diff --git a/documentation/dev-manual/layers.rst b/documentation/dev-manual/layers.rst
index c5c34134b6..16f62ee696 100644
--- a/documentation/dev-manual/layers.rst
+++ b/documentation/dev-manual/layers.rst
@@ -128,6 +128,20 @@ Follow these general steps to create your layer without using tools:
       variable is a good way to indicate if your particular layer is
       current.
 
+
+   .. note::
+
+      A layer does not have to contain only recipes ``.bb`` or append files
+      ``.bbappend``. Generally, developers create layers using
+      ``bitbake-layers create-layer``.
+      See ":ref:`dev-manual/layers:creating a general layer using the \`\`bitbake-layers\`\` script`",
+      explaining how the ``layer.conf`` file is created from a template located in
+      ``meta/lib/bblayers/templates/layer.conf``.
+      In fact, none of the variables set in ``layer.conf`` are mandatory,
+      except when :term:`BBFILE_COLLECTIONS` is present. In this case
+      :term:`LAYERSERIES_COMPAT` and :term:`BBFILE_PATTERN` have to be
+      defined too.
+
 #. *Add Content:* Depending on the type of layer, add the content. If
    the layer adds support for a machine, add the machine configuration
    in a ``conf/machine/`` file within the layer. If the layer adds