Layer Sets Basics

Layers in Photoshop can quickly get out of control. If you have too many layers it becomes hard to find the Layer you need to edit.
The first thing you should do is to give descriptive names to your layers. To do this, just double click on any default Layer name (Layer 1 ex.) and give it a name that will make sense to you.
In my example, I have different seasonal shapes that I use for my logo depending on the time of year. I've named each shape layer and only have the leaf layer visible for my fall logo.
Instead of having to scroll through numerous layers the best way to manage all these layers is to group similar items into folders.
To create a folder set/group, just click on the folder icon in the bottom of the layers palette. Give the folder a descriptive name then drag the layers you want grouped together into this folder.
As you can see I don't have to scroll to find a layer since I've placed all my seasonal shapes into one handy folder.
To access and open these layers, simply click on the small arrow to the left of the folder.
What a nice way to organize a list of layers in Photoshop!

Fixing the Locked Layer Error

When editing a photo in Photoshop, have you ever gotten an annoying message like this?
It's not just because Photoshop is having a bad day and is grumpy. This is because by default, an open image in Photoshop is assigned to be a Background layer. The Background layer is a special type of Layer. When I say "special", I don't mean it's better somehow than normal Layers. It has strict limitations put on it which the normal layers don't have. It has all the responsibility of looking after and protecting that original photo while you're working on it.
You can unlock it so that you can work on it and make any changes you want. Simply double click the name of the layer (Background) and give it a new name like in my example below.

Too much work?
Alt/Opt click that layer and it changes from a Background Layer to Layer 0 and you can make any changes you want.
BEST IDEA
Drag the background layer to the new layer icon in the bottom of the Layer's palette. You'll always have your original image to go back to any never permanently harm pixels again!
The next time you get that annoying message, it will remind you to duplicate your Background Layer and do your editing on the duplicated Layer. No more grumpy Photoshop and no more harming original photos!