A layer on the Photoshop working canvas is locked so that the original image or edits are not accidentally changed. This is why newly opened images in Photoshop are labeled "background layer" and locked automatically. Photoshop includes this feature to prevent you from accidentally destroying the original photo. However, that doesn't mean you can't make modifications to this layer.
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Method 1 of 2: Unlocking the Background Layer
Step 1. Open the image in Photoshop as usual
If the image that unlocks the background layer has not been unlocked, no changes or settings can be made. You can simply open the image normally.
Step 2. Click the locked layer in the Layers palette”
Look at the long box on the right side of your screen labeled “Layers”. This is where each layer will be displayed, starting with “Background” with its own thumbnail. Next to the background layer there is a padlock icon indicating that this layer is currently locked.
Troubleshooting: " Layers not visible:" Click "Window" in the bar at the top of the screen. Make sure there is a check next to " Layers ". If the Layers palette is still not open, click " Window " → " Workspace " → and click " Essentials." If the problem is still not resolved, try resetting and clicking " Painting ".
Step 3. Click the layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + J keys to create an unlocked copy of the background
This is the safest way to start your work as the original image is still intact in case you make a big mistake. For PC users, press Ctrl+J while the background layer is highlighted. For Mac users, the key is Cmd+J. Your new layer lock will be unlocked and ready for editing.
You can also click Layers in the top bar, then click " Duplicate Layer."
Step 4. Rename and unlock the background layer by double-clicking on it
You can simply double-click the layer title, and a small box that will allow you to recreate the layer will open. Through this box, you can:
- Change name
- Setting the blend mode
- Color coding layers for organization
- Set the base layer's opacity.
Step 5. Click " Layer " then " New Layer from Background " to create an unlocked replacement layer
On the bar at the top, click "Layer". The New Layer from Background option should be around the top of the sequence. This method will also replace the background layer with a new layer. That way, you don't have a backup background, but only one layer that's unlocked.
Method 2 of 2: Troubleshooting Locked and Unlocked Layers
Step 1. Immediately check " Color Settings " if you are unable to edit layers or add new layers
Some file formats, particularly " Indexed Color, " are not fully compatible with Photoshop. Fortunately, these formats can be changed quickly so you have complete control over the layers you want to edit:
- Click " Image " in Photoshop's top bar. Your image should already be open.
- Click "Mode".
- Click "RGB Color" to set your color settings so that they are temporarily manageable.
Step 2. Re-lock the layer by clicking on the small lock in the layers palette
The layers palette has a few buttons above the original layer. You can lock any highlighted layer by clicking on the padlock icon next to it (press Ctrl/Cmd-Click to lock multiple layers at the same time). This method can also unlock layers. However, the background layer will not be able to be opened with this method.
Step 3. Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly lock and unlock
The keyboard shortcut for locking layers is Ctrl/Cmd + /. This method will lock and unlock all selected layers.
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Macs:
cmd + /
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PCs:
Ctrl + /
Step 4. Unlock all layers other than the background by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Opt + /
This shortcut lets you edit all layers, except the background. However, it should be noted that the background layer (which is already locked from the start) will not be affected. The shortcut keys are as follows:
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Macs:
Cmd + Opt + /
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PCs:
Ctrl + alt=""Image" + /
Step 5. Lock some layers so you can do more complicated edits
You can lock specific parts of the layer so that more detailed edits can be made. All of these buttons are to the right of the lock button, and their names will be visible when hovered over with the cursor. Here are some options you can try:
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Lock Transparent Pixels:
The icon is a checkerboard. This option prevents you from editing the transparent parts of the layer. This means that all layers below it will not be affected.
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Lock Image Pixels:
The icon is a paint brush. In this option, you can only edit the transparent part of the layer.
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Lock Pixel Position:
The icon is a cross symbol. This option prevents you from moving the layer, but it can still be painted, recolored, and overwritten.
