How to Unlock Layers in Photoshop
Open up your image in Photoshop like normal., Click on the locked layer in the "Layers" palette., Click on the layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + J to duplicate an unlocked version of the background., Double-click on the background layer to rename and...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Open up your image in Photoshop like normal.
There is no sort of change or setting you can switch before opening an image that unlocks the background layer.
Just open up the image like normal. -
Step 2: Click on the locked layer in the "Layers" palette.
This is the long box on the right of your screen labeled layers.
You'll see each layer
-- starting with "Background"
-- as well as a little thumbnail of the image.
Next to Background there should be a small padlock icon that tells you the layer is locked. 'Troubleshooting:
I don't see "Layers:" Click on "Window" in the top bar.
Make sure "Layers" is checked.
If it is, and the palette is still not open, click "Window" → "Workspace" → and hit "Essentials." Still struggling? Reset "Painting" and click that., This is perhaps the safest way to go, since it saves you a perfect original copy if anything goes wrong.
For PC users, press Ctrl+J when the background layer is highlighted.
For Mac users, it is Cmd+J.
Your new layer will be unlocked and ready to edit.
You can also click on "Layers" from the top bar, then click "Duplicate Layer."
Simply double-click on the title of the layer, "Background" and it will open a little box to recreate the layer.
From this box, you can:
Change the name Set a blending mode Color code the layer for organization Set the layer's base opacity, In the top bar, click on "Layer"-- the right option should be near the top.
Simple and easy, this also replaces your background layer with a brand new one.
You will not have a spare background, just one unlocked section. -
Step 3: Click on the layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + J to duplicate an unlocked version of the background.
-
Step 4: Double-click on the background layer to rename and unlock it.
-
Step 5: Click on "Layer" then "New Layer from Background" to create an unlocked replacement layer.
Detailed Guide
There is no sort of change or setting you can switch before opening an image that unlocks the background layer.
Just open up the image like normal.
This is the long box on the right of your screen labeled layers.
You'll see each layer
-- starting with "Background"
-- as well as a little thumbnail of the image.
Next to Background there should be a small padlock icon that tells you the layer is locked. 'Troubleshooting:
I don't see "Layers:" Click on "Window" in the top bar.
Make sure "Layers" is checked.
If it is, and the palette is still not open, click "Window" → "Workspace" → and hit "Essentials." Still struggling? Reset "Painting" and click that., This is perhaps the safest way to go, since it saves you a perfect original copy if anything goes wrong.
For PC users, press Ctrl+J when the background layer is highlighted.
For Mac users, it is Cmd+J.
Your new layer will be unlocked and ready to edit.
You can also click on "Layers" from the top bar, then click "Duplicate Layer."
Simply double-click on the title of the layer, "Background" and it will open a little box to recreate the layer.
From this box, you can:
Change the name Set a blending mode Color code the layer for organization Set the layer's base opacity, In the top bar, click on "Layer"-- the right option should be near the top.
Simple and easy, this also replaces your background layer with a brand new one.
You will not have a spare background, just one unlocked section.
About the Author
Cheryl Anderson
Experienced content creator specializing in cooking guides and tutorials.
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