[Trouble using layers]

Thank you!

[Trouble using layers]

First, I select a background. Then when I click ctrl + shift + n, a checkered box appears in the layers window labeled as layer 2. My original picture is listed in the box as background. If I then try to open a recent file as the new layer file, The new file is then listed as the background, and the first background dissapears. Is this making sense?

[Trouble using layers]

I just recently downloaded paint.net. Everytime I add a new layer, the background picture becomes that current layer. What are the actual steps for adding layers? Maybe I left a step out. Thanks