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E
elindo586
Inspiring
October 11, 2019
Answered

My eraser is turning the canvas black.

  • October 11, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 12487 views

I want to erase parts of a squre to make look like a 90 degrees V,  but when I use the eraser tool it turns everything to black.

 

How can I fix that? 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer jane-e

Photoshop is using your Background color, which is currently Black. Use the keyboard shortcut of “D” to reset to the default colors.

 

~ Jane

4 replies

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 30, 2023

Just to add to Jane's correct answer.

On a normal layer, the eraser tool will delete pixels i.e. turn them transparent. However, on a background layer (which is a specific type of layer) pixels cannot be transparent, so instead the eraser paints with the current background colour.

 

Dave

    Dan Greyhound
    Dan Greyhound
    Inspiring
    May 30, 2023

    If the layer is locked it will erase to the background colour

    M
    Mia259525672ee8
    Participant
    September 4, 2022

    After resetting the colours, the eraser turns it to black instead of blue...how do I make it transparent?

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 4, 2022

    @Mia259525672ee8 

    If you are on a Background layer, the Background layer cannot be transparent. It will erase to your Background Swatch. Type "D" to reset the swatches to black and white.

     

    Convert the Background layer to a regular pixel layer by clicking the lock icon in the Layers panel. Now you can erase to transparency.

     

    A far better idea, though, is to add a layer mask (Layers panel) and use the Brush tool to paint with black or white on the mask (not on the layer) to hide or show the pixels. This is non-destructive, as you can repaint your mistakes with the opposite color.

     

    Jane

     

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      October 11, 2019

      Photoshop is using your Background color, which is currently Black. Use the keyboard shortcut of “D” to reset to the default colors.

       

      ~ Jane

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