The Layers palette lists all layers in an image, from the top layer to the Background layer at the bottom. You can drag the palette by its title out of the Palette Bin to keep it visible as you work with it.
The active layer, or the layer that you are working on, is highlighted for easy identification. As you work in an image, it’s a good idea to check which layer is active to make sure that the adjustments and edits you perform affect the correct layer. For example, if you choose a command and nothing seems to happen, check to make sure that you’re looking at the active layer.
Using the icons in the palette, you can accomplish many tasks—such as creating, hiding, linking, locking, and deleting layers. With some exceptions, your changes affect only the selected, or active, layer, which is highlighted.
In the list of layers, the palette shows a thumbnail, a title, and one or more icons that give information about each layer:
The
layer is visible. Click the eye to show or hide a layer. (Hidden
layers are not printed.)
The
layer is linked to the active layer.
The
layer has a style applied to it. Click to edit the layer style in
the Style Settings dialog box.
The
layer is locked.
The
image contains layer groups and was imported from Photoshop. Photoshop
Elements doesn’t support layer groups and displays them in their collapsed
state. You must simplify them to create an editable image.
You use the buttons at the top of the palette to perform actions:
Create
a new layer.
Create
a new fill or adjustment layer.
Delete
a layer.
The
layer is linked to another layer.
Lock
transparency.
Lock
all layers.
Also at the top are the palette Blending Mode menu (Normal, Dissolve, Darken, and so on), an Opacity text box, and a More button displaying a menu of layer commands and palette options.