Locked layers can be selected and duplicated by auto-select

Report · Apr 22, 2025

I believe that this was not true in the past, but in Photoshop 26.5.0, a locked layer can be moved around and selected by auto-select. For me the point of locking layers is to be able to maintain the appearance of the file while moving things around underneath another layer. It works right up until the point when I try to duplicate an item using option click and then it becomes clear auto-select has selected the top locked layer, not the object underneath, because it duplicates and moves that locked layer, as shown in the attached video. Please fix this so that a locked layer is once again ignored by auto-select.

Report · Apr 22, 2025

Hi @FrancescaSF,

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation and video — really helpful!

I tested this on my end, and I’m able to reproduce the same behavior even in Photoshop 2023, so it doesn’t seem to be a new issue introduced in version 26.5.0. It appears to be expected behavior, as locked layers can still be selected via Auto-Select.

That said, I want to ensure we’re 100% aligned — I’ve attached a screen recording showing what I did on my end. Could you please take a look and confirm if it matches what you’re experiencing?

Once I get your confirmation, I’ll be happy to cross-check this with the product team to see if this behavior is intentional or something that needs to be revisited.

Appreciate your patience!

Best,

Anshul Saini

Report · Apr 23, 2025

Yes Anshul Saini, that's exactly the behavior causing the trouble, thanks for the video. The video doesn't necessarily show the actual use case that troubles me (when I'm in a lower layer selected by auto-select and option-clicking applies to a new selection -- which happens to be a locked layer -- rather than the layer I'm in.) The confusing bit is that the program can adequately detect I'm trying to manipulate a lower layer, but NOT when I press option, at which time it reselects and manipulates a new layer 😞 I've been using Photoshop for a loooong time and it looks like this file I have reopened to change was created in 2013, so it's possible I misremember how I previously edited it. However whether or not the behavior is intended, it's making my workflow difficult, I'd like a workaround for easily copying the layer I'm in --- maybe there's a different keyboard shortcut for that in this instance

Report · Apr 27, 2025

Thanks for the clarification! I totally understand how this behavior can disrupt your workflow, especially with such a long history with Photoshop.

One workaround you might want to try is using Cmd + J (or Ctrl + J on Windows) to duplicate the selected layer instantly. This will create a copy without needing to hold the Option key, and it should allow you to move it around more easily with your mouse. You can then keep working on the duplicated layer without having to worry about accidentally selecting and duplicating a locked layer.

Let me know if that helps or if you’d like to explore more options. I'm happy to assist further if needed.

Best,

Anshul Saini

Report · Apr 28, 2025

Thank you Anshul Saini! Command J works well as a method of duplicating layers without using the option shortcut that defaults to selecting the top locked layer.

Report · Apr 29, 2025

You’re welcome, Francesca! I’m glad to hear that Command + J works well for your workflow. It is definitely a cleaner workaround when locked layers are involved.

If any similar quirks pop up or you’d like help streamlining another part of your process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Always happy to help you keep things flowing smoothly.

Warm regards,

Anshul Saini