Layers panel overview

Get to know more about the various tools available in the Layers panel.

The Layers panel provides options for making edits while preserving the source content of an image, including its original characteristics.

• Add new layer  : Adds a new layer above the currently selected layer.
• Adjustment layers  : Creates an adjustment layer or clips an adjustment layer to the current layer. Supports adjustments such as Brightness/contrast, Hue/saturation, Exposure, Vibrance, Color balance, Black & white, Levels, Curves, and Solid color.
• Layer styles: Applies various layer styles, such as Stroke, Drop shadow, Color overlay, and more, to modify a layer's appearance nondestructively.
• Create mask  : Adds a layer mask that hides everything except the selected area.
• Arrange layers: Provides various positions for the active layer, including Bring to front, Bring forward, Send backward, and Send to back.
• Delete : Deletes the selected layer.
• Layer actions     : Lets you select actions such as Lock layer, Delete layer, Duplicate layer, and more.
• Blend: Determines how pixels in a layer blend with underlying pixels in the image. You can choose from a list of special effects using blending modes available in the dropdown list, like Darken, Lighten, and more.
• Opacity: Determines the degree to which a selected layer is obscured or revealed. A layer with 1% opacity appears nearly transparent, while a layer with 100% opacity appears opaque.
• Thumbnail: Displays the layer thumbnail and name. Double-click the layer name to rename the layer.
• Hide layer and Show layer: Hides or shows the contents of a particular layer. Select the eye icon beside the layer thumbnail to hide the selected layer's contents. Select again to view the contents of that layer.
• Show layer properties panel and Hide layer properties panel  : Lets you access the Generative layer, Effects, and Dimensions within the Properties panel.

Layer styles