Hi everyone I'm new to Gimp and I'm having a problem, go figure. I have done a search for this but there doesn't seem to be an answer or I'm wording it wrong. So here goes.

I'm getting this error message; Cannot create a new layer from the floating selection because it belongs to a layer mask or channel.

Here is what I'm trying to do; I'm trying to paste a small FB button into a background. I copy and paste it, then move it to where I want. When I paste it looks like it's cover with another layer but I can't find where it is. I've tried to anchor it and it is still covered with something.

Please help, I have spent hours on this today and I know it should be something that is easy to do.

Short answer:
Use "Edit->Paste as->New Layer"

Long answer:
When you have a layermask attached to a layer, either the mask or the layer itself may active (but not both). If the layer is active, there will be a white border around its thumbnail preview int the Layers Dialog; and the border around the layermask will be black.
If the layermask is active, the border of its thumbnail will be white and the border of the layer's thumbnail will be black.

You can make either the layer or the layermask active by clicking on its associated thumbnail preview (or by toggling the state of the "Layer->Mask->Edit Layer Mask" menu item).

In order to get the error you describe, it means that the layermask was active when you performed your Copy or Cut. If that is what you wanted, then use the aforementioned Paste As->New Layer command. But be aware that if you'd wanted to be copying from the layer itself, you need to go back and activate the layer then redo your Cut or Copy.

Ok I think I understand, thanks for your help saulgoode

saulgoode,
I have had a look at it. The thumbnail shows no layer mask. The border around the thumbnail is white. There is only the FB image with the white border. I tried "toggling the state of the "Layer->Mask->Edit Layer Mask", but this is greyed out and I can't select it.
I couldn't post the picture , not sure how.
More help please.

I can think of one other possibility.

What I said about having a layermask activated when doing your Copy (or Cut) is also true for "Channels". Channels are like layermasks in that they are grayscale, but they associated with the full image, not a layer.

The most likely way that you would have a channel active without realizing it is if you are in "Quick Mask" mode. So I would suggest that you check under the "Select" menu and make sure that the "Toggle Quick Mask" item is unchecked.

Hi saulgoode,
I did as yo said and check for the Toggle quick mask, it was unchecked. When I checked it the border around my image turned blackand my image turned red. By the way I'm using windows 7, I don't know if that matters or not.

So what happened when you tried "Edit->Paste as->New Layer"?

If that doesn't work, describe what you observed; but also try "Edit->Paste as->New Image" and report back.

Saulgoode,
That worked thanks, when I pasted it as a new layer it worked fine.
Thank you so much for the help. :-)