How does the opacity setting of a layer impact its visibility?

The opacity setting of a layer directly affects how transparent or opaque the layer appears within the composition. When the opacity is set to 100%, the layer is completely opaque, meaning that no content beneath it is visible. Conversely, if the opacity is set to 0%, the layer becomes fully transparent, allowing whatever is behind it to show through completely.

Adjusting the opacity between these values creates varying levels of transparency, enabling the layering of images and effects in a way that allows for creative blending and visual interest. For instance, reducing the opacity of a layer can allow it to interact with layers beneath it, creating a more nuanced and complex visual effect. This functionality is crucial in digital design, allowing artists to fine-tune how elements interact and combine visually on the canvas.

In contrast, the other options relate to different attributes that do not pertain directly to opacity. Opacity does not determine the hue of the layer or control its brightness; rather, those aspects are influenced by color settings and adjustments related to brightness and contrast. Additionally, opacity does not restrict visibility to certain areas—this would be more aligned with masking techniques, which allow specific sections of a layer to be visible or hidden.