In Photoshop, index-linked layers are made using the index. This implies that you can connect a layer to an index so that it updates along with the index. For instance, you could link a layer to a color index so that when the index is modified, the layer’s colors will also change.

After starting Photoshop, select Edit > Preferences to unlock index layers. Scroll down and click Lock Index Files after selecting File Handling. Ensure that this option is not selected. To save your changes, click OK.

Keep reading below for more information.

How to Unlock Index Layer in Photoshop

To unlock the index, simply follow the steps listed in this section.

For more information on how to unlock index layers in Photoshop, watch this video below:

1. To start, launch Photoshop. Then, choose “Preferences” from the “Edit” menu. An additional window will open.
2. Choose “File Handling” from the left-hand menu in that window. A checkbox labeled “Lock Index Files” will be located close to the bottom of the window. Confirm that the box is not checked.
3. To exit the Preferences dialogue box, select the “OK” button. Return to the folder containing the photographs you wish to edit now.
4. Choose “Open With” by right-clicking one of the photos. A list of programs will appear in a new window that opens. From that list, choose Adobe Photoshop.
5. Photoshop ought to now load the image. You can adjust objects however you like to from here. Simply save the image and shut down Photoshop when you’re done.

Types of Layer Locks

You can lock particular features in layers so that you can modify things more precisely. These controls are located to the right of “Lock,” well above the layer list. Select a layer (or layers), then a locking technique.

Checkerboard: You can lock transparent pixels using a checkerboard. This prevents you from mistakenly editing a transparent area and changing the layer below it.

Pixel Locking: A paintbrush is used as the tool’s symbol. Only the portions of the layer that are opaque can be modified.

Lock Pixel Position: To secure a pixel’s location, click the lock icon, which resembles a cross with four connected dots. The layer cannot be moved, but you can still paint, change the color, and add text.

Unlocked and Locked Layers in Photoshop: Troubleshooting

If you’re new to Photoshop or haven’t experimented with locking and unlocking layers, you could be shocked by the results. Photoshop might be unable to open every type of file because there are so many different ones. Different layers may serve a variety of purposes, depending on the type.

Layer Manipulation Problems

Modifying a layer might be difficult in some situations. Sometimes the Layers submenu in the main menu’s vertical bar will be empty. This issue might be caused by a layer’s color mode, which is typically an Index Layer using Indexed Color and is incompatible with Photoshop.

• Select the layer, then go to Image > Mode to fix it. 
• If Indexed Color is ticked, deselecting it and replacing it with RGB or another color mode will unlock the layer, renaming it Background with a Lock. 
• It only takes a single double-click to unlock a layer, or you can choose Layer > Layer from Background > New Layer > Specifying a Name and Filling in the Contents.

Locking and Unlocking Specific Layers Using the Layers Panel

The layers panel’s Lock icon can occasionally lock or unlock the layers. You can lock particular areas of a layer with the help of the other icons located next to the padlock. The option to lock two features is available for each layer.

Layers are not always locked or unlocked when the icons are clicked. 

• Double-click the layer to open the layer menu when this occurs, fill it out, and then click OK. Another option is Layer > Create > Layer from Background.
• Furthermore, you may right-click the layer and choose Duplicate Layer or press Ctrl + J. To unlock the layer, simply follow these guidelines.
• If you’re having trouble locking a layer using the Layers panel icons, you can turn it into a locked backdrop by going to Layers > New > Background from Layer. 

Remember that it may be a Full Lock, which disables all features, or a Partial Lock, which simply disables some features.

A layer can be locked and unlocked once more using the padlock icon in the layers palette. The layer palette also has a few buttons in addition to the layers themselves. Your chosen layer will be locked after you click the padlock button. It also serves as the opening key.

However, bear in mind that you can never edit the background layer. You can choose multiple layers at once by holding down the Control key when you click on the layers you wish to select.

Conclusion

Fortunately, unlocking the index file is a simple procedure. You can quickly edit any of your photographs in Photoshop now that you know what to do. Don’t hesitate to give it a try the next time you need to move or remove an image.