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How do I prevent non-PSD files loaded into PhotoShop from ALWAYS having the background layer locked?

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
December 16, 2021
5 replies
3729 views

It's REALLY annoying to have to unlock the background layer every time. Now, if it were just a couple images, no big deal.

But I have a project with amost 600 images that I have to work on.

Am I missing something in the Preferences?

Can someone PLEASE tell me how to load images WITHOUT the background layer being locked? THANK YOU!

Windows

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Correct answer PECourtejoie

Hello, having a locked backround layer is done by default, so that the image could be saved in the same format.

I would create an action that converts the background into a layer, then run it via the Script Event Manager.

Open one image with a locked background.

Show the Actions Panel (Alt+F9)

Create a new action set (click on the folder icon, name it for instance "Auto")

Create a new action (Click on the [+] icon, name it for instance "Auto Unlock")

Double-click on the background layer, click OK (name it if you want)

Hit the stop button (the square in the Actions Panel)

You might want to select the Action set, and go to the flyout menu, and save the action in case you want it on another install/version.

Go to File>Scripts>Script Events Manager

Check Enable Events to Run Scripts/Actions.

Select in Photoshop Event: Open Document

Click the radio Button in Front of Action: [your set, for instance Auto] [Your action, for instance "Auto Unlock"]

Click Add, then Done.

Now, each time you open an image, it will convert its background into a layer, unless you go to the SEM to disable it.

(lol, all this was typed at the same time the others replied)

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

Recently discussed in this topic:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/script-for-open-as-layer-without-file-extension/m-p/12594732#M608355

S

SpielbergRules24x7x365Author

Known Participant

Thanks for that. Will check it out.

JJMack

Community Expert

Photoshop open files into Photoshop Documents according to the File format and file content. Jpeg files only Have a Background layer Jpeg format do not Support transparency it is a background layer. Other Files type like PSD and layered Tiff files may or may not have a Background layer. Other file Types like PNG files many not have a background layers however, the layer it has many not contain any transparency all pixels may have a color value and be 100% opaque. When you open a new document you have a choice to have a colored Background layer or have an empty transparent layer. You can Install an Open and New Document event handler that can convert document that open with a background layer be made a normal layer. However, if the Document is open through an Automated Process the Event handler will not be triggered the document will open with Photoshop default open processs and the handler will not be triggered and interferer with the automation process.

JJMack

S

SpielbergRules24x7x365Author

Known Participant

Thanks for the info. I am just confused why Ps needs ot lock the layer at all. I do understand what you wrote. But I think it should be up to ME if I want the layer locked or not.

JJMack

Community Expert

Photoshop's single bottom Background layer is a special Layer it is not a normal layer. It is canvas sized and does not support transparenct no layer can be under it. It is the bottom layer. Transparency is Locked there is no transparency. A document is not required to have a Photoshop Background layer. If a Document has as a Background Layer and you save the document into an image file would you expect Photoshop to delete that data? Jpeg file formate does not support layers and does not support transparency It's image is a Photoshop Background Layer.

So do not use/edit Jpeg files do not save Background layer into files you will use in Photoshop it is up to you. Background Layer are locked don't use them ---)

JJMack

PECourtejoie

Correct answer

Community Expert

Hello, having a locked backround layer is done by default, so that the image could be saved in the same format.

I would create an action that converts the background into a layer, then run it via the Script Event Manager.

Open one image with a locked background.

Show the Actions Panel (Alt+F9)

Create a new action set (click on the folder icon, name it for instance "Auto")

Create a new action (Click on the [+] icon, name it for instance "Auto Unlock")

Double-click on the background layer, click OK (name it if you want)

Hit the stop button (the square in the Actions Panel)

You might want to select the Action set, and go to the flyout menu, and save the action in case you want it on another install/version.

Go to File>Scripts>Script Events Manager

Check Enable Events to Run Scripts/Actions.

Select in Photoshop Event: Open Document

Click the radio Button in Front of Action: [your set, for instance Auto] [Your action, for instance "Auto Unlock"]

Click Add, then Done.

Now, each time you open an image, it will convert its background into a layer, unless you go to the SEM to disable it.

(lol, all this was typed at the same time the others replied)

S

SpielbergRules24x7x365Author

Known Participant

That's awesome thank you - the fact that it is done automatically is what I had wondered when I asked the previous poster.

And while I do understand it's locked by default so it can be saved in teh same format, why is that even necessary? Just save after you do whatever you're gonna do, right?

Mucho awesomeness! Thank you to all who replied. Will try that right now.

Mike

D Fosse

Community Expert

Photoshop just opens the file in the actual state it's been saved in.

To unlock a flat background layer (called Background in the Layers panel, in italics), it has to be converted into a floating layer first.

Note that some file formats, like jpeg, don't support anything other than a single flat Background layer. Floating layers are not supported in the jpeg spec.

S

SpielbergRules24x7x365Author

Known Participant

Thank you for the reply.

The near 600 files are all PNGs (I probably should have mentioned that.)

Since Ps for some ungodly reason doesn't support TWAIN scanners, I used PaintShop Pro to scan these images. There is no "locking" mechanism (for lack of a better term) when saving.

Thanks!

PECourtejoie

Community Expert

Hello, Glad to hear it works!

Twain is supported...

What are you trying to do that the locked layer prevents you?

Chuck Uebele

Community Expert

You can create a script that will unlock the Background layer, the use the event manager to run the script, when a file is open.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/scripting.html&ved=2ahUKEwj_o9G4v-j0AhXqoFsKHdmGCwEQFnoECCUQBQ&usg=AOvVaw0rfhTPrho7bSjNAh-9GFxL

S

SpielbergRules24x7x365Author

Known Participant

Thank you for the reply Chuck.

I read that link you sent. Just to make sure I understand, if a script is setup to unlock the layer, can that script be made to run automatically when the file is opened?

If not, then it's just something I will have to do 600 times and then can just click the lock...

Thank you.

Mike

Chuck Uebele

Community Expert

Yes, it will be automatic.

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