How do you add a new layer in Photoshop?

To add a new layer in Photoshop, you can either navigate through the menu or use a shortcut. Here's how:

Method 1: Using the Menu

1. Go to the Layer menu at the top of the screen.

2. Select New.

3. Choose Layer... from the submenu. This will open the "New Layer" dialog box.

   • Alternatively, you can select "New Layer..." directly from the Layers panel menu, accessed by clicking the panel menu icon (typically three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the Layers panel.

4. In the "New Layer" dialog box:

   • Name: Enter a descriptive name for your new layer. This helps you stay organized.
   • Color: Assign a color to the layer for visual identification in the Layers panel. This is optional.
   • Mode: Choose a blending mode for the layer. The default is "Normal."
   • Opacity: Set the opacity of the layer. 100% means fully opaque.
   • Click OK.

Method 2: Using the Layers Panel

1. Locate the Layers panel. By default, it's usually in the lower-right corner of the Photoshop interface.
2. Click the "Create a new layer" icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This icon looks like a square with a plus (+) sign in it. This will create a new, transparent layer with the default name (Layer 1, Layer 2, etc.).
3. To rename the layer, double-click on the layer's name in the Layers panel and type in the new name.

Shortcuts

• Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mac: Cmd + Shift + N

These shortcuts will directly open the "New Layer" dialog box, allowing you to specify the layer's properties immediately.

Summary

Adding new layers in Photoshop is a fundamental skill. Whether using the menu, the Layers panel icon, or keyboard shortcuts, understanding these methods will greatly improve your workflow and organization within the software.