Layers in Photoshop – Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Are Layers in Photoshop confusing you? Do you feel you are not using all the benefits Layers can bring in Photoshop? Well, you’re not alone as layers are arguably one of the most complex things in Photoshop but one the fundamental aspects to take control of. So, in this tutorial, we bring you the most in-depth, ultimate guide to Layers in Photoshop.

Here, we’ll show you everything layers have to offer such as creating and using multiple layers, adding layer styles, using smart objects as layers, layer masking, using adjustment layers and much more.

Plus, you can download the images I use and follow along with me. Download the images for further down this page.

So, grab a tea or beer!, strap yourself in and get ready to learn all about Layers in Photoshop.

Video Timestamps
00:00 Intro | 01:09 – Layer Basics | 16:47 – Layer Styles | 19:33 – Smart Objects | 29:33 – Multi-Layer Example | 30:35 – Grouping Layers | 32:19 – Layer Masks | 45:57 – Adjustment Layers | 1:02:15 – Conclusion.

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0:00 Introduction
1:55 LAYER BASICS
16:50 LAYER STYLES
19:38 SMART OBJECTS
30:43 GROUPING LAYERS
32:24 LAYER MASKS
46:02 ADJUSTMENT LAYERS

[gregorystramat]

I'm just learning Photoshop. His explanations are clear, slowly derived and understandable, and easily followed. I have been viewing many Photoshop tutorials, and most do not explain the "why" of things. This guy does a fantastic job. The pace is perfect: just try and follow someone posting a "short." No can do. Kudos to you!

[nuowhvu]

What a gem of a tutorial. I've watched a variety of tutorials and usually felt more lost that helped. This has been the exception. The teacher is easy to follow. He doesn't talk and work so fast that you can't keep up and understand, and his insight is amazing. I highly recommend him and hope to find more of his tutorials.

[MonkiMagik]

Excellent tutorial. I mainly use Lightroom, and occasionally photoshop.I have struggled with layers for years, picking up tips along the way. Guess what - your instruction to make sure that you are working on the mask for white to reveal, black to conceal is the first time anyone has made that clear to me. Thanks Mark, great stuff.

[TerrasTake]

This has been the most concise PS tutorial I have seen thus far. I'm new to PS and have been searching for a tutorial where the person teaching moves at a speed and with details that make it easy to follow along and also to understand. Thank you so much for this video. I finally understand layers in a way that I feel confident that I can sit down and enjoy creating a piece of art that I can be proud of!! You have a great teaching style.

[Wonila]

I jumped into digital art a few days ago, and watching my favorite artist is a bit fast-paced for a beginner. I appreciate your deliberate and trustworthy method of teaching. 🙌🏼💓

[larrymosier]

One of the best educational videos I’ve seen. Clear, thorough with a good pace. Great style

[gentlegnt]

OMG! This man has shown me (in very easy and intuitive form) more in the first 1/3 of this video that I've already been using Photoshop for in the past 6 years. I have subscribed now and am SO looking forward to more tutorials. I shall grab a cup of coffee, when I can, and watch and follow along until I "get it" and then look for next lever of expertise for me to learn. Thank you SOOO much for these videos. I am a photographer and this is adding so much value to my Adobe Creative Suite monthly subscription. Thanks again!!

[claudiawelsh]

This was by far the best tutorial I have seen on layers and masks. I now understand. Thank you!

[reneeramirez]

Wonderful informative yet easy to understand video. I feel like I finally had an aha moment with Ps and things are starting to click.The section on layer masks and layer adjustment masks was particularly helpful. Thank you!!!

[steveballmer]

Nice to have a long form video where someone actually explains something in detail. The other is stuff I watch, this would be something I'd pay for.

[howardmacdonaldjr.]

Best instructor step by step and good pace.

[VolaconCarmen]

Finnaly I understand those layers! it is really confusing study them without anyone showing how to work with! Thank you!

[annwright]

Wow thank you so much, what an great educational video and without music, just brilliant 🤩

[FRUGALZZZ]

One of THE best explanations of Layers and Layer Masks any where on YouTube, and with examples provided. Brilliant video, demystifying a subject and techniques that have frustrated me for a year.

[arielvidan]

Fantastic tutorial!! Yet another one! A regular subscriber of the TSOP myself, I can't stop recommending your courses!

[pml]

I have to thank you because I am trying to get into photography & have been doing online tutorials for PhotoShop. I appreciate your slowness and repetitive style so I can learn. There are a lot of moving parts. I also like you and your personality so am considering taking your PhotoShop comprehensive course.

[jaimenisenbaum]

Thank you so much! Very well done video with clear instructions and a great pace. I learned a lot!

[dorothy]

This is the best tutorial I have watched - and I have watched a lot. I'll have to revisit the adjustment layers and curves sections again but really helpful. I learned quite a few things like the right click to select the layer. I cannot believe I never heard that one before.

[slmj]

I am new to Photoshop and I've been checking out a lot of videos to get started. I have watches some great videos, but none of them brought the concepts of layers and masks in like this one did. The presentation and teaching style was enough to make this subscription adverse guy become a TSOP member.

[datacoherence]

Just starting this now. Looking forward to it. And thank you so much for holding the hands of newbies! And thank you for the download images.