moving objects between layers

this is my first venture into PS6...after using illustrator only....and experiencing some trouble learning my way around here...

I cannot figure out how to move an object from one layer onto an existing layer...or vise-versa...how to separate several objects from one layer and distribute them to other layers...

I'm struggling w/ selections versus objects created w/ the shape tool...it seems easier to draw vector shapes and build my entire design this way than making selections and filling them, but I want to move them freely between layers...any insight on this would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks!

I'm not entirely sure, but give this a try. After making the selection and filling it, before you deselect, click the channels tab, and save selection as channel. (the square with the circle in it) this will save the selection so whatever you do to the image you can just ctrl+click that channel and get that selection back to cut and paste the selection. OR you could just make a new layer for every object you make and then all you have to do is move the layer. I hope this helps, if it doesn't i sure hope someone else can.

Yes, you can save a selection by going to "Select--»Save Selection..." and create a new channel. This will allow you to reselect that same exact area later. Notice I said same area and not object. You can use that newly saved channel to reselect that same area on ANY layer.

If you have an area selected in a layer, you can use the keyboard shortcut of Command/CTRL-J to copy the area within that selection to a new layer by itself. The shortcut Command/CTRL-SHIFT-J will cut the area within that selection and place it on its own, new layer, leaving a whole in the layer it came from.

Once you have the object isolated on its own layer you may then use the Move Tool ("V") to change its position within its layer. Now, in the Layers Palette, you can grab the layer with the isolated item and drag it so that it's above the target layer in the list of layers. While it's still highlighted in the Layers Palette, Command/CTRL-E will merge that layer down with the one below it, combining the layers. Pay careful attention to you Layer Blending modes here or you may end up with some unexpected results. For now, it just sounds like you want to stick with a "Normal" blending mode.