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

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

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!

[Chuck Uebele]

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/scripti...

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

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]

Yes, it will be automatic.

[JJMack]

From my experience it is  automatic if the open is from using Photoshop UI manually.  Open from autonated processes do not trigger event handlers. Changing a background to a mormal layer would make action that select background layer fail.

[D Fosse]

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.

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

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]

Hello, Glad to hear it works!

Twain is supported...

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

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

It IS supported?  Hmm. I must be an idiot. (Trust me, I am...) Wait... I think I just answered my own stupidity...  MY awesome Epson V500 Perfection Scanner doesn't have 64-bit drivers.  Yup. I'm an idiot.  Ok skip that part haha.

I spoke to soon. The action didn't seem to work. i am sure that's my fault, too...

Will try again.

Thanks.

[PECourtejoie]

Hi, how did the action fail?

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

CAn you please tell me how you got your TWAIN scanner to work? MIne doesn't and I found this: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/twain-scanner-plugin.html

Thanks

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

Hi there sorry for the late reply. It actually does work and as I stated before, I'm an idiot. I am SO used to just clicking the lock, that's what I did instead of double-clicking and OKing like you said.

It works perfectly - thank you and to all who replied!

The next issue is getting my Epson V500 Perfection Photo flawlessly amazing 14 year ld scanner t work in PhotoShop.  Turns out TWAIN isn't supported: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/twain-scanner-plugin.html 

Mike

[PECourtejoie · Accepted solution]

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)

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

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

[Chuck Uebele]

Would an action be best or a script that can check to see if there is a background layer to unlock?

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

Thank you Chuck and that's a good quesiton. To tell you the truth, it only takes a split second to run, so I'm happy either way!

[PECourtejoie]

I can't code, but I can create an action.... So that's the scope of my choices. Of course, checking would be better!

We need something like Automator, or Shortcuts, so that idiots like me could automate Ps 😉

[Stephen Marsh]

Don't forget conditional actions, background layer/flattened is one of the few conditions available to actions.

[PECourtejoie]

one of the few conditions available to actions.

By @Stephen Marsh

Excellent point, Stephen. Do you feel that more conditions should be added?

Should we start a Features Request Thread?

[Stephen Marsh]

I wasn't really giving credit to the conditions that are there - 24 in total, so perhaps I was a bit harsh. Perhaps I just never made good use of them before I finally got around to scripting. Most of the basics are there, with notable exceptions around selections and channels, so this could be a start for additions.

Many conditions wouldn't make sense outside of scripting as they are often bespoke, or would require the ability to apply a static or variable value to the condition to make it workable. Some basic variables would improve actions though, such as the document width or height, or filename with and without filename extension. This would require the ability to record the variable into the action instead of a static number or text as is currently recorded. This is not impossible, but there would be a GUI change required. 

[JJMack]

Actually if you are Batching  files the event handler will not be triggered the batch process must include the step to conversion a backgrounds layer to normal layer if that is required.

[JJMack]

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.

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

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]

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 ---)

[SpielbergRules24x7x365]

Thanks - I only scan to PNGs. Haven't used JPGs in ages.

There's no options from PaintShop Pro that I use for scanning (since there are no 64-bit drivers for my scanner, and Ps doesn't support TWAIN anyway.

I replied to another issue that you replied to a few years ago about PSD thumbnails only showing the icon, not the image. I did download that Fast Picture Viewer. Didn't et a chance to play with it yet.

But, in your sample image I noticed your Dodecahedron icon. I LOVE making 3D geometric shpaes using a single sheet of paper. I have a whole folder of stuff I designed.