Want to Disable the Feature That Automatically Creates New Layers

[Yamonov]

In previous versions of Photoshop, when trying to paint on non-paintable layers like smart objects, a warning dialog box used to appear. However, in the new Photoshop, it automatically creates a new layer instead. Is there a way to turn off this behavior? For example, can it be controlled through the PSUserConfig.txt file?

(This seems to be a very poor design change as it disrupts carefully structured layer compositions without warning. This could also be confusing for beginners. I would appreciate if an option to turn this off could be added to the settings soon.)

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

In photoshop go to Adobe Photoshop 2024>Settings (Preferences)>General and uncheck Create new layer when brushing

On Windows it's Edit>Preferences>General and uncheck Create new layer when brushing

[Yamonov]

Thank you, Jeff. Was this checkbox added in version 25.1? I completely missed it.

[Jeff Arola]

Yes it was added in 25.1.