# Regular layer's operations

### New empty layer(s)

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FAka2z3NEw943e6iW8vGo%2FAdd%20empty%20layer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e512bfcb-b9d7-4bbb-9f8f-9647fdddef0d" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the New Layer button to create a new layer(s)

* If we have only 1 selected layer, the new layer will be placed on top of the currently selected layer.
* If we have multiple selected layers, a new empty layer will be placed on top of each selected layer.
* If a folder is selected, a new empty layer will be added to the top of that folder's children.

### Duplicate layer(s)

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FIW6MJMsLSiygcyLDYzeX%2FDuplicate%20layer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=83832596-a6ab-4a55-a918-f2581596388f" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the Duplicate Layer button to duplicate selected layer(s).

* If we have only 1 selected layer, the duplicate layer will be placed on top of the currently selected layer.
* If we have multiple selected layers, a duplicate layer of each selected layer will be placed on top of them.

### Alpha-lock

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FlCiY2k2OMczWX2CX3l71%2FLayer%20alpha%20lock.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3eabce0c-74b6-4311-8f19-37164204b764" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Artwork by <a href="https://twitter.com/manytle">Manytle</a></p></figcaption></figure>

To toggle the alpha lock of a layer, [activate the contextual menu](https://docs.pixquare.art/timeline-and-layers/layer-operations/..#contextual-menu), then select Alpha lock.

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FnHmaE45ijZJOavy5WR67%2FQuick%20alpha%20lock%20button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6c3a62cb-815c-4a89-afff-4268a88ef9b0" alt="" width="320"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When a layer is alpha-locked, there will be a lock icon to the right of its name, we can tap this to unlock it.

### Layer fx

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FXpWWPz1coQDwE7JMv8Rl%2FLayer%20fx.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6e48f02a-be16-49f8-8f6c-acd2023487f4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

There are cases where we want to apply some effect to our layer's content dynamically, meaning the effects automatically change when the layer's content changes. For that, we can use layer fx.

Pixquare supports 4 fxs at the moment: Color Overlay, Outline, Anti-aliasing, and Pattern overlay.

To apply the effect permanently to the layer, we can choose to rasterize the fxs.

### Blend mode

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FNaQguNpJoyJnwLqYvvbi%2FBlend%20mode.png?alt=media&#x26;token=007727b2-6359-4d19-9777-3f58973d013a" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To set the blend mode of a layer, [activate the contextual menu](https://docs.pixquare.art/timeline-and-layers/layer-operations/..#contextual-menu), select Blend mode, and then select the desired mode.

### Masking

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FFRzM4E3QgSE6YHzqf2pB%2FMasking.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7261f519-917f-4edd-b8ef-7cca9d67cf6d" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To set the masking property of a layer,  [activate the contextual menu](https://docs.pixquare.art/timeline-and-layers/layer-operations/..#contextual-menu), select Masking, and then select the type of desired masking.

If the selected layer is already a mask layer, selecting Masking will remove the masking property and make that layer a regular layer again.

### Layer merge

<figure><img src="https://1813203282-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FOddm4yDredA8gF0g7cDm%2Fuploads%2FYJ1aXQCD0Cd6t7L9FQeM%2FLayer%20merge.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a2a0894b-5764-4f74-a0c6-ba74780906f4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Layers can be merged into a single layer. To merge 2 or more layers, select at least 2 layers, the [contextual menu](https://docs.pixquare.art/interface-and-gestures/interface#id-10.-contextual-menu) will show up automatically with the option Merge, select it, and you're done.

{% hint style="info" %}
If a layer has masks, the merge option will be available even if only 1 layer is selected in the contextual menu. Performing a merge for this layer will merge the masks into the main layer.
{% endhint %}

### Content copy/cut

Along with the layer contextual menu, a [clipboard](https://docs.pixquare.art/misc/clipboard-copy-paste) contextual menu will also appear at the bottom with 2 options: Copy and Cut.&#x20;