Layer Effects

Drop shadow, color overlay, stroke, and other layer styles that apply non-destructively to layers.

Overview

Layer effects (also called layer styles) are non-destructive visual effects attached to a layer. They update automatically when the layer content changes and can be edited, disabled, or removed at any time.

1. Select a layer in the Layers panel.
2. Go to Layer → Layer Style, or double-click the layer thumbnail.
3. Choose the effect type from the dialog.
4. Configure the settings and click OK.

Drop Shadow

Add a shadow behind the layer content. The shadow follows the shape of opaque pixels on the layer.

Drop Shadow Settings

Color Overlay

Fill the layer with a solid color. The overlay covers all opaque pixels on the layer with the chosen color and blend mode.

Settings

• Color -- the overlay color
• Opacity -- 0-100%
• Blend Mode -- how the color blends with layer content

Stroke

Add an outline around the layer content. The stroke can be placed inside, outside, or centered on the edge of opaque pixels.

Stroke Settings

Managing Effects

• Show/Hide: Click the eye icon next to the effect in the Layers panel.
• Edit: Double-click the effect name to reopen the Layer Style dialog.
• Delete: Drag the effect to the trash icon, or right-click → Clear Layer Style.
• Copy: Right-click the layer → Copy Layer Style, then paste on another layer.

Keyboard Shortcuts