Which layer type is used to apply non-destructive effects such as shadows and glows?

Which layer type is used to apply non-destructive effects such as shadows and glows?

• A. Text Layer
• B. Clipping Mask
• C. Layer Style
• D. Shape Layer

Answer: (C)

Layer styles are the way to add effects like drop shadows and outer glows without altering the actual pixels. These effects are stored as adjustable settings you can tweak, toggle on or off, or remove at any time, preserving the original image data while you experiment with appearances. That non-destructive workflow is why layer styles are the best answer for applying shadows and glows. Other layer types describe the content itself—text layers hold text, shape layers hold vector shapes—while clipping masks control visibility between layers. Layer styles work across those types to deliver the desired non-destructive effects.

Layer styles are the way to add effects like drop shadows and outer glows without altering the actual pixels. These effects are stored as adjustable settings you can tweak, toggle on or off, or remove at any time, preserving the original image data while you experiment with appearances. That non-destructive workflow is why layer styles are the best answer for applying shadows and glows. Other layer types describe the content itself—text layers hold text, shape layers hold vector shapes—while clipping masks control visibility between layers. Layer styles work across those types to deliver the desired non-destructive effects.