When I flatten an image, Photoshop automatically creates one background layer and locks it. How can I set Photoshop to default to NOT locking the background?
#1
Presuming you don't have a background layer when you wish to 'flatten,' use the Layer > Merge Visible command rather than Flatten Image. A flattened image always has a background (locked) layer. Why? That's just the way it is. If you want to create a new image without a background layer choose Transparent from the "Background Contents:" menu from the New dialog.
#2
After all my years with Photoshop, one thing I've never worked out........ what is the advantage/benefit of background being locked by default? What purpose does it serve?
For instance, if you flatten an image, the result is a background which is locked. What is the thinking behind it?
#3
There's nothing behind it - it's the background :O)
#4
There will never be a better answer, but it wasn't the one I was looking for!
#5
After all my years with Photoshop, one thing I've never worked out........ what is the advantage/benefit of background being locked by default? What purpose does it serve?
A few things.
a Background is not a layer and therefore follows different rules.
It does not have transparency and it has the ability to move channels independently.
#6
Many Thanks to Welles Goodrich (his post wasn't showing up here when I typed this, for some reason) who said:
"Presuming you don't have a background layer when you wish to 'flatten,' use the Layer > Merge Visible command rather than Flatten Image. A flattened image always has a background (locked) layer. Why? That's just the way it is. If you want to create a new image without a background layer choose Transparent from the "Background Contents:" menu from the New dialog."
#7