Web Design » Photoshop » How do you unlock a layer that won’t unlock in Photoshop?

How do you unlock a layer that won’t unlock in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 23, 2022 @ 8:26 pm

In Photoshop, layers can be locked to prevent accidental changes to their contents. However, sometimes a layer will be locked but will not unlock no matter how many times you try. Here are some possible reasons why a layer may be locked and how to unlock it:

1. The layer may be locked because it is the active layer.

To unlock a layer, you must first make it inactive by selecting it and pressing the “delete” key.

2. The layer may be locked because it is protected.

To protect a layer, you must first select the layer and then choose the “protect” command from the layers palette.

PRO TIP: If you are having trouble unlocking a layer in Photoshop, it is likely because the layer is set to ‘lock’ in the lock column. To unlock the layer, simply click on the lock icon next to the layer name and the layer will be unlocked.

3. The layer may be locked because it is selected as the active layer in a grouping.

To select a layer as the active layer in a grouping, you must first select the group and then choose the “active layer” command from the layers palette.

4. The layer may be locked because it is the active layer in a composition.

To make a layer the active layer in a composition, you must first create a new composition and then choose the “active layer” command from the layers palette.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.