Why do GIF images automatically lock the base layer in Adobe Photoshop?

by

When I open a .gif image in Photoshop – non animated – it always locks automatically and you cannot unlock it. Aside from that when try try to add text it will make a red block and convert the text to bitmap.

You annoyingly have to copy and paste the document into a new document. Then layer from there.

enter image description here

Answer

It’s due to the Index Color mode. GIF and PNG8 use a locked color palette, therefore the layer gets locked to prevent unsupported changes. It’s also why the layer is titled Index.

To unlock it choose Image > Mode > RGB from the menu.

Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : TheBlackBenzKid , Answer Author : Scott

Leave a Comment