Locked layer is moving when alt-dragging another layer

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.

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Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

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

Inspiring

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

Community Expert

I had specifically asked about that setting …

Community Expert

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.

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