How to Unlock Layers in Photoshop

Unlock the background layer

Open the image in Photoshop as usual. There are no changes or settings you can make before creating a background unlock image. First, just open the photo as usual.

Click the locked layer in the "Layers" panel. This is the long frame on the right side of the screen, labeled layers. You'll see each layer – starting with "Background" – as well as a thumbnail of the image. Next to the word Background is a small lock icon showing that the layer is locked.

' Troubleshooting: "Layers:" panel not visible Click the "Window" tab in the top bar. Make sure "Layers" is checked. If the above panel still doesn't open, click "Window" → "Workspace" → and select "Essentials". If the problem persists, try resetting and click "Painting".

Click on the layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + J to duplicate the unlocked version of the background image. This may be the safest way because you will still keep the original image if you make a mistake. For regular computer users, press Ctrl+J when the background layer is highlighted. For Mac users, press Cmd+J. The new layer will be unlocked and ready for editing.

You can also click "Layers" in the top bar, then click "Duplicate Layer".

Double-click the background layer to rename and unlock it. Just double click on the "Background" heading, a small dialog box will open to recreate the layer. Here, you can:

Change name

Select blending mode

Layer color coding for organization

Adjust the layer's opacity.

Click "Layer" and select "New Layer from Background" to create an unlocked layer instead. In the bar at the top of the screen, click "Layer"—the option near the top, on the right side. Very simple and easy, the base layer will be replaced with a new layer. This is not a backup wallpaper, this is an unlocked version of the background layer.

Troubleshooting layer locking and unlocking issues

Check the "Color Settings" box immediately if you cannot manipulate layers or add new layers. Some file formats, especially "Indexed Color," do not fully feature Photoshop. Luckily you can quickly change and open up the full task with the class:

Click "Image" in Photoshop's top bar. Your photo must be open.

Click "Mode."

Click "RGB Color" to temporarily change the color setting to controllable mode.

Lock the layer by clicking the lock image in the layers panel. There are many buttons below the actual layer in the layers panel. When clicking the lock button, any layer (or multiple layers, you can Ctrl/Cmd-click to select multiple layers at once) that is highlighted will be locked. The same goes for unlocking. However, note that this will not work with a base layer.

Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly lock/unlock. The key combination to lock the layer is Ctrl/Cmd + /. This will lock or unlock the selected layers.

Mac: Cmd + /

Regular calculator: Ctrl + /

Unlock the entire layer (except the background) with Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Opt + /. This unlocks every layer (except the background) for editing. However, note that the background image, or layer that was locked in the first place, will not be affected. Keyboard shortcuts depend on your operating system:

Mac: Cmd + Opt + /

Regular calculator: Ctrl + Alt + /

Lock components in layers to make complex edits. You can lock specific sections on a layer for more detailed editing. These buttons are located next to the lock icon and will display their names when you hover over them. Try these features:

Lock Transparent Pixels: The checkerboard icon is used to lock transparent pixels, you can edit everything except the transparent pixels, everything below the layer will not be affected.

Lock Image Pixels: Brush icon used to lock pixels, you can edit everything except the transparent parts of the layer.

Lock Pixel Position: The icon of two intersecting lines is used to lock the pixel position. You cannot move the layer, but you can still draw, adjust color and add text.