Unable to select layer by clicking on the image in Photoshop

[h2ocolor2]

My Photoshop program suddenly won't allow me to click on a layer by clicking on the image. I can only get to the right layer by sifting through the layers in the layer window. This has never happened before, and I'm hoping there's a fix? 

Also, I'm using this program on Windows.

Thanks for your help!

[Conrad C · Accepted solution]

What makes it possible to select a layer by clicking the image is the Auto-Select setting for the Move tool. When the Move tool is selected, look in the options bar and see if Auto-Select Layer has become disabled. If so, enable it and try again.

[h2ocolor2]

Thank you SO Much. A .5 second solution to hours of frustration!! You're the best! 

[jfraze]

I don't see this option. What am I doing wrong?

[Conrad C]

I don't see this option. What am I doing wrong?

By @jfraze

You actually do have the option there, but it’s been condensed down to a icon instead of text, probably because Enable Narrow Options Bar is selected (see demo below).

[Comrade.Cid]

thank you soooo much... this behaviour was driving me mad 😓

[MatheusSousa.GD]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! For some reason I deactivacted the Auto-Select check and I burnt my head out trying to figure out what was happened. I'm Brazillian and I coudn't find any solution in my language until I search in English, then I found this page. THANKS TO YOU, I can work well.

[Bojan Živković · Accepted solution]

To add to previous correct answer: to temporary activate/deactivate mentioned Auto Select feature with Move Tool active press Ctrl key and hold. Release Ctrl key when you are done.

Another way to select layer is to right click on image with Move tool active. Context menu will allow you to select layer group or layer. Context menu items depend on area where is Move tool icon, by the way.

[Sopaan]

still it did not work after select it .

[Rossen5FBC]

I have the same problem with the latest version of Photoshop 24.6.0.

[SeaAnita]

Using Photoshop 25.2 and I have Auto-Select checked. Still can't select a photo by ctrl+click it. I turned it off and back on, but still won't do it.

[Bojan Živković]

It works for me on Windows. When any tool beside the Move tool is active, Ctrl + clicking on an image works by temporarily switching to the Move tool. Note: 'Auto Select > Layer' must be checked in the Options bar before using the Ctrl switcher. In version 25.2.0, clicking on the background layer won't select the Background layer; however, it will select any other layer in the Layers stack.