Transform function grayed out in PS CC

It's been a few days and I am back to square 1. I'm having the exact same problem and I have no idea what is causing it. Only difference this time is , my software is up to date, my license is valid/active/linked to my email.

I can't even dag and drop an image in to Photoshop. This truly is a nightmare.

I never had this problem with the 2018 version of the software, so, I doubt that it's actually something I'm doing wrong. 

I'm having a similar issue. Since I updated to Photoshop CC 2019, I've been having problems. None of my shortcuts work, all transform controls are greyed out. I cannot duplicate a layer, I cannot flip an image and it's very frustrating, I cannot even use the Ctrl + T shortcut. I've tried to reset preference settings by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift key on startup, but that didn't seem to help at all.

I have noticed an error on something about the graphic driver or something, but I do not see how this would create this issue.

Anyone have some advise on what I could try to fix this issue?

Same thing happened to me with a jpg and no selections, immediately after unlocking that layer. Workaround was to duplicate that layer or create a new one. After that I could transform either layer, so I deleted the new layer and transform was now working on the original layer.

I found I had this problem too. I tried deselect, I tried creating a selection around the object I was trying to transform, which is how (I think?) I normally make a transformation. Closing the document after saving and then reopening fixed this issue. I didn't have to restart photoshop.

Hello, I realize this post is a bit old, but I did find a possible solution that has not been mentioned. 

- Go to the 'paths' tab located next to your layers channels tab.

- De-select any path layer that may be highlighted.

- You can do this by clicking on empty space within that small 'paths' tab.

Doing this re-enables my free transform option, and allows me to edit the layer I'm working on.

I just ran into this problem, and it usually happens when I'm working with vectors and paths.  I don't use them often, so when I do, I always get lost for awhile when this happens.  The program seems to prioritize paths over 'normal layers' when a 'path layer' is highlighted/selected.  Makes sense I guess, but when I'm trying to use paths as a reference for perspective, I get this problem.

Hopefully this helps you and others in the future.

I'm having the same problem, it happens all the time. The layer isn't locked and there are no hidden selections. It just stops working. I can select multiple layers and transform them all together but not a single layer on its own.

This happens to me as well.  Much simpler path.  I scanned a jpg and opened it with Photoshop CS6.  I cannot transform it (or any of the other transformation/rotation functions).  With all the updates, I can't understand why Adobe can't fix this.

Merton,

Another thing you can try to isolate the offending Layer, if there is one, and that is to keep checking the Transform Tool as you delete layer after Layer to see if the trans form tool becomes active again.

You can Delete a layer, then check the transform tool,  then un-delete the layer and move to the next and next layers and again un-delete as you go.

Joe

Merton,

There are only 2 ways that I can 'force' the Transform tool to be "Grayed Out".  Either to have the EyeBall turned off on a selected layer or the layer is "Locked".

I tried a lot of scenarios including Vector Masks, 8 bit, 16 bit and 32 bit modes, Clipping and more.

Also tried Grouped layers with hidden layers inside the Group.

Tried "Hide All Effects" and "Disable Layer Effects" on Layers with Effects and Transform tool still works.

I would examine each layer for something out of the ordinary.

Select the Background Layer and look at Edit > Transform repeatedly as you step through your Layers and turn off each Layer's Eyeball, while keeping Background Layer active.

When you see the Transform Tool go active ( un-grayed out).

this may reveal which layer is the issue with Transform Tool being Grayed Out.

Just some toubleshooting ideas.

Hope you discover the problem soon,  I know you're frustrated.

Joe

The problems are:
1- Do not have any selection
2- Do not select on background or locked layer
3- Must select on a layer