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