I am looking to create a new footprint, and to create a layer with a custom name? And when the footprint is added to a PCB, the new custom layer is visible in the PCB Editor, alongside all the other default layers. Is this even possible?
No. KiCad has a bunch of standard layers. You can set the visible / used layers in the PCB editor in a project, but not in footprints. Footprints are supposed to be universal. You can also rename layers in the PCB editor, but not in the footprints, and I’m quite happy with that, as other wise it is likely to create a chaotic mess of layer names over different libraries.
I suggest you start making your footprint, and show a screenshot of when / where you get stuck.
Okay I see. I was just wondering for a research project. Thanks!