How to Rename Layers in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop's workflow involves working with layers. It's an excellent practice to streamline the interface, accelerate and organize your editing process, and rename the layers you create when editing real estate images. Learn how to rename layers in Photoshop with this in-depth tutorial.

How to Rename Layers in Photoshop For Organization Purposes

To rename layers in Photoshop, double-click the layer name, select the layer in the Layers panel, or select consecutive layers. Aside from using the Shift and Tab keys, you may also install extensions and scripts for Photoshop to rename groups.

Working with layers without renaming them is fine if you use two or three layers to the maximum in your document. However, once the number of layers increases, it is wise to work on organizing them by giving each of them a descriptive name.

Method 1: Double-Click on the Layer Name

In the layers panel, any new layer you create will simply be named by a number.

1. Double-click on the layer's name in the layers panel to make it editable to rename a layer.
2. Rename layers by typing in the name you want to rename a layer and press Enter.
3. While you rename layers, remember to double-click on the layer name in the layers panel and not near it.
4. Clicking elsewhere in the layers panel will open the Layer Style box, and you won't be able to rename a layer.
5. Don’t worry if you click elsewhere in the layers panel accidentally. Close the Layer style box in the layers panel and rename layers by double-clicking on the layer name.

Method 2: Select the Layer in the Layers Panel

Another method to rename a layer is by selecting it in the Layers panel.

1. After selecting it in the layers panel, go to the Layer menu and choose Rename Layer.
2. The layer's name will be editable after you click Rename Layer, and you can enter the desired name to rename a layer.
3. You can also rename a layer using the Rename Layer option by typing CTRL/CMD + F11.

Method 3: Select Consecutive Layers

Making a layer group in Adobe Photoshop and renaming it is straightforward.

1. Select the consecutive layers by pressing CTRL/CMD and clicking on the layers.
2. Alternatively, select a series of layers by clicking on the first layer in the layers panel.
3. Press and hold the Shift key, and click on the last layer in the layers panel to select all the layers in the layers panel in between.
4. After selecting the layers, press CTRL/CMD + G.
5. You can also right-click on the selected layers in the layers panel and press the Group from Layers option.
6. Hold the OPT/ALT key and drag the layers to the Create a New Group icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. 

Method 4: Rename Groups

Another method will open a popup where you can give a layer name to your group. Otherwise, Adobe Photoshop will rename a layer group using Group 1, Group 2, and so on.

1. To rename a layer group, double-click on the layer name and type the layer name in the editable text box after you double-click it.
2. Ensure the group is not expanded as you double-click. Otherwise, renaming by double-click option won’t work.
3. Alternatively, select the group in the layers panel and go to the Layer menu. 
4. Select Rename Group and type in the layer name of your group.

Method 5: Use the Shift and Tab Keys

Renaming more than one layer simultaneously is not possible in Photoshop. However, you can use Tab and Shift keys to rename a layer.

1. Start by renaming a layer in the layers panel. 
2. Press the Tab key to move to rename the next layer in the layers panel. 
3. If you want to move back, press Shift + Tab to rename the previous layer.

Method 6: Installs Extensions and Scripts for Photoshop

There are a few extensions and scripts that you can add to Adobe Photoshop CC to rename a layer or rename multiple layers.

1. Renamy
2. Adobe Layer Namer
3. Layer Name Editor Script
4. OpenAsLayer Script

You need to install these scripts and extensions in Photoshop. You can use them to rename a layer and add suffixes, prefixes, or new names to multiple layers.  

Conclusion

Renaming your layers is one of the key changes you can make for a more productive workflow in Photoshop. An organized layers panel with identifiable layers will curb the frustration that real estate photo editors or graphic designers might feel due to overwhelming work.