Background is always locked.
Double-Click on it in the Layers Palette to turn it into a regular layer.
Hi,
I am fairly new to PS but have been using it to touch up some old photos using the clone tool and different brushes and such. I have always just scanned the photo and then open it in PS and those tools worked just fine. I hadn’t gotten far enough along to use layers so I bought a book, Inside PS 7, by Gary Boyton and I started the lessons in it last week. One of the first things he went over was changing some of the preferences and I followed his instructions. As life goes I wasn’t able to get back to my photo project I have been working on (or his lessons) until yesterday and it was not working.
So I just did double click on the background pic and it did create an unlocked layer but still the tools aren’t working. Settings for the Clone Tool- Mode-Normal / Opacity-100% / Flow-100% / Aligned is unchecked and Use All Layers is checked.
Why didn’t I ever have to create a layer to work on before????
Thanks if you can help at all and Thanks for trying if you are stumped.
Jackie
Hi,
Me again. Well, I just figured out one of my problems. I installed a Wacom mouse and pen this weekend but I still have my regular mouse hooked up for unrelated PS work. Out of habit I was grabbing for the old mouse but the Wacom has taken over the PS duties!
But, I still don’t understand why I never had to make a layer before to edit my pictures. Any insight on this?
Thanks again,
Jackie
But, I still don’t understand why I never had to make a layer before to edit my pictures
Well, that’s kind of half true – it depends on the definition of "edit". You can still use most tools on a background layer, no problem. But you cannot add layer styles because technically, a background is not a layer. Also, since a background is locked, you would not be able to move the background, so you can’t use the move tool. But all cloning, healing, and painting tools are fully useable on a background.
Peace,
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks. Old family pics were just passed down to me. Some are faded, creased, etc. so that has been what I have been doing. Just brightening and fixing the stains and creases, etc.
Do you think I should keep both mice hooked up? Should I disconnect one or the other when not in use?
Thanks again for your time.
Jackie
Jackie,
I’m not really qualified to say about the mouse/tablet issue. I only use a mouse; I know those who use both and those who use one or the other exclusively. Some of the wierdness that folks experience with a tablet connected has to do with the type of tablet and mouse. That’s a long-winded way to say, I really don’t know.
If you both have the Wacom pen and mouse, then you don’t need your regular mouse. You can assign your Wacom mouse to become a regular mouse. Even program your Wacom mouse and pen per application. But Wacom and regular mouse can work side by side. Just make sure that your Wacom devices do not sit on the tablet everytime you use your regular mouse.
Thank you both for your time!
Jackie
Jackie, I have the Wacom tablet also. I love it, but I don’t use the wireless mouse…only use the pen. I still use my regular mouse and have no problems. Just keep things off the tablet while using it or it will not recognize the pen as accurately.
Claudia
Thanks Claudia:
I have found that both mouses work so I use the regular one for everyday routine stuff and the Wacom one for Photoshop. It does seem to be more precise than the regular one.
Have a great day!
Jackie