The method begins with the puzzle solver making a cross on one face with the edge pieces ensuring that all edge colorscolours match the adjacent center colorscolours (step 1 in the diagram below), then putting the corners into position between the edges (step 2). By then, the layer should be solved. In step 3, the four edge pieces of the middle layer are solved. At this point, the first two layers are solved. In step 4, a cross of the opposite color is made on the last layer. For step 5, the last layer edges are permuted (swapped around). In step 6, the last layer corners are permuted. Finally, the last layer corners are oriented.<ref>[http://www.learnhowtosolvearubikscube.com/how-to-solve-a-rubiks-cube-solution-overview/ Eight steps: layer by layer method to the Rubik's cube]</ref>
[[File:Rubik's Cube layer by layer solution overview.jpg|thumb|center|400px|An overview of the layer by layer method for Rubik's Cube. The cube has been turned over in the third step.]]
Most Layer by Layer beginners' methods solvessolve the first two layers using the same technique. However, there are many variant techniques for the final layer, depending on whether the corner or edge pieces are solved first.<ref name="phil"/> For example:
# Top layer "white cross": F' U L' U' or F R U R' U' F'
# Top layer left corner: D L D' L’ / right corner: D' R' D R
