Can't create new layer (icon grayed out)

[daring_Glimpse5EBD]

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.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

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...

[daring_Glimpse5EBD]

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]

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

[RLChris121]

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]

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. 

[Khalilu]

Just Change your Color Mode From Indexed To RGB for exp