◆ Photoshop · combine

Composite Site Photo

Combine the site photo with the CAD hardscape drawing so contractors see proposed surfaces: import the CAD export as a…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More combine workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Combine the site photo with the CAD hardscape drawing so contractors see proposed surfaces:…+
Combine the site photo with the CAD hardscape drawing so contractors see proposed surfaces: import the CAD export as a smart object, align to the photo scale, auto-blend layers to integrate edges, and deliver a layered PSD for the contractor folder by [deadline=Thursday].
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Make the composite usable for bidding and field layout: align CAD geometry to known site…+
Make the composite usable for bidding and field layout: align CAD geometry to known site control points in the photo, keep CAD as a smart object for revisions, visually separate existing vs proposed with subtle hatch or color, and include a labeled overlay layer with material callouts for the estimating team.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Layers Panel

The Layers panel in Adobe Photoshop manages all layers in an image, allowing for complex, non-destructive editing.

  1. 1

    Select Window > Layers to access the Layers panel.

    NoteThe Layers panel lists all layers in an image.

  2. 2

    Click the Create a New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

    Best practiceAlways create a new layer for edits like cloning to maintain non-destructive editing.

  3. 3

    Drag a layer up or down in the Layers panel to change its order.

    NoteThis changes the order of layered objects in the image.

  4. 4

    Select the eye icon next to a layer thumbnail to show or hide that layer.

  5. 5

    Double-click the Background layer in the Layers panel to convert it.

  6. 6

    Select a layer in the Layers panel, then click the Add Layer Mask button.

    NoteA white layer mask is created by default.

  7. 7

    Right-click on the Layer Mask icon to access cropping options.

  8. 8

    Choose New Group from Layers from the Layers panel menu.

    NoteA dialog box will appear to configure the new group.

  9. 9

    Select File > Save or File > Save As to commit your work.

To quickly locate and select an element, first select its corresponding layer in the Layers panel.

Many layer operations, such as creation, reordering, and masking, can be automated using Photoshop's scripting capabilities.

Glossary

words on this page
New Group from LayersCombines selected layers into a new layer group for better organization and management.ExampleYou select three related layers and combine them into a single folder called 'Background Elements'.
Auto-Blend LayersA feature that seamlessly combines multiple images with varying focus or exposure into one.ExampleAuto-Blend Layers can combine several photos of a landscape to create one perfectly sharp image.
Add Layer MaskCreates a mask on a layer to selectively hide or reveal parts of that layer without erasing.ExampleYou can use Add Layer Mask to hide a distracting background without deleting it.
Layers panelA panel that displays all layers in an image, allowing for organization and manipulation.ExampleIn the Layers panel, you drag a photo layer below a frame layer to put the picture inside the frame.
PlaceTo import an external file into the current Photoshop document as a new layer.ExampleYou import a logo from your desktop into your current design project as a new editable layer.

The real tasks

1 of them
Combine a site photo with a CAD hardscape drawing so contractors can see proposed surfaces in place.

Who does this

1 roles
Landscape Architect

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Photoshop — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.