Unlock the background layer?

Why does Elements automatically lock the background layer? Is there no way to unlock it? Sometimes I like to modify the background layer, move it around, and make other alterations to it. As it is, if I want to move the background, I must copy it onto a new layer, make the shift, then delete the old background! Needless to say, very slow for large files.

Right click background layer in the layers palette, click "duplicate layer", then shut off visibility of the background layer by clicking the eye icon.
The background copy layer is now at your disposal for manipulation.
If you need to start over again, just delete the layers which you have created.

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Why does the Background Layer unlock itself?

When I open a picture in PS the first layer is a locked background layer. If I start working in PS it changes automatically to an unlocked Layer 0. I want it to stay as an locked background layer. I have used PS for a few years, and just started happening.

With the new version of Photoshop if you work on the background layer and do something like click on the add layer mask icon in the layer palette. Since the background layer does not support transparency Photoshop knows you need to convert the background layer to a normal layer so Photoshop automatically does that for you. If you just paint on the background layer or clear or fill an area, stroke a selection it will remain a background layer with its transparency locked. The Background layer is only partially locked so you can work on it as shown by the un-filled in lock icon on the background layer in the layer palette. If you look here you see layer 2 is unlocked, Layer 1 is fully locked and the background layer is partly locked and has been worked on.

Does anyone know why the delete and hide options are still missing in the crop tool option bar, despite having changed the background layer to a regular layer? Thanks!

Does anyone know why the delete and hide options are still missing in the crop tool option bar, despite having changed the background layer to a regular layer? Thanks!

"flying blind."
"You totally lost me there, and I have no clue as to what your last question means."
"I think I now know what you mean."
Evidently language is of difficulty for you.
Perhaps the Oxford dictionary can provide you with your much needed “sensible, meaningful” content.
According to the Oxford dictionary, a dialogue is to "Take part in a conversation or discussion to resolve a problem." It also states that a dialogue is "A discussion between two or more people or groups, especially one directed toward exploration of a particular subject or resolution of a problem.”
That IS the inherent nature of posts. A conversation is reciprocation. Questions, followed by more questions.
It is not difficult to understand.
"how to ask your questions correctly for quicker and better answers" is best actualized by simply asking.
Is it a Mac; is it not, etc.
That IS sufficient. That IS "quicker and better answers[ing]." That IS what a dialogue IS. And that IS actually what is "sensible," "meaningful," and "detailed."
The Oxford dictionary can best delineate and elucidate your lack of comprehension in what ACTUALLY “meaning” is.
As well as what is "sensible" AND "detailed."
By the way, am I being repetitive.
Still confused. Let the experts that do not require much explanation respond with "quicker and better answers" for both "sensible, complete" responses." They are not "lost," "blind," or provide "incomplete" drivel.

How to reveal the background layer through a cut-out?

How can I cut out a shape from my PS image to expose the background layer? I will "Save for Web" with a transparent background.
The shape will be a rectangle, and a text layer will later be added to display within the rectangle.
My goal is to use the PS image as part of a Web page, allowing the Web page background to show through the rectangle which surrounds the text.
Hope this explanation makes sense.
thanks!

Sounds like what you want to do is what countless others do - nothing special.
In Photoshop, put what you want to show on a layer (not Background), make it partially transparent (either with an erase operation or hiding parts of it with a mask), make sure no Background layer is showing (you'll see the checkerboard through the transparent parts), and save the work product as a PNG (or possibly a GIF, but PNG offers partial transparency).
You'll also want to save your design as a master PSD of course, so you can edit the master file
This page might give you some food for thought...
http://Noel.ProDigitalSoftware.com/temp/TransparencyTest/TransparencyTest2.html
-Noel

Format Plug-in: How to access the "Background" layer?

