How to Edit Over a Transparent Layer

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For example, if I have a background image with 2 adjustment layers on top and I want to apply say, a filter onto what I can see, when I create a new (transparent) layer it says I cannot apply the filter because the layer is empty. 

Is there a way to create a new layer consisting of everything I have edited below? The only way I can seem to get around this is by merging all visible layers down then duplicating it... but that would mean that I can no longer edit my adjustment layers. 

Is this the only way?

I'm new to Photoshop and trying to learn more about layers and non-destructive editing but I seem to have gotten stuck here. 

Thanks in advance for any help 🙂 

[Kenneth Kawamoto · Accepted solution]

Select layers > Convert to Smart Object, then apply filters. Your layers remain editable.