How to Create Layers in Photoshop

Using multiple layers in Photoshop is a great way to add depth, richness and effects to your photographs. There are many ways to create layers in Photoshop. You can create empty layers to add content to or create new layers from existing content. When you create a new layer, it will usually appear above the selected layer within the Layers palette.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Photoshop CS or earlier version
• Digitized photograph

Instructions

1. Open a photograph in Photoshop. One way to create a new layer is to click the New Layer button in the Layers palette. It looks like a square with the bottom left hand corner turned back.

2. To create a new layer where you can specify options, go to the Layer Menu, choose New and then choose Layer.

3. In the pop-up window that appears, you can specify a Name for the layer, a color, a Mode (or Effect) and the level of the Layer’s Opacity. Click OK.

4. You can create a new layer with the exact same effects as an existing layer. Select the layer in the Layers palette, and then drag it to the New Layer button at the bottom of the palette. The newly created layer is an exact copy of the original layer.

5. You can also choose to convert an area of a photograph that you have selected with a tool such as the magic wand, into a new layer. Make the selection and then go to the Layer Menu. Go to New, and then “Layer Via Copy.” Your selection will be copied into a new layer.