How to Unlock the Background Layer in Photoshop

Convert, merge, and duplicate background layers in Photoshop CC

Background layer locked in Photoshop

 Adobe

By
Sue Chastain
Sue Chastain
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Sue Chastain is a former Lifewire writer and a graphics software authority with web design and print publishing credentials. She's also skilled in WordPress administration.
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Sue Chastain
Updated September 10, 2019

When you open an image in Photoshop, the background layer is usually locked in the Layers palette. To unlock it, you must convert the background to either a new layer or a smart object. Alternatively, you can duplicate the background layer, make your edits in the new layer, and then merge them together.

Instructions in this article apply to Photoshop CC 2019 for Windows and Mac.

Why Is the Background Layer Locked in Photoshop?

The background layer is locked because it is like the canvas for a painting: Everything is constructed above it. For this reason, the background layer doesn't support certain features like transparency, and you can't move or delete its contents. Likewise, you can only fill a selection on the background layer with a background color. Therefore, if you want full control over how an image looks, you need to make your edits it in a layer that isn't locked.

Rather than unlocking the background layer, many pros like to duplicate the locked layer and perform their edits on the duplicate. That way, if they make a mistake, they can toss out the new layer while preserving the original.

To duplicate the background, right click the Background layer and select Duplicate Layer.

To duplicate the background, right click the Background layer and select Duplicate Layer.

Once you're satisfied with your edits, you can merge the two layers by selecting the Menu icon in the top-right corner of the Layers palette and choosing Merge Visible.

Merge the two layers by selecting the Menu icon in the top-right corner of the Layers palette and choosing Merge Visible.

The background layer always appears at the bottom of the Layers palette. You cannot move other layers below it.

How to Unlock the Background Layer in Photoshop

To convert the background to a new layer that isn't locked:

  1. Select Layer > New > Layer from Background.

    Select Layer > New > Layer from Background.

  2. Give the layer a name and select OK.

    Give the layer a name and select OK.

  3. The new, unlocked layer will replace the background layer in the palette.

    The new, unlocked layer will replace the background layer in the palette.

How to Convert the Background Layer to a Smart Object

Another approach is to convert the locked layer to a Smart Object. Right click the Background layer in the Layers palette and select Convert to Smart Object.

Right click the Background layer in the Layers palette and select Convert to Smart Object.