Converting shape layer to frame causes layer to disappear.

[Bubbs]

On latest version 21.0.2 (Windows 10) - I've created a grid of 8 shape layers, and I'm converting them to frames to drop in images later. 5 of the shapes convert as expected.  3 of the shapes, when right-clicking the layer and choosing 'convert to frame', the shape disappears from both the canvas and from the layers panel.  If I select the move tool and try to move the area the shape was around, It behaves as if it's grabbed something and the guide lines show up when I move the cursor around.  Also, if I try to drop in an image to the area the frame should be, the area the frame is supposed to be highlights with a border, but dropping the image in, does not reveal anything on the canvas, the layer is still absent from the layers panel, and history shows the activity.  If I undo I can revert back to the shape layer.

Converting the problem shapes to frames, saving the document and re-launching does not resolve.  Rebooting the PC does not resolve.  Creating a new document does not resolve but does change which shapes are problematic. The only work around I've found is to delete the shapes and re-create them.  Which is tedious depending on the shapes impacted.

Putting this out there in case others experience it.

[lambiloon]

Hi i am using Photoshop CC 2020 its workiing for me try to reset your preferences hope it helps.....regards

[S_Gans]

This is unusual behavior I haven't yet seen. Is there something different about te shape layers that aren't working? A different shape? Hand-drawn or something? Have you tried converting back to shape layers, THEN back to frames again? Trying to troubleshoot... do you have any further information you can provide, so we can help? 

[Bubbs]

In my final document they're more complicated shapes, but I tried a fresh document with just rounded rectangles on a guide layout and still had about 20% of them fail for no discernable reason.  As for converting them back, I can undo the conversion, but have no way of selecting the dissapeared frames because it vanishes from the layers panel, and the invisible object on the canvas doesn't respond to a right-click.   I can undo the conversion, delete the shape, and then re-create it, to where it has about another 20% chance of failing again.  Not too troublesome with a rounded rectangle or other default shape, but a custom one is more of a pain to recreate. 

[JJMack]

IMO Adbe Frame tool and Frame layer has more problems and bugs than you want to deal with. Photoshop has been able to frame image after the introduction of layers and layer mask.  It it quite easy to automated the creation of Photo Collage Templates that can be populated with Photoshop automation. All you need to create a layered prototype for your collage. That is create a document the size and resolution  you want your collage to have like a 16" by 20"  300PPI canvas.  Then create Image layers on top of the document's canvas. For example add a empty layer set a selection 7.75"  by 9.75" and fill with a color like 50% gray as an Image layer. Duplicate that layer 3 times. Then Position the layer over the canvas.  You may want to  add a fifth image layer as a top image over the center of the canvas that has some distinct shape.  Once you have done that you can run the LayerToAlphaChan script from my free download Photoshop Photo Collage and Mockup Toolkit  that will create the photo college template for you.  You cloud also add some overlay over the top centered image to embellish it some.  Then save the Document as a Photo College template PSD.  Your saved template can be populated with your image interactively, or automatically, even  batched populated with your images and optionally add image layer style and stamp text file name on the image with or without a layer style.  It would  work something like this:

If you know Photoshop well you can get quite creative and even animated a Photo collage.  But that not for a beginner.

[Bubbs]

Thanks!  Photoshop often has more than one approach to a task, and I'll add yours to my toolbox.  Those animations are pretty interesting and I may have to figure that out.