Overlay effect is greyed out [Was: I'm Beginner - Overlay effect]

[Weathersay10]

Photoshop.

First, Sorry for bad english.

Hi, my name is Mark.

I'm trying to edit some pics but the 'Overlay' effect is locked.

It is not the only one that locked and can't be used. I can't use 'Color Balance' as well, And a lot of tools locked.

I hope can someone help me solve this problem.

Thanks!

[Title edited by moderator]

[Michael J. Hoffman]

Hi Mark,

We will try to help.

1. Can you confirm that you are using “Adobe Photoshop Fix” (mobile app)?

2. What version of Fix?

3. What is your device? (iPad, iPhone, Android phone, Android tablet)

4. What operating system is your device running?

5. can you post a screenshot showing the locked tools and modes?

If you are using “Adobe Photoshop CC” or another type of Photoshop (such as Photoshop Elements), please provide the same information as above. Then, we will move this message to the correct forum for your product.

Thanks,

Mike

[Weathersay10]

I'm sorry.

I put the version as mobile.

But i meant Computer.

[Michael J. Hoffman]

Ok, I will move this to the Photoshop forum.

Please confirm:

1. What version of Photoshop?

2. What Operating system? Windows, MacOS?

3. What version of operating system?

4. Are you signed in with your Adobe ID?

Mike

[Derek Cross]

Maybe you're trying to work on a Background Layer.

Open the Layers Panel and double click on the Background layer to turn it into a normal layer (you can name the layer if you want).

You should, now be able to use the Blending modes

[Spicy Feo]

Hello Mr Cross... I just waned to let you know that you are awesome. I was using a brush and was playing around with the Clear blend mode with a custom brush and suddenly the clear blend mode went unavailable (was greyed out). After 20 minutes, I stumbled across this reply and realized that I inadvertantly was doodling on the background layer and as a result (per your note) the option was not available. Thank you for your help. 🙂

-JH

[davescm]

Hi Weathersay and welcome to Photoshop.

From your description it sounds like you are working in 32 bits/channel mode which restricts use of certain tools and blending modes. 32 bits/channel is a specialist mode for HDR work.

Switch to 16 bits/channel (Image > Mode) which is more than enough for normal use, and all the blending modes and tools will be restored.

Dave

[Minra]

Thank you so much for this tip, saved me from re-installing photoshop a second time. The file I was working on was 32bits/channel and hence some of the modes were greyed out, even now with latest ver. 23.3.1.

[chanaart · Accepted solution]

Welcome to Photoshop! and it is ok not to be great in English! it is not my first language as well - so I hear you!

Here is a solution with images....

[Weathersay10]

Thanks! Everything is working as i wanted.

[chanaart]

you are very welcome!