# About the Layers palette

The Layers palette in the Editor (Window > Layers) 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.

Layers palette

A.
  Blending mode menu
B.
  Show/Hide layer
C.
  Layer thumbnail
D.
  Highlighted layer is active layer
E.
  Locked layer
F.
  Layer is linked to another layer
G.
  Layer has style applied

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.

Related Information

- About adjustment and fill layers
- About opacity and blending options in layers
- Simplify a layer

This page on the Web