Open Multiple Images as Layers in Photoshop
When compositing or comparing variations, loading multiple images as layers is a huge time-saver. Photoshop’s Load Files into Stack script gathers your files and imports them into one document. You’ll also learn how to move those layers into an existing working file.
Step-by-step instructions
Run Load Files into Stack
Go File → Scripts → Load Files into Stack.
In the Load Layers dialog, click Browse and select the folder with your images (organize them in one folder for convenience).
Prepare the stack and import
Optional: Sort the list by name to control the final layer order.
Select any unwanted file and click Remove to exclude it.
Leave the checkboxes unchecked for this workflow, then click OK to import all as layers.
Move layers into an existing document
If needed in another file, repeat File → Scripts → Load Files into Stack to load the set into a temporary document.
Press Ctrl+Alt+A (Windows) or Cmd+Opt+A (Mac) in the Layers panel to select all layers.
Drag the selection to your target document tab, hover until it opens, then drop to place the layers; reorder as needed.
Tip about Add Open Files
Avoid Add Open Files if your current document is unsaved or you need to preserve its layer structure.
Using Add Open Files can require saving and may place a flattened composite of the open file into the stack.
