background layer / PS cs3

The background layer in PS is locked by default. There are two easy ways to change it so it can be edited. I like to drag the background (usually the original) to the new layer icon. This duplicates it with an unlocked layer. Then you can turn off the visibility eye to the original and work on the copy. If you screw up, trash the copy and start over with the original.

The second way is to double click the background and rename it. This removes the lock, but you have to be careful to save it under a different name in case you don't like your work.

As if this never happens to me...

OOps...I need to read better. I don't know why you are able to work on a locked layer. Is it an image or just a fill color?

Back again.

I can paint on the background layer with either black or white. There is a Background Eraser Tool in the Eraser flyout that will erase the background. I have no idea why Adobe would have this unless it's an emergency tool in case you damage your only background layer. Guess that's why I copy the background out of habit. Have for years.

Sorry for my miss-read...

Designer Dale said:

The background layer in PS is locked by default.

Click to expand...

Only the position is locked. It is possible to lock different aspects of any layer, i.e. lock the transparency (this means transparent pixels remain transparent regardless of what you do to the non-transparent pixels), or lock the image pixels (the reverse of the former), or lock the position, or lock the whole layer.
The "erase to transparent" eraser converts a standard background layer to a normal layer the moment you use it.

DELINDA said:

I to am aging (63) , this is a hobby . I drag a photo into my dock to open PS . When it opens an image appears , layers box has one layer (background). Out of curiosity I used my pencil to trace the image in black (it works) . Later on the photo will become a line drawing that will be printed off , enlarged with a projector then airbrushed into a finished painting . I have been at Ps for four years now and still confused . Thanks

Click to expand...

Okay, so after you've opened your image in PS, get the layers window and create a new, empty, transparent layer on top by clicking the 'page' button at the bottom of the layers window.
Then use your pencil on this layer. When you are done, turn off the original background layer and you will be left with just your pencil tracing.

Designer Dale said:

The second way is to double click the background and rename it. This removes the lock, but you have to be careful to save it under a different name in case you don't like your work.

Click to expand...

You can also option+double-click the background and it will convert it to a regular layer.

Choose "Save As" from the file menu and save the file with a new name and with the format PSD, which is the appropriate file format for a file with layers.
You will be able to print the file. Just keep the background layer hidden and it will only print what you see.