Adjustment layer affecting all layers? Clip it to apply to only one layer below.
Create Clipping Mask:
1. Add adjustment layer above target layer
2. Alt+Click between the two layers
3. Adjustment only affects layer below!
Or: Right-click adjustment layer → Create Clipping Mask
Visual Indicator: Arrow pointing down = clipped to layer below
Example:
Have text layer and want to apply gradient only to text – put gradient adjustment layer above, clip it to text layer. Gradient only shows in text shape!
Essential for non-destructive, layer-specific editing!