Layers stay in gray scale even though they are in RGB mode

[lisac100]

I have PSE 2019.  I am not proficient but get along ok.  I was having no trouble creating new files and putting color in them with my paint bucket until a few weeks ago.  I must have hit a button and now all I can put in is gray, no matter the color I am choosing.  My goal is to create a new file and then transfer multiple photos into the file and have a color background for them.  

When I create the file it says RBG color, background color is white.  When I try to put color into it, a small asterisk appears next to the (RGB/8) on the top.  I tried to look this one up but can't find anything I understand.  Can you help me?  Thank you!

[hatstead · Accepted solution]

In Editor, go to Image>mode and have a look if RGB Color is checked. If not, check it.

If that does not fix it, suggest that you reset preferences to default. To do that, go to Edit>Preferences>General.

[lisac100]

Thank you so much.  I had to reset preferences to default but now it is working.  So another problem now.  I like to be able to see multiple pictures at once and I am not able to do that.  Stacking them I think it is called.  Do you know how I can return it to that view?  Thank you for all your help.  I remember last time it was a pretty easy fix.  

[Greg_S.]

I'm not sure if I understand you correctly, but go to Edit>Preferences>General (Ctrl+K) and check the Allow Floating Documents in Expert Mode box.  When you reset the preferences, it returned to the unchecked default: