How do you move layers up in Photoshop?

To move layers up in Photoshop, you can drag the layer up in the Layers panel. Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut.

Methods for Moving Layers Up

Here are the primary ways to move layers up within the Layers panel:

Dragging Layers

• Select the Layer: Click on the desired layer in the Layers panel.
• Drag and Drop: Click and hold the selected layer and drag it upwards within the layer stack. A visual indicator will show where the layer will be placed.
• Release: Release the mouse button to place the layer in its new position.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

While the provided reference does not include keyboard shortcuts, they are a very efficient way to move layers up or down.

• Move Layer Up: Use Ctrl + ] (Windows) or Cmd + ] (Mac) to move the selected layer one position up.
• Move Layer Down: Use Ctrl + [ (Windows) or Cmd + [ (Mac) to move the selected layer one position down.

Constraining Movement with Shift

• Drag and Shift: To move a layer in a perfectly vertical line, hold down the Shift key as you drag the layer. This ensures you don't accidentally move it horizontally. According to the reference, "Hold down Shift as you drag to move the layer or layers directly up or down, directly to either side, or on a 45° diagonal."

Multiple Layers

• Select Multiple Layers: You can select multiple layers by clicking the first layer, then shift-clicking the last layer. Alternatively, use Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click on each layer you want to select. Once multiple layers are selected, any of the methods above can be used to move them together.

Example of Moving Layers

Let's say you have three layers in your Layers panel:

1. Layer 1 (at the top)
2. Layer 2
3. Layer 3 (at the bottom)

To move Layer 3 above Layer 1:

1. Select Layer 3.
2. Drag it to the top of the Layers Panel
3. Release the mouse.
4. Your layer order is now Layer 3, Layer 1, Layer 2

Method	Description
Dragging	Click and drag the layer up or down in the Layers panel.
Keyboard Shortcut	Use Ctrl + ] or Cmd + ] to move a layer up one position; use Ctrl + [ or Cmd + [ to move a layer down.
Shift + Drag	Drag a layer while holding down Shift to ensure a perfectly vertical or horizontal movement.