To unlock a layer in Photoshop CS5, select it in the Layers panel and click the lock icon in the “Lock” row at the top of the panel. If it’s the Background layer, double-click it, then click OK in the New Layer box. It becomes a regular layer called “Layer 0” that you can move, erase, and edit freely.
These steps work in Photoshop CS5 and every version since, including current Photoshop. Below you’ll learn what each lock does and why some layers can’t be unlocked.
How to unlock the Background layer
- Open the Layers panel (press F7 or choose Window > Layers).
- Double-click the Background layer.
- In the New Layer box, type a name if you like, and click OK.
Shortcut: hold Alt (Option on Mac) and double-click the Background layer to convert it instantly without the dialog box. You can also choose Layer > New > Layer from Background.
How to unlock a regular layer
- Click the layer in the Layers panel.
- In the Lock row at the top of the panel, click whichever lock button is highlighted to turn it off.
Press Ctrl + / (Command + / on Mac) to toggle the last lock you used on the selected layer.
What each lock does
| Lock | What it prevents |
|---|---|
| Lock transparent pixels (checkerboard icon) | Painting on empty areas. You can still paint over existing pixels. |
| Lock image pixels (brush icon) | Painting and editing pixels. You can still move the layer. |
| Lock position (arrows icon) | Moving the layer. You can still paint on it. |
| Lock all (padlock icon) | All changes to the layer |
A solid padlock on a layer means Lock all is on. A hollow padlock means only some locks are on.
Why can’t I unlock a layer?
- The image is in Indexed Color mode. Layers are limited in this mode. Choose Image > Mode > RGB Color.
- The whole group is locked. Unlock the group folder first.
- It’s a smart object or text layer that you want to paint on. Right-click it and choose Rasterize Layer, keeping in mind this makes text uneditable.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Background layer locked?
Photoshop locks it by default to protect the original image. Converting it to a normal layer is safe, and you can undo it.
How do I lock a layer again?
Select it and click one of the lock buttons in the Layers panel.
Can I unlock several layers at once?
Yes. Select them with Ctrl-click (Command-click on Mac) and click the lock button to toggle it for all.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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