Selecting layers

If your image has multiple layers, you must choose what layer you want to work on. Any changes you make to the image affect only the active layer. You select a layer to make it active, and only one layer can be active at a time.

If you don't see the desired results when using a tool or applying a command, you may not have the correct layer selected. Check the Layers palette to make sure that you're working on the desired layer.

To select a layer:

Do one of the following:

You can also select layers interactively as you use the move tool. If Auto Select Layer is selected in the Move tool options, the topmost layer containing pixels under the cursor will be selected. (See Moving selections and layers within an image.)

Using Layers > Using the Layers palette > Selecting layers