The quickest way to hide the Layers panel in Photoshop is to simply close it. Alternatively, you can minimize it or collapse it into an icon.
Here's a breakdown of the different methods:
1. Closing the Layers Panel
- Click the "X": Locate the "X" button (usually in the upper-right corner) on the Layers panel's tab and click it. This will completely close the panel.
- Window Menu: Go to the "Window" menu at the top of your screen. If the "Layers" option has a checkmark next to it, clicking it will remove the checkmark and close the Layers panel.
2. Minimizing the Layers Panel (Docked Panels)
If your Layers panel is docked, it means it's part of a group of panels attached to the side of your Photoshop workspace.
- Collapse to Icon: Look for a small double arrow ( >> ) or a single arrow ( > ) at the top of the panel dock. Clicking this will often collapse the panel group into icons, including the Layers panel. This keeps the panel readily available but out of the way.
- Minimize Panel Group: Depending on your workspace setup, you might be able to minimize the entire panel group containing the Layers panel by clicking a minimize icon associated with the dock.
3. Undocking and Hiding (Floating Panels)
If your Layers panel is floating (not docked):
- Minimize the Window: The Layers panel exists as a separate window. Use the minimize button (usually a horizontal line or a small square) in the top right (Windows) or top left (macOS) of the Layers panel window to minimize it to your taskbar or dock.
4. Keyboard Shortcut (if available):
Photoshop doesn't have a default keyboard shortcut specifically for hiding/showing the Layers panel. However, you could create one by going to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and customizing the shortcut for the "Layers" command under the "Window" menu. Then you can use that new shortcut to toggle the panel on and off.
Showing the Layers Panel Again
If you've closed or hidden the Layers panel, you can easily bring it back:
- Window Menu: Go to the "Window" menu at the top of your screen and select "Layers." This will reopen the Layers panel.
