Image can't convert to Bitmap if layer mask is selected

[saral69340871]

[bug report]

When converting an image to Bitmap via Actions, if a layer's mask is selected, Photoshop displays the error "The command “Convert Mode” is not currently available."

(When performing this operation without Actions, `Image > Mode > Bitmap` is simply unavailable)

The only way to enable conversion to Bitmap is to select either the layer itself or another layer.

It makes no sense for conversion to Bitmap to be disabled if a mask is selected. This is a bug that impacts my day to day work.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

First off: I do not immediately see how this would be a bug.

Has any Adobe employee ever stated that it should be otherwise? 

Secondly: If it impacts your work you obviously need to work around it, in the Action inserting a selection of the black Channel (or flattening …) should suffice. 

[saral69340871]

It negatively impacts users, so, yes, it's a bug. There's no reason for it to throw an error, or for the conversion to be disabled when working without Actions. The solution you provided is a workaround for defective behavior.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If one has an Alpha-Channel selected when converting a Grayscale image to Bitmap it is the Channel, not the Grayscale image that gets converted. 

Did you want to create a bitmap version of the Layer Mask? 

If not your »argument« would apparently lack merit. 

[rob day]

There’s also Command-3, which selects the Gray channel

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I disagree with your claim but feel free to post a Bug Report over on 

Photoshop Family

Maybe others agree with you and add their votes.

You might even get feedback from an Adobe employee; but don’t expect too much in that regard.