can't figure how to put a border on the canvas

[Newmarket2]

I'm designing an eBook cover. The final work needs to have a very small black border around the entire canvas so that if the result is displayed against a white background (our cover has a white background), it stands out.

I have figured out how to STROKE a border (I'm using 3 pixels INSIDE) but what I'm unable to do is to have the entire border visible when all layers are turned on.

The background layer is white and I can apply the border but I have an image layer that is fully side to side and the border disappears under that image.

I've found a few tutorials, but they're all focused on multiple borders like cut mats on a framed photo - and I just need a nice, simple border all around.

Thanks for helping!

 

[hawkeye]

Add a blank layer on top, select all then stroke.

 

[Newmarket2]

I guess you have to follow each step or it doesn't work cause I sure thought I'd done this. I think I didn't "select".
Thanks, Hawkeye

 

[agentmoeller]

You can always merge your layers, transform (ALT+T) and shrink the total size a little bit, then have a solid black layer underneath.

BOOM! Instant stroke!


Agent

 

[Newmarket2]

Agent,
One thing about PS is that there are a ton of different ways to accomplish the same objective.
Since we're publishing multiple titles, I'm using each one as a template so I need to keep all the layers 'cause most of them change, but I saw some tutorials that involved a similar approach of manipulating the overall size. They produced some very nice multi-mat effects (with no cutting or materials) but was more than I needed.
Thanks!