How to Add Layers in GIMP

Adding layers in GIMP is a fundamental aspect of image editing. Layers allow you to create complex compositions and make non-destructive changes to your images. Here's how to add layers in GIMP:

1. Open GIMP and create a new document or open an existing image.

2. To add a new layer, go to the Layers panel located on the right-hand side of the screen. If it's not visible, you can open it by selecting "Windows" from the main menu and choosing "Dockable Dialogs," then "Layers."

3. Click on the "Create a new layer" button located at the bottom of the Layers panel. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Shift+Ctrl+N" on Windows or "Shift+Cmd+N" on Mac to create a new layer.

4. A "New Layer" dialog box will appear. Here you can set the layer properties such as name, width, height, and fill type. You can choose to create a transparent layer or fill the layer with a specific color.

5. Click "OK" to create the new layer. It will now appear in the Layers panel above the background layer.

6. You can also duplicate an existing layer by selecting it in the Layers panel and using the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+D" on Windows or "Cmd+D" on Mac. You can then rename the duplicated layer and make any necessary changes.

7. To delete a layer, select it in the Layers panel and click the "Delete" button at the bottom of the panel, or use the keyboard shortcut "Shift+Ctrl+D" on Windows or "Shift+Cmd+D" on Mac.

That's it! You can now add as many layers as you need to your image in GIMP, and use them to create complex compositions or make non-destructive edits to your image.