Can't select layers

[cheriem11423923]

I can turn layers off and on, but I can't select any of them to make adjustments. Any suggestions?

[rpandita]

Hi cheriem11423923,

Greetings.

• Are you using a Wacom?
• What troubleshooting have you performed by now?
• Is your PS up to date?
  • Keeping Photoshop Up-To-Date

Regards

Rohit

[cheriem11423923]

No, I'm using CS5. I do need to update it. Thanks for the link. The error message I'm getting reads "Could not select a layer because the point you clicked on is not inside the vector mask of a visible layer."

[Brett N]

Do the layers not highlight when you click on them? Are none of the layers currently highlighted? Are you not able to use brush tools on any layers (brush tools only work on the currently selected layer)? Are are you only talking about Adjustment Layers and you are not seeing the settings appear in the Properties panel?

[Brett N]

How are you trying to select your layers? Are you trying to right-click with the Move tool? Also, the message indicates that you have a vector mask and that you are clicking somewhere outside of the mask (in the hidden area where no content is displayed).

[cheriem11423923]

The layers do highlight when I click on them. I'm left-clicking the move tool. I'm clicking directly on the layer, not outside it, and I'm not taking about adjustment layers. I can create new layers, but I'm unable to select them afterward to make adjustments.

[Brett N]

You're either going to have to turn off "Auto-Select" on your Move tool, or click somewhere on your image where there is content. When you left-click with Move tool with the Auto-Select option on, it selects that layer that first has content below where you click. If there is no content below where you click, you will be selecting nothing (i.e. you will be deselecting everything). The Background layer does not count as this is a layer that cannot be moved, thus the Move tool ignores it.

[cheriem11423923 · Accepted solution]

Thanks Brett. While selecting/deselecting the Auto-Select button per your suggestion, I noticed the Show Transform Controls box next to it was unchecked. I checked it, and I'm in good shape now. Thanks for taking the time to help.

[s221077]

This is the correct answer. Thanks cheriem11423923!! BOTH, the "Auto-Select" and the "Show Transform Controls" boxes must be checked to std. click and select as normally expected.