Easily Unlock Any Layer in Photoshop: Even the Background Layer

PDF download Download Article

Quickly unlock any layer, including the background layer, in Photoshop

PDF download Download Article

Unlocking layers in Adobe Photoshop is easy! Just click the lock icon to the right of a layer to unlock it. Using this method for the Background layer will replace it with an unlocked copy. This wikiHow guide will show you how to unlock layers in Photoshop for Windows and macOS.

Things You Should Know

  • Click the lock icon to the right of a layer’s name to unlock it.
  • Select the layers you want to unlock, then press the forward-slash (/) key on your keyboard to unlock them.
  • Unlock the default Background layer to replace it with a copy. Or, copy the Background with Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (macOS).
  • If you can't unlock layers, check your color mode settings to make sure your project isn't set to use Indexed Color.
Section 1 of 4:

Unlock Most Layers

PDF download Download Article
  1. This keyboard shortcut will toggle the transparent pixels lock on/off for all selected layers. [1]
    • The shortcut will also toggle off any type of lock. It will reapply that lock type if you press the key again.
    • This shortcut doesn’t work for the default Background layer. See the method below for info about unlocking it.
  2. It’s located to the right of the layer name. This will unlock the layer. [2]
    • To lock the layer again, select the layer and click one of the lock options in the layer options toolbar (directly above the layer list).
    Advertisement
  3. Select the locked layer, then click the lock icon above the layer list next to “Lock:”. There may be multiple locks on a layer.
    • After unlocking the Background, you can freely edit it! Try merging photos or flipping the image .
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Unlock the Background Layer

PDF download Download Article
  1. The Background layer is located in the layer tab. The lock is to the right of the layer name.
    • The Background is automatically locked when you create a new Photoshop file. Unlike other layers, unlocking the background layer replaces it with a new, normal layer called “Layer 0.”
    • If you don’t see the Layers tab, click Window in the menu bar. Then, select Layers from the drop-down menu. This will open the Layers tab in your tab area.
    • See the alternative options below for more Background layer information.
    • If you’re looking for how to delete the background in an image (not the Background layer), check out our guide for removing the background in a picture.
  2. This opens a menu where you can rename it, change the color, select a blending mode, and set the opacity.
    • Double-clicking the Background layer will replace it with a new, normal layer.
  3. Select the Background layer. Then, go to Layer > Layer from Background . This opens the same new layer menu as the previous step.
  4. This method preserves the original Background layer.
    • Select the Background layer.
    • Press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (macOS). This will make a copy of the Background layer above the original. The copy will be a normal layer.
    • You can also click Layers in the menu bar, then select Duplicate Layer.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Layer Lock Types

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can lock aspects of layers for more precise editing. These options are above the layers list next to “Lock:” Select one or more layers, then click one or more lock type. [3]
    • Lock Transparent Pixels limits edits to opaque parts of a layer.
    • Lock Image Pixels prevents any edits to a layer’s pixels.
    • Lock Pixel Position prevents you from moving the layer.
Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshoot Locked Layers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some file formats, specifically "Indexed Color," aren’t fully compatible with Photoshop. Luckily, they can be quickly changed, allowing full layer editing: [4]
    • Click Image in the menu bar. Then click Mode .
    • Select RGB Color to temporarily set your color settings to something manageable.
    2. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the first step in unlocking the layers in Photoshop?
    Elissa Schwartz
    Community Answer
    Go to the layers palette click on the locked layer and you will see a small window that gives you the option to unlock it and rename it. You know it is unlocked when you look at the layer and don't see the small lock icon near it on the layers palette.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 28 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • It is almost always best to keep a duplicate of your original image or background, preventing costly mistakes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Adobe Photoshop

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Insert an Image in Photoshop
      How to
      Fix "Scratch Disks are Full" Error in Photoshop
      How to
      Trace an Image in Photoshop on Windows or Mac
      3 Ways to Simply Import Fonts to Photoshop
      How to
      Install Plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop
      How to
      Make a Gradient in Photoshop
      4 Easy Ways to Insert a Bullet Point in Adobe Photoshop
      Quickly Change the Color of Background in Photoshop
      How to
      Add a Hyperlink to a JPEG in Photoshop
      Replace Text in Adobe Photoshop: 2 Simple Methods for Removal
      2 Easy Ways to Edit and Change Text Color in Photoshop
      How to
      Design an ID Card Using Adobe Photoshop
      3 Ways to Invert Image Colors in Adobe Photoshop
      How to
      Import an Image Into Photoshop
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/default-keyboard-shortcuts.html
      2. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/editing-layers.html
      3. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/moving-stacking-locking-layers.html
      4. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/color-modes.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Highlight the locked layer in the “Layers” palette.
      2. Press Control + J to duplicate the layer.
      3. Select the new unlocked layer.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 491,752 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement