In Photoshop image editing, layer selection is one of the core operations that directly impacts design efficiency and results. This tutorial will explain in detail how to control layer visibility, select single/multiple layers, move layers, and use quick selection methods, with practical examples (such as drawing a simple face layer) to help users master these techniques.

1. Controlling Layer Visibility (Eye Icon Function)

In the Layers panel, each layer has an "eye icon" on the left side, which is the core switch for controlling layer visibility. Here’s how it works:

1. Show/Hide a Single Layer: Click the eye icon of the target layer. The icon disappears to hide the layer; click it again to restore visibility—like a "light switch."
2. Show/Hide Multiple Layers: Hold the left mouse button and drag across the eye icons of multiple layers (from top to bottom or vice versa). All layers along the drag path will be hidden. Reverse the drag to restore visibility.
3. Show Only the Target Layer (ALT Key Trick): Hold the ALT key and click the eye icon of a specific layer. This hides all other layers, making it easier to view or edit the target layer alone. Hold ALT and click again to restore all layers.

2. Selecting and Moving a Single Layer

To adjust the position of a layer, first select it and then use the Move Tool. Here’s how:

1. Layer Selection: In the Layers panel, click the name of the target layer (e.g., "eye" or "nose" layer). The layer background will highlight, indicating it’s selected.
2. Layer Movement: After selecting the layer, press the V shortcut to activate the Move Tool. Then, click and drag anywhere on the image to move the selected layer. ⚠️ Note:
   • Always select the correct layer first to avoid moving the wrong one.
   • The starting position of the mouse doesn’t matter—you can drag from anywhere on the image.
   • Even if a layer is hidden, you can still select and move it.

3. Selecting and Moving Multiple Layers

To adjust the position of multiple layers simultaneously, first select them and then use the Move Tool. Here are the selection methods:

(1) Selecting Non-Adjacent Layers (CTRL Key Trick)

1. In the Layers panel, select a base layer (e.g., "nose" layer).
2. Hold the CTRL key and click the names of other layers you want to select (e.g., "eye" or "face" layers).
3. The clicked layers will highlight, indicating they’re selected. You can now move them together using the Move Tool (V).
   • To deselect a layer, hold CTRL and click its name again.

(2) Selecting Adjacent Layers (CTRL+SHIFT Key Trick)

1. In the Layers panel, select the "starting layer" of a sequence (e.g., "nose" layer).
2. Hold the SHIFT key and click the "ending layer" of the sequence (e.g., "face" layer).
3. All layers between the starting and ending layers (including both) will be selected automatically. This is useful for selecting adjacent layers in bulk.

(3) Version Limitations

Photoshop CS and earlier versions do not support "selecting multiple layers simultaneously." This feature is only available in CS and later versions.

4. Quick Layer Selection (Right-Click Context Menu)

In scenarios where you frequently switch between layers (e.g., moving "eye," "nose," and "face" layers repeatedly), using the Layers panel can be slow. The right-click context menu speeds up the process:

1. Quick Selection Steps:
   • Ensure the Move Tool (V) is active.
   • Right-click on the pixel area of the target layer (e.g., the nose area for the "nose" layer). A context menu with layer names will appear.
   • Click the name of the layer you want to select (e.g., switch from "nose" to "face" layer). The Layers panel will update accordingly.
2. Menu Display Rules: The menu only lists layers with pixels at the clicked location (non-transparent areas):
   • If a layer is transparent at the clicked location, it won’t appear in the menu (e.g., right-clicking on the nose area won’t show the "eye" layer if it’s transparent there).
   • To select the "eye" layer, right-click on the eye’s pixel area.
3. "Select Similar Layers" Feature: The menu includes a "Select Similar Layers" option (available in CS and later versions), which selects all layers of the same type (e.g., all text or shape layers). This will be covered in a future tutorial.
4. Layer Hierarchy: The order of layers in the menu matches their hierarchy in the Layers panel (higher layers appear at the top). This helps you judge layer positions without checking the panel.

5. Summary

Mastering layer selection techniques is key to improving Photoshop efficiency:

• Use the "eye icon" + ALT key to control visibility for solo editing or batch management.
• Select single/multiple layers using CTRL/SHIFT keys, noting version differences.
• The Move Tool (V) + right-click context menu is the "fast lane" for frequent layer switching—remember the "pixel area trigger" rule. Practice with real examples (e.g., editing face layers) to master these skills for complex designs.