Add Layers in Photoshop: Blank, Fill, Text, and Image Layers
In this quick tutorial, you’ll create a new Photoshop document and explore several ways to add layers. You’ll add blank layers from the menu and panel, create a Solid Color Fill layer, add a text layer, and place an image as a new layer. Finally, you’ll learn to reorder and transform layers for a clean workflow.
Step-by-step instructions
Create a new document
Go to File → New.
Choose Web → Web Large preset.
Keep the default settings and click Create.
Show the Layers panel
Go to Window → Layers (or press F7).
Confirm the Layers panel is visible and shows Layer 1 on a transparent background.
Add a blank layer from the menu
Go to Layer → New → Layer…
Use Shift+Ctrl+N (Windows) or Shift+Cmd+N (Mac) as a shortcut.
Click OK to accept defaults and create the new layer.
Add a blank layer from the Layers panel
In the Layers panel, click the Create a new layer (+) button at the bottom.
Deselect/reselect as needed to keep your layer stack organized.
Add a Solid Color Fill layer
Go to Layer → New Fill Layer → Solid Color…
Click OK to accept default options.
Pick a color (e.g., blue) and click OK to create the color layer.
Add a text layer
Select the Horizontal Type Tool (T).
Click on the canvas and type your text.
Adjust font, size, and color from the Options bar as needed.
Add an image layer by placing
Go to File → Place Embedded… (or Place Linked…).
Choose an image and click Place.
Resize/rotate as needed and press Enter/Return to commit.
Reorder and transform layers
Drag layers up or down in the Layers panel to change stacking order.
Select a layer and press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (Mac) to Free Transform; adjust size/position and press Enter/Return.
