So how do you navigate the Layers Palette when you've got 20, 30, 40, or a hundred Layers? Here are a few tips that will make your life easier!
Play the keys.
To select a Layer by keyboard, hit:
OPT/ALT+ [ (Right bracket) to move down
the Layer stack
OPT/ALT+ ] (Left bracket) to move up the
Layer stack.
Move it!
Select the Move Tool (V on the keyboard) and
CMD/CTL+Click on the Layer you want to target. Be aware
that this only works with Layers that are 50% opacity or
more.
Also, in your Options Bar along the top of the screen,
choose Auto Select Layer. This allows you to click and drag
much like the Marquee Tool. This draws an imaginary box
that will automatically select Layers within your
selection.
Groups
Face it, it's easy to lose track of your
Layers when you're under a deadline and HAVE to get the job
done. The best way to stay organized is to use Layer Sets
(or Groups.)
With multiple Layers selected, hit CMD/CTL+G to place all
selected Layers into the Set. Photoshop places a "folder"
in your Layers Palette. You can further organize with up to
five subsets of folders.
The great thing about using Layer Sets is the ability to
apply settings to all enclosed Layers. For example, click
the folder in the Layers Palette. Select any Layer Style
from the Styles Palette. Photoshop will apply the Style to
all enclosed Layers.
Use this technique for Moving Layers, using the Free
Transform command, or adjusting Opacity and Fill.