Link and unlink layers

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to link and unlink layers in Photoshop to keep your Layers panel organized.

You can link two or more layers or groups. Unlike multiple layers selected at the same time, linked layers retain their relationship until you unlink them. You can move or apply transformations to linked layers.

Select the layers or groups in the Layers panel.

Select Link layers of the Layers panel.

To unlink layers, do one of the following:

  • Select a linked layer and select Link layers.
  • To temporarily disable the linked layer, Shift-click the Link layers icon for the linked layer. A red X appears. Shift-click the link icon to enable the link again.
  • Select the linked layers and select Link layers. To select all linked layers, select one of the layers and then select Layer > Select Linked Layers.