# Introduction to the Layers Tab

The **Layers Tab**, found in the **Right Sidebar** of the Fater Editor, is your central hub for managing and organizing the individual image layers that make up your compositions. This tab is most prominently used in the **Image Editor** but may also be relevant when preparing or viewing image inputs in other modes like the Asset or Video Editors.

Understanding how to navigate and use the Layers Tab is fundamental to working effectively in Fater.

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### Accessing the Layers Tab

1. Ensure you are in an Editor Mode that utilizes layers (primarily the **Image Editor**).
2. In the **Right Sidebar**, click on the **Layers icon** (🖼️ or similar) to open the Layers Tab.

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### Layout of the Layers Tab

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The Layers Tab typically presents the following elements:

1. **Add New Layer Button (`+` ImagePlus icon):**
   * Located at the top of the tab.
   * Click this to quickly add a new, usually empty, layer to your current Layer Workspace. _(See_  [creating-and-adding-layers](creating-and-adding-layers "mention")_)_
2. **Search Bar:**
   * Allows you to filter the displayed layers by typing a layer's name or ID. Useful for projects with many layers.
3. **Main Layer List:**
   * This is the core of the tab, displaying all layers within the currently active **Layer Workspace**.
   * Layers are listed in **reverse stacking order:** the layer at the top of the list is visually the topmost layer on your canvas.
   * Each layer in the list is represented by an item (handled by `LayerContent`) that shows:
     * A small **preview thumbnail** of the layer's content.
     * The **layer name** (which is editable).
     * A set of **quick action buttons** for common operations (e.g., visibility, lock, duplicate, opacity, delete).
   * You can click on a layer item to select it, or use Shift/Ctrl (Cmd) + click for multi-selection.
   * Layers can be **dragged and dropped** within this list to change their stacking order.
4. **Control Layers Section (Conditional):**
   * This section appears at the bottom of the Layers Tab _only_ when an AI model that utilizes **Control Layers** (like for Edges or Depth guidance) is selected in the Left Sidebar.
   * You can drag layers into this section to designate them as control inputs for the AI.
   * Specific settings for control layers (like "Preprocessed Type") may be available here.
5. **Layer Workspaces Tabs (Within the Layers Tab):**
   * Just above the main layer list, you'll find tabs for your **Layer Workspaces**.
   * Click these tabs to switch between different groups of layers. Each workspace has its own independent layer stack.
   * A `+` button is here to add new Layer Workspaces.
   * Empty workspaces are deleted on page reloading.

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### Key Functions of the Layers Tab:

* **Viewing your layer structure:** See all layers in the current workspace and their stacking order.
* **Organizing layers:** Reorder layers, group them into Workspaces.
* **Managing individual layers:** Select, rename, toggle visibility/lock/opacity, duplicate, delete, and access more advanced actions via context menus or buttons on each layer item.
* **Preparing for AI:** Designate layers as Control Layers for specific AI models.

Mastering the Layers Tab is essential for building complex image compositions and effectively guiding Fater's AI tools.
