Layers overview

Layers help you make nondestructive edits by stacking and managing images, text, and graphics without merging pixels.

Layers are the core of editing in Adobe Photoshop. A layered file includes images, fonts, effects, objects, and more. You can use these layers to composite multiple images, add text to images, or apply filters and adjustments.

When you import an image into Photoshop on mobile, you begin with a single layer which you can find within the Layers panel. However, you're not limited to just one layer and can add additional layers based on your requirements. Layers are stacked and can be viewed by selecting the detailed layers, which can be accessed by dragging left on the compact layer panel.

Types of layers

• Adjustment layers: Make nondestructive adjustments to the colors and tones in your image and keep editing the adjustment layers without permanently changing the pixels in the image. In short, they give greater control and flexibility over image edits than making direct adjustments. 
• Smart object: Smart objects are layers that contain image data from raster or vector images. They preserve the source content of an image with all its original characteristics, allowing you to perform nondestructive editing on the layer.
• Type layers: Type layers contain text that can be edited directly within Photoshop. These layers allow you to modify the text, font, size, and other properties without altering the image pixels, offering flexibility in typography adjustments.
• Generative layers: Generative layers are created using Adobe Photoshop’s generative AI features, such as Generative fill, Generate image, Generative expand. They generate content based on user input, enabling nondestructive alterations that can be modified or replaced at any time.