Creating Layers

You can create new layers directly from the Layers palette and also duplicate layers. When you create a layer, the new layer is placed directly above the selected layer. If the selected layer belongs to a group, the new layer is added to the group.

To create a new layer

• Click on the New Layer button at the bottom of the Layers palette

To duplicate a layer

• On the Layers palette, select a layer you want to duplicate
• Click the palette menu arrow , and choose Duplicate Layer

Naming Layers

When you create a layer or group, a default name is assigned. As you add more layers and groups to a document, it can become difficult to remember which image data each layer contains. By assigning descriptive names to layers and groups, you can easily keep track of the separate pieces of an image.

To name a layer or group

• On the Layers palette, select a layer or group
• Click the palette menu arrow , and choose Layer Properties 
• In the Layer Properties dialog box. type a new name in the Name box

Deleting Layers

You can delete layers from the Layers palette, but you cannot delete the Background layer.

To delete a layer

• On the Layers palette, select a layer
• Click the palette menu arrow , and choose Delete Layer 

Merge Layers with the Background Layer

Merging a layer or group flattens its contents with the Background layer. Once you merge a layer, you can no longer access the layer's content separately.

To merge Layers with the Background Layer

• On the Layers palette, click the palette menu arrow , and choose Flatten Image 

Changing Layer Size

When you create a layer, the new layer has always the same size and position as the Background layer. If the layer position is changed or the layer is transformed, the layer size is not equal to the Background layer anymore. While working on this layer, not editable areas can appear.

To change Layer Size to Background Layer size

• On the Layers palette, click the palette menu arrow , and choose Expand Layer