decorative banner

About the background layer


    When you create a new image with a white background or a colored background, the bottommost image in the Layers palette is Background. An image can have only one background. You cannot change the stacking order of a background, its blending mode, or its opacity. However, you can convert a background to a regular layer.

    When you create a new image with transparent content, the image does not have a background layer. The bottommost layer is not constrained like the background layer; you can move it anywhere in the Layers palette, and change its opacity and blending mode.

To convert a background into a layer:

  1. Double-click Background in the Layers palette, or choose Layer > New > Layer from Background.
  2. Set layer options as desired. (See Adding layers and layer sets.)
  3. Click OK.

To convert a layer into a background:

  1. Select a layer in the Layers palette.
  2. Choose Layer > New > Background from Layer.
  3. Note: You cannot create a background by renaming a regular layer Background--you must use the Background from Layer command.