Unlock the Background Layer in Photoshop

Learn how to quickly convert a Photoshop background into a regular layer. Details below...
Patreon: / michaelbullo
There are many features within Photoshop that can be applied to a regular layer that can't be applied to a Background layer. Free Transform is one such example. The following are two quick methods to convert a Background layer into a regular layer.
Double Click Background Layer
Performing this action within the Layers panel will open up the New Layer dialog box. The layer can be named if required. Choosing OK will create a new layer from the Background layer.
Click Padlock Icon
Clicking this icon within the Background layer within the Layers panel will immediately turn it into a regular layer.
A regular layer can be converted into a Background layer. Within the Layers panel select a layer. It does not have to be the bottom most layer. Then select the following menu item...
Layer - New - Layer from Background

[@ExpertIncluded]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@MichaelBullo]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@user-go3ol8bw3f]

Really commendable video u found a lot but this video actually help me

[@MichaelBullo]

Good to hear. Thank you.

[@NepalmotherhouseTreks]

Thank you very much for the useful information... I have applied it...

[@MichaelBullo]

That's great to hear. Thank you and have a great day :)

[@santhoshmg2319]

Awesome

[@Shadow200p0]

​@@MichaelBullo I deleted it so pls how do I get it back

[@MichaelBullo]

@@Shadow200p0 In the video I show how to convert a layer into a background layer. Is this your issue?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Great video!

[@MichaelBullo]

Thank you

[@lublub553]

what if none of these methods work? what should I do? pleas help!

[@MichaelBullo]

I have no idea. I recommend you post a screen shot on the Adobe Photoshop forum or their Discord server so we can see the problem.

[@Ekocart1]

Great work brother 👍

[@MichaelBullo]

Thanks mate. Appreciate it.

[@PEACEWALKER1992]

Thanks for showing :)

[@MichaelBullo]

Thank you. Hope it helps.

[@loomonda18]

Thank youuuu!!

[@MichaelBullo]

Hope it helps

[@Mr4thetruth]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! :)

[@MichaelBullo]

Cheers. Cheers. Cheers ;) Thanks Graham

[@vfxtigers]

Thank You

[@MichaelBullo]

Thanks mate

[@sabbirrahman6201]

Thank you

[@MichaelBullo]

Thank you 👍

[@TechEduBangla]

Thanks

[@MichaelBullo]

Cheers

[@grbovic1175]

Bro it doesn't work for me when i unlock it my picture in to white color. Can you help me please

[@MichaelBullo]

The Preferences can be found in the Photoshop menu on a Mac and the Edit menu on Windows. In the "Technology Previews" section is the option "Deactivate Native Canvas". Does activating this help?

[@grbovic1175]

@@MichaelBullo Thank you so muchhh

[@MichaelBullo]

@@grbovic1175 I hope that means it worked. Thank you.

[@grbovic1175]

@@MichaelBullo It is

[@MichaelBullo]

@@grbovic1175 Excellent

[@TravisKlein1]

nope doesnt' work still locked cant touch it

[@MichaelBullo]

Can you elaborate?

[@PEACEWALKER1992]

Click on Image - Mode - CMYK Colour - OK

[@motoporn9055]

thank youooooooo

[@MichaelBullo]

Thank you

[@dillonle4034]

I followed your method it did not unlock

[@MichaelBullo]

What version of Photoshop are you using?

[@dillonle4034]

@@MichaelBullo ps6. It used to work but someone today it no longer works

[@MichaelBullo]

@@dillonle4034 You can't even double click on the background layer to unlock it?

[@dillonle4034]

@@MichaelBullo not at all. The only way I can do is to convert to jpeg but for png file I could not do anything

[@MichaelBullo]

@@dillonle4034 Try this menu option...
Layer > New > Layer from Background