Locked layer is moving when alt-dragging another layer

[Jaydude-wb]

When a layer A is locked, and a lower layer B is alt dragged to make a copy, the higher layer A is copied and moved, instead of the selected layer B.

[Guest]

Hi

Can't replicate the issue here with Photoshop 21.1.3, what exact version do you have and what operating system are you using

[Jaydude-wb]

21.2.0, but the previous version had the same issue.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[Jaydude-wb]

It happens when the toplayer is covering the bottom layer.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I asked for seeveral UI elements to be included in the screenshot. 

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

And why is Layer A selected anyway? Is the Move Tool set to »Auto-Select«? 

[Jaydude-wb]

That's due to the bug :-). Did you try to reconstruct the situation, to see for yourself?

This is the result after selecting Layer B and Alt-Dragging.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I tried to recreate the issue and did not succeed … and you did again not post the screenshot I requested. 

What is teh problem about making a screenshot that includes the pertinent Panels and Bars? 

[Ioan C.]

What's so difficult to replicate?

-create new document

-create a simple layer with a red square or a text

-lock that layer

-alt+click+drag that layer and it duplicates.

It should not duplicate since it's locked. That's the problem they are having...

[Jaydude-wb]

Meanwhile, I found that turning off 'Auto-Select' is kind of a workaround.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I had specifically asked about that setting … 

[defaultm38iqzqiyv0h]

old post but if you hit ctrl while alt-dragging it will turn off auto-select just so you can drag the right element. Of course you must have the right layer selected as well.

[joemaxclub]

I guess my question would be, even with auto-select turned on, why would it select a locked layer to duplicate when you use the alt/option + drag?  I have the correct layer selected and i can't auto-select the locked above layer, but it will select and duplicate it when using the alt+drag shortcut.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Try using cmd-alt-dragging instead if »Auto-Select« in on. 

And alt-dragging if »Auto-Select« is off. 

You can post a Bug Report if you think the bahaviour is indeed a bug. 

[Dustin23767922ouvw]

This happeneing to me in Oct 2024. I tried using the CMD+Alt (the Windows Version I assume would be Cntrol+Alt.) This doesnt allow any dragging.

[Dustin23767922ouvw]

Apparently theres no editing of comments in this forum. In addition to not being able t odrag with the Windows version of CMD+Alt, apparently PS doesnt allow Control+Alt+rotate tp copy wnd rotate object.

[jane-e]

@Dustin23767922ouvw 

You raised several issues: 

• Command/Control + click on a pixel will select the layer the pixel is on. This is what we used before Adobe add Auto-Select.

• To copy, you can Alt + Drag (Windows) either in the Layers panel or in the canvas. You can also drag a layer to the New button in the Layers panel. There are several other ways to copy, but I usually use Command+J (Mac) or Control+J (Windows).

• To Rotate, use either Control+T (free transform) or Edit menu > Transform > Rotate.

• The correct answer for the OP in this thread was from @c.pfaffenbichler to turn off Auto-Select. Possibly it's the same answer for you. Then when you select a layer in the Layers panel, that layer stays selected when you manipulate it.

Please ask again if any of this is not clear.

Jane