Editing PNG image in Photoshop | locked background layer in Photoshop

March 27, 2010

Hey Designer! Wassup. I assume you to be a designer working with photoshop. Else you would not have been here. Anyway, let’s get to the point straightaway.  You are here because you

Can not edit a PNG file in photoshop or probably your background layer is locked.

Further, you are not able to create any layers using marquee tools or change colors using the change hue saturation options. Probable all major functions are disabled as well. You might be seeing a lock icon on your main image that is now the background layer.

If you have the problems in editing PNG file as mentioned above try these simple steps and you would be doing good in no time.


photoshop-edit-png-locked-layer

1. Double click the lock icon. If it unlocks then you can try editing and see if everything is all right. If no try the next step.
2.Duplicate the layer. Hide the old layer. You now have a top level editable layer that is the only one visible. This maintains transparency and all the other features of the png without trying to convert the image. (Suggested by Jared Kreft via comments)
3. Try to save the PNG image or whatever you are working on to jpeg format. Now open it in photoshop and try to edit. Working ? No? then try the next step.
4. Try to edit the color scheme to RGB.

You may also try some online tools to edit PNG files. If you do not have Photoshop or are in a hurry to edit an image try some of these tools.

11 Comments

  1. heyy thank you!!!rooturaj it saved my life….:)
    I was creating a website and I was tring to modify a ready png file but I was stucked at where I was not be able to create new layer or anything that I want…so I used your trick of color scheme thank you sooo much!

  2. 3 rd option helped!!
    For beginners you can set Scheme to RGB from main menu
    Image -> mode -> choose mode you want.

  3. I’m sorry, but this is a terrible tip. Converting to jpg will involve compressing and may introduce compression artifacts.

    Correct tip: Duplicate the layer. Hide the old layer. You now have a top level editable layer that is the only one visible. This maintains transparency and all the other features of the png without trying to convert the image.

Comments are closed.

Latest Posts

Rooturaj Pattanaik

Technology & Business Consultant with customers across 6 countries. A doting father and loving husband writing about various topics like Technology, Travel, Society, Digital marketing, Investment consulting etc.

MY DICTIONARY PROJECT

I have started a new project called the Indic Dictionary. This will cover popular household words in India and what they are called in various languages. Eventually, I will make this an easy to use app where where people can easily find something like “hing in English” or “Tea Tree Oil in Hindi” or “carrom seeds in Urdu”.
Previous Story

Defense Tips and Tricks for TKO – Three Kingdom Online

Next Story

Troops Strength in TKO Counties and Capitals | Attacking Counties Successfully

Latest from WebDesigning

Set Shipping Rules on Wix

We understand that working on wix control panel can be a little overwhelming to beginners. Despite having 12 years of experience in User Experience
Go toTop