Photoshop tip: Keep your layer stack organised

Sunday 23 November 2025, 16:08 by Nando Harmsen | 1,540 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

Complex edits in Photoshop require lots of layers. Pixel layers, adjustment layers, and many more variations. How do you keep track? The answer is simple: organise them properly.

Having lots of layers means you can easily lose track. Maybe not straight away, but you might if you open the Photoshop file again in six months to make some adjustments.

There are several things you can do to keep track. Of course, you can give each layer a name that describes the edit. That way, you can immediately see what each layer does.

If you have a layer that uses part of a photo, give the layer the photo's filename. If necessary, you'll always be able to find the original photo again.

Group different layers that are used for a specific purpose. For example, dodging and burning, colour edits, or exposure adjustments. You can collapse the folders to keep things organised.

Select the layers you want to place in a group and use CMD/CTRL + G as a keyboard shortcut. All those layers will automatically be placed in a folder. It's quick and easy.

You can give each layer or group of layers a colour so they are even easier to distinguish. Use a unique colour for each type of layer.

By investing time in organising your layers properly and logically, you save a lot of time in the long run. This is especially useful when carrying out complex edits. There is no rule for how you should do it. Choose your own approach.

As a bonus tip, clicking the 'hamburger icon' at the top right of the panel lets you select panel options. Here you'll find even more settings.

You can then arrange the display of the Layers panel more to your liking. Play around with it and change things to suit your preferences. This way, you can make Photoshop completely your own programme.

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