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AaronDidIt
Participant
May 9, 2023
Question

Why is it possible to have no layers selected?

  • May 9, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 1438 views

Something I have been wondering for years - I think even a decade at this point, is why Photoshop has the ability to have no layers selected.

 

What function could this possibly serve? I've been working professionally with Photoshop for almost 30 years now and I can't for the life of me imagine why I would ever need to have no layer selected. 

 

Then there is that increbibly annoying pop-up error message whenever I try to do anything an no layer is selected as well.

 

Why?

 

If anyone has any thoughts on the purose of this can you please explain?

    3 replies

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 10, 2023

    If people use »Show Transform Controls« for the Move Tool or View > Show > Layer Edges, yet want to evaluate the image without those elements (but with Guides) cmd-H is not useful while simply unselecting the active Layer serves the purpose. 

     

    quote

    Then there is that increbibly annoying pop-up error message whenever I try to do anything an no layer is selected as well.

    What operation could you be wanting to perform if you don’t even know which Layers (if any) are selected? 

      Rob_Cullen
      Community Expert
      Rob_CullenCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2023

      Situation: I may have an image with many layers. Many of the layers may not be visible in the Layers panel to actually see which layer/s is/are selected.

      To be sure that I might only affect one (visible in panel) layer with an edit, I can De-select all layers and then confidently click on the one layer I want to affect.

      Be nice if there was a Keyboard Shortcut. (I can define).

       

      Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.0, Photoshop 27.0, ACR 18.0, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0 .
      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2023
      quote

      Be nice if there was a Keyboard Shortcut. (I can define).

       


      By @Rob_Cullen

       

      Save and install the following script code:

       

      #target photoshop
app.runMenuItem(stringIDToTypeID('selectNoLayers'));

       

      Then use Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts to assign a custom keycut to the script.

       

      EDIT – No need for a script, it's already there:

       

       

        TheDigitalDog
        TheDigitalDog
        Inspiring
        May 9, 2023

        Great question. I can't think of an answer either. 

        Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
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