Hello all.
I've been working on a Photoshop file format plugin, and for the most part, it's nearly done. However, while testing, I ran into a little problem. While it seems to work great, if there's at least one layer, it fails miserably if a "flat" image is being saved
It appears that, presumably because there aren't any layers,(i.e. layerCount=0), that no pixel data is available for converting/saving. Now the question is, how is one supposed to compensate for this? Is there a way, through the API, to either force Photoshop to promote the Background layer to a proper layer? Or some other way of accessing the pixelData for that layer?
I mean, I'd rather not have to force users to take extra steps prior to saving - as that just seems sloppy. So I'd appreciate it if someone could clue me in to how to respond to this.
Thanks,
Sean

Hello all.
I've been working on a Photoshop file format plugin, and for the most part, it's nearly done. However, while testing, I ran into a little problem. While it seems to work great, if there's at least one layer, it fails miserably if a "flat" image is being saved
It appears that, presumably because there aren't any layers,(i.e. layerCount=0), that no pixel data is available for converting/saving. Now the question is, how is one supposed to compensate for this? Is there a way, through the API, to either force Photoshop to promote the Background layer to a proper layer? Or some other way of accessing the pixelData for that layer?
I mean, I'd rather not have to force users to take extra steps prior to saving - as that just seems sloppy. So I'd appreciate it if someone could clue me in to how to respond to this.
Thanks,
Sean

I have several layers for this image: Background, Moon, Tree, Grass and Clouds. When I try to use the Move tool to move the Moon, the tool jumps to the Tree layer. The same thing happens with the other layers as well (except the background layer). How

I have several layers for my image: Background, Moon, Tree, Grass and Clouds. When I try to use the Move tool to move the Moon, the tool jumps to the Tree layer. The same thing happens with the other layers as well (except the background layer). How can I keep the move tool from jumpimg to the Tree layer?

1. Pre-select (highlight) the layer to move in the Layers panel. or-
2. [ALT+Right mouse click] to select the wanted layer in the image window.
and maybe
3. Set the PS option to "Auto-select" a layer with cursor hover. (can be very confusing!)

CS5 - the background layer - how to fix

CS5 - the background layer - although it shows as being locked - it is not -- when I add a new layer the new information also changes in the background layer - how do you fix that?

Noel -- thank you for responding to my question - I hope this series of pictures make sense. Let me know what you think. Thank you,

Why are my masked layers bleeding through the background layer?

Hi All,
I'm working on a composite images using multipal layers and masks to create a collage. For some reason, I'm getting unwanted parts of layered images bleeding through the background layer.
I've trying using inverted masks which stop the 'bleed' but then I am unable to see it under the transparent background layer to edit it. Clipping mask doesn't seem to be helping either.
I've done this sort of thing many times and have not had this happen. I seem to have forgotten a step. I'm using Photoshop CC, btw.
What am I doing wrong? Ideas?
Thanks!

Good day!
Could you please post a screenshot with the Layers Panel visible?
Are you sure you paint with black and white?
When you view the Layer Mask by alt-clocking its icon in the Layers Panel and measure the area that is to be hidden is it truly 100% black?
(Resetting fore- and background colour by hitting the key D can also be helpful.)
Regards,
Pfaffenbichler

Filling the background layer quickly with the bucket tool

I really need help with this but its kinda hard to explain, heres what i want to do. (I am a noob btw)
I was making a background layer (the line is a hill):
The problem is, how do i fill the hill green and the sky blue without drawing a border around the edge?
When i use the bucket tool it just doesn't work.
Please help!

No need for a border. Just click with the bucket tool.

Unlocking Background layer

I am making a collage of pictures and realized I had added a number of pictures directly onto the background without creating separate layers. When I wanted to move some of them, I couldn't because the background is locked.Is there a way to unlock the background so I don't have to redo it?Abbey

Abbey,
To unlock the Background layer, simply double-click it and rename it to something other than "Background". The default name "Layer 0" is sufficient.
But I'm a bit confused. You say you already added some items to the background? Since these are not layers I'm guessing they are permanent and unlocking the Background won't buy you anything.
I find it good practice to first duplicate the Background layer, turn off it's visibility, and start working from the duplicate layer. This way the orignal will still be there in an emergency.

