Active layer is empty

[Thinus van Staden]

When I import a photo, it says "Background" in the Layers panel, but the photo picture doesn't show there, only the Brush Tool's picture. When I create a layer, I get a message "active layer is empty". How do I fix it, please? 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Channels, Options Bar, …) visible? 

»When I import a photo«

What do you mean – File > Open or File > Place …? 

[Thinus van Staden]

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

So the Layer is empty – how did you create it? 

You can duplicate the Background Layer (cmd-J) if you want to edit a copy of that. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Another thing: Yuu may want to use Adjustment Layers (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > …) instead of applying Adjustments destructively. 

That way you maintain editability of the Adjustment and can easily do touch-up below the Adjustment on the original image content.