Video Layers overview

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Video Layers let you play, edit, and animate video directly in Adobe Photoshop, combining motion with still image workflows.

Video Layers allow you to work with moving images just like still images. You can apply adjustment layers, masks, filters, or paint on individual frames. They let you add motion content to your designs or create frame-by-frame animations.

How video layers work

  • Video Layers appear in the Layers panel, just like standard layers.
  • Each frame of a video layer can be edited independently, allowing for precise control over motion and effects.
  • Adjustment Layer affect all frames without altering the original video.
  • Masks and Filters can be used on video layers to create dynamic effects.
  • Videos can be mixed with still images, graphics, and text to create complex motion compositions.

Types of video layers

Video Layer: Plays video content and allows you to scrub through frames, paint on individual frames, and apply an Adjustment Layer or a Filter.

Adjustment Layer: Applies color or tonal corrections across all frames non-destructively.

Blank Video Layer: Creates an empty timeline for hand-drawn or frame-by-frame animation, allowing complete control over each frame.