Can't unlock background layer using Photoshop CS3 Extended

I installed CS3 a few days ago (though I'm an experienced CS2 and Photoshop 6 user) and opened Photoshop CS3 Extended today for the first time.
The problem I'm having is with unlocking the background layer. I read in the documentation and on the Net about double-clicking and renaming the layer (which is what I did in other versions), or creating a new file with a transparent background, but those things aren't working for me in this version.
I opened a tiff file (a logo I want to use as the basis for a new image) but I can't unlock the background layer so I can copy, manipulate or add to it. Everything on the Layers drop-down menu is grayed out, as are the word Lock: and the symbols following it in the Layers window.
I tried creating a new image but when File|New dialog box opens the option to use transparent in the Background Contents dropdown is grayed out, too.
I'd appreciate some help with this.
Thanks,
Peggy

The issue has to do with the mode that you are in. If it is a TIFF or GIF file that you are opening, when you click on "Image -- Mode" you are likely to see "Indexed Color..." with a checkmark next to it. Be sure to select "RGB Color." Once you have done that, you can simply double-click the background layer in the layers palette to unlock the image.

How do I unlock background layer?

How do I unlock the background layer on free trial photoshop?

go to layers window and select the layer you are trying to unlock, There should be a lock icon next to name of layer, you can drag lock icon to trash can at the bottom of the layer window and layer will be unlocked. There is also a lock icon just above all the layers and you can toggle the layer as locked or unlocked. multiple ways to do the same task. Male sure to the select the correct layer you are trying to unlock. background layer applies as well.

Unlock background layer

How do I unlock the background layer without duplicating it first and deleting the locked layer. It's a nuisance. I never ever want that background layer locked. why is photoshop locking it by default?

I have always wondered why they locked the initial layer. Many times I will open a picture to do alterations on it, and many times I have to unlock that layer, pretty much all the time actually. It is simple to promote to a regular layer, I just don't see the productivity enhancement in locking it.
Many times a regular image you open will just have 1 layer, and the whole layer is the background layer. I agree that locking the "background" is a good idea, but not when an image is 99% of the time interpreted as a single layer, in the form of a locked background layer. Not that I'm sitting here day in and day out pulling my hair out over it, but it is slighty perplexing and slightly annoying, and I've always wanted to ask a Photoshop Guru the benefits of making this happen by default with no option to change it at all.

Newbie Question ... How do you Unlock Background Layer

How do you unlock the background layer? I put together an image then flattened it. Now it is showing as locked. I want to make changes to the various layers I used to make the image. The lock symbol in ghosted, as well as the Lock Grid image.
Can anyone offer any quick assistance?
Thanks.

You'll get better response on the Photoshop Elements forum for a Photoshop Elements question, of course.
But, meantime, try double-clicking on the Background layer on the Layersa palette.

Background layer seizes added images.

I am trying to create a photo collage by scratch (not using "Collage"). First I create a new blank page for the background and save it. It is shown as "locked" with a padlock. Then I open an image file (.jpg) to add to the background layer, and I get a message that I need to unlock the background layer so I click to unlock it. However the added image locks onto the background layer and doesn't make a new layer. If I open another image file it locks on top of the others.

The Layers panel only shows the layer(s) belonging to the currently active file. You need to arrange your image windows so that you can see your composite image as well as the source. With the source image active the Layers panel will show the source - click and drag that layer to the composite.
So in the following, the violet image is the active image and I drag its layer to the white image I've created for my collage. In the composite image with the new layer selected I can position it where I want. Select each of the other images in turn and do the same. Refer to my previous note, you can also do this with Copy & Paste.
When finished, your composite image and its Layers panel will look like this:
Cheers,
Neale
Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children
If this post or another user's post resolves the original issue, please mark the posts as correct and/or helpful accordingly. This helps other users with similar trouble get answers to their questions quicker. Thanks.

Unlock the background layer?

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