Eraser tool. 2021 Ed. I used the eraser tool and no checkerboard squares

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I used the eraser tool and got this wierd blurring action and not the checkerboard squares. I saved and closed the file. Then I researched the community posts and learned that I should have unlocked the background layer. So I opened the file, unlocked the background layer and tried again. Nothing happened and no checkerboard squares. Can this be solved? I saved a few prior versions, but don't want to start over.

How to

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Glenn 8675309

Legend

The "checkerboard pattern" mean that the checkboard squares show that layer to be transparent- you can see thru it.

You are using the basic eraser. When you do that you eraser everything, and it gets filled with your background color, which in your case is white.

You actually have the background layer (the color layer) selected, and it's "buried" under all the other layers.
ADDING AN EMPTY BACKGROUP LAYER IS PRETTY GOSH DARN IMPORTANT.

The image below is what I think you should pay attention to-- in your case creating the new layer is key.

ALSO: FIRST SAVE THE PROJECT AS A PSD FILE. THEN FLATTEN ALL THE IMAGES INTO ONE LAYER, AND START WORKING ON THE EDGE.

I've always used the eraser to provide the faded edge- for me it's easy, there are probably other ways, but the way Ishowed you is how I like to do it. You like to do it another way? Then do it. Always do what makes you happy with your final project.

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Glenn 8675309

Legend

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Glenn 8675309

Legend

Create a simple clipping mask and you can make things like this with a few mouse clicks.

Find a brush you like, make a layer, click a few times, make a clipping mask--people will think you are a superstar.

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Jeff Arola

Community Expert

What operating system are you using?

Can you post a screenshot of the Photoshop Elements interface including the image and Earaser Tool Options?

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2021AnnieMAuthor

Known Participant

Windows 10. I shut my PC down - after another start up I tried it again and had the same result. I saw a post where they used screen shots, thought it was cool, and needed to figure out how to do it. Give me a few minutes and I'll give it a go.

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Jeff Arola

Community Expert

To take a screenshot on Windows 10 press Windows Logo key + Print Screen, the look in yor Pictures folder for a folder named Screenshots.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-11/how-to-take-screenshot-on-windows-10/m-p/3760249

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kglad

Community Expert

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.