How to Add a Layer in Photoshop

One of Photoshop’s most powerful abilities is its ability to create layers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user who has always worked with single-layer documents, learning how to create another layer in Photoshop is a must.

It’s quick and easy, so let’s learn how to add layers in Photoshop!

How to Add a Layer in Photoshop

Step 1

Let’s open Photoshop and look at the Layers panel, which is on the right side of the workspace by default. When you create layers, they will appear here.

By default, you’ll likely have a blank white layer named “Background,” or the image you opened in Photoshop will also be called “Background.” This layer is locked and can’t be moved or edited.

Let’s Right-click the layer and choose Layer From Background. A prompt will appear; just hit OK. Now this layer can be moved and edited, and we can move on to learn how to create another layer in Photoshop.

layer from background your first background layer to be able to edit it — Redhead young woman

Step 2

Now let’s add a layer in Photoshop! To create a new blank layer, select the Create New Layer icon, which can be found at the bottom of the Layers panel. It’s an icon of a square with a plus sign in the middle. This will create a new transparent layer that you can paint on using the Brush tool.

create a new layer using the new layer icon in the layer panel

Step 3

After you add the layer in Photoshop, you can double-click on the layer’s name to rename it. This will make it easier to identify the different layers in your project.

change the name of the layer by double clicking the layer name

Step 4

Photoshop has several different layer types. We’ve created a transparent layer that’s ideal for painting on. Other layer types will appear using certain tools, or you can drag and drop images directly into Photoshop, which will be placed as new layers.

Here is a list of some of the other layer types in Photoshop

Vector Shape Layer: Contains vector shapes made using the Rectangle Tool, Polygon Tool, and other shape tools.

Text Layer: A layer containing editable text.

Adjustment Layer: A layer that applies color, contrast, tone, or other image adjustments to any layer below it.

Smart Object Layer: A layer that maintains its original characteristics, allowing adjustments and filters to be applied without losing image quality. All adjustments and filters that are applied remain editable.

Fill Layer: A group of layers that includes Pattern Fill, Gradient Fill, and Color Fill. Fill layers fill the canvas with the contents of the fill and remain editable.

That’s It!

That’s how to add a layer in Photoshop! Adding a layer in Photoshop is as fast as it is easy, and it will be your new most-used feature. With the ability to create layers, you can create more complex effects and start using things like Layer Opacity and Layer Modes.

Looking to learn even more? Try one of these tutorials:

Note: This tutorial was written with the aid of an artificial intelligence tool. It has been thoroughly edited and checked for accuracy by the Envato Tuts+ editorial team.