Skip to main content
D
daring_Glimpse5EBD
Participant
April 13, 2020
Answered

Can't create new layer (icon grayed out)

  • April 13, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 27657 views

I can still make new layers by going to the Layer drop-down menu, but the icon itself is grayed out and unclickable:

The only solution I've found online has to do with the file's Image mode, but mine is just in RGB Color and the problem in the Layers window still persists across all files. I've never seen this happen before.

    Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

    cmd-alt-shift-N is the keyboard shortcut to create a new Layer, it might be quicker than the pop-up menu. 

     

    What have you done for trouble-shooting so far? 

    Restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be a good starting point:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/basic-trouble-shooting-steps.html

     

    Anyway, it sounds a lot like what’s mentioned in this Bug Report: 

    https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/bug-report-photoshop-21-1-0-new-layer-and-new-group-buttons-in-the-layers-panel-stay-down-after-clicking

    2 replies

    RLChris121
    RLChris121
    Participating Frequently
    February 28, 2023

    Having same issue.Layer menu and command is ghosted out. Unable to select it or use keyboard shortcut to create new layer. Very frustrating.

     

    Inexpensive, decade old 3rd party painting programs allow users to create new layers with EASE. Hard to do almost anything without running into issues and having to seek remedies. All of this repetitive resetting preferences, rebooting just to do the simplest tasks on a 1"x1" image...such a waste of time. (Wishing I had my old "PhotoPlus X6" from 10 years ago about now, so I could get some work done.)

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 28, 2023

    While I wish you had posted a meaningful screenshot. 

    It’s commendable that you posted one at all but in this one it’s impossible to discern the Color Mode and Bit Depth of the image. 

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 13, 2020

    cmd-alt-shift-N is the keyboard shortcut to create a new Layer, it might be quicker than the pop-up menu. 

     

    What have you done for trouble-shooting so far? 

    Restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be a good starting point:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/basic-trouble-shooting-steps.html

     

    Anyway, it sounds a lot like what’s mentioned in this Bug Report: 

    https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/bug-report-photoshop-21-1-0-new-layer-and-new-group-buttons-in-the-layers-panel-stay-down-after-clicking

    D
    daring_Glimpse5EBDAuthor
    Participant
    April 13, 2020

    I ended up restarting photoshop like the OP in that bug report did and the issue went away. Thanks! Hope they figure out what causes the bug soon.

      PECourtejoie
      Community Expert
      PECourtejoieCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 13, 2020

      Hello, it seems that it is a known bug, you'll have to be patient, or revert to an older version.

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices