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Answered

Can't unlock a layer?

Forum|Forum|12 years ago
November 26, 2013
5 replies
122147 views

hello: Windows 8 64bit - Ps CC

i have an image from a client and it's just one Layer but it's locked and i would like to be able to unlock it and also to add a new layer above it which i am also unable to do.

any ideas why this is?

i know i can re-save it so that i can add a new Layer at least but i am still curious as to why i can't unlock the Layer.

also, i am building a package of images to sell. I have Locked the Layers but still want the people that (hopefully) buy them to be able to unlock them -

is this not something i can do? must i leave all Layers unlocked? for the most part i have only done so to keep particular aspects of the images safe from being altered by new users of photoshop etc.

thank you for your time, help and suggestions.

happy holidays

Correct answer TOMAdv

I've also ran into this several times, and it usually has something to do with what Mode the image is in. So be sure to check Image > Mode and be sure you're working in an editable mode (usually RGB or CMYK). Switching to one of those modes should allow you to unlock as normal.

$1949Leslie

Known Participant

TOMAdv's post in this thread worked for me! As mentioned, make sure the document Mode (Image > Mode) is RGB or CMYK. Or -- I changed my document Mode from Bitmap to Greyscale, which also gave me the layer in an unlockable form.

tylerk85577463

Participant

What???????????? it'/''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s locked

jane-e

Community Expert

@tylerk85577463

If you are having an issue with a locked layer, then please clarify and show a screen shot.

~ Jane

45634563545

Inspiring

Experienced this issue today for the first time ever, and solved it in a different way.

20 years of PS usage. Never had this problem before.

In my case it was a smart object, so losing the ability to edit its contents would be a showstopper.

My solution was to convert the perma-locked smart object into a linked smart object, which basically allowed me to export the smart object's contents as another document.

I regained access to all the layers inside the locked SO again. I can re-insert it into the original parent doc or do whatever I want with it now.

T

TOMAdvCorrect answer

Participant

I've also ran into this several times, and it usually has something to do with what Mode the image is in. So be sure to check Image > Mode and be sure you're working in an editable mode (usually RGB or CMYK). Switching to one of those modes should allow you to unlock as normal.

R

Rimajo58

Participant

You sir, are brilliant. That was exactly my problem, The image mode was indexed instead of RGB or CMYK. As soon as I switched the mode, I was able to unlock the layer.

JJMack

Community Expert

If it is a background layer it will always be partially locked for the Photoshop Background layer does not support transparency. Therefore Transparency is always locked on the bottom Photoshop Background layer. Also no layer can be moved below it and if its the only layer its visibility can not be turned off. Photoshop background layer is a special layer. One is nor required in a document and you can convert a background layer to a normal layer and unlock it.

You should be able to add a layer above it not one below it. Try Shift+Ctrl+Alt+N

JJMack

Kar209Author

Known Participant

thank you JJ -

i will try your suggestions tomorrow as i'm quite tired now and turn'n in for the nite. thank you for your time!

i'll be back tomorrow to let you know how things go.

thanx again!

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