How to Make Layer Names Visible in PS Elements

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Learn to expand your layers panel and make layer names easy to read.

When you use MCP Actions in Photoshop Elements, you’ll notice that each layer has a name. And you wouldn’t believe the amount of time Jodi spends naming those layers. Each name give you valuable information about what the layer does or, in some cases, how best to use that layer.

layer-names-graphic How to Make Layer Names Visible in PS Elements Photoshop Tips

So, it’s good to be able to read the entire layer name, right? If you’re not able to read the entire name of the layers created by MCP’s actions, use these tips to display more of the name.

Tip 1 – Make the Layers Panel Wider

To be able to make your Layers panel wider in PSE, you need to first enable the custom workspace. Do you see the circled button at the bottom right corner of the screen shot above? Click on the drop down arrow in that circle to select “Custom Workspace.” If you don’t see Custom Workspace, then you’ve already enabled it.

Now that the Custom Workspace is turned on, you can hover your cursor over the line on the left edge of the Layers panel. It’s next to the arrow in the screen shot above. Hover over this line until the cursor changes to a double headed arrow, then drag to the left until the Layers panel is wider.

Note: older versions of PSE don’t have the More button. If you have an older version, try widening the Layers panel anyway.

Tip 2 – Change the Way Layer Thumbnails Display

Now, let’s change the way your layers display in the Layers panel. Click on the button with four horizontal lines at the top right corner of the Layers panel. From the resulting pop up menu, select Panel Options.

layer-options How to Make Layer Names Visible in PS Elements Photoshop Tips

 

You’ll see the following dialog box appear. My favorite view is to display the smallest size thumbnail. This shows me what type of layer I’m working with in addition to maximizing the space for the layer’s name.

layer-panel-options How to Make Layer Names Visible in PS Elements Photoshop Tips

 

You can see that most layer names show up completely now. And if there are any that still get cropped, hover your cursor over them to display the entire layer name.

new-laers-panel How to Make Layer Names Visible in PS Elements Photoshop Tips

Erin Peloquin is Lightroom & Photoshop Elements instructor – and teaches private and group classes at MCP Actions. She also helps MCP create great editing tools for Lightroom & Elements. Her portfolio is at Time in a Camera.

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