make sure it is RGB is checked.

[dmrdm]

Good idea jodys! You're certainly right about that! I've had that happen.

[Margules]

Thanks for your replies. I powered off my computer and brought CS3 up the next day and it was working. I don't know why, but it is working now. Thanks again for your help. Rachel