Default background layer a "regular" layer

[vawitt]

I can't remember any good reason for NOT having the background layer behave like a regular layer...I'm always converting it. I wish it were regular by default.

~Val

[TonyW]

Interesting question. I assume it's done to get you used to the idea of protecting the background image and I must admit I usually start by duplicating it rather than coverting it. There also may be some historical reason since originally Photoshop didn't have layers. BTW you can save a couple of keystrokes by Alt double clicking the layer. It then just converts it without asking any questions :)

Tony

[mljrbg]

Interesting topic. I am taking the Layers Class and they convert the background layer to a regular a lot. I thought the idea was to preserve your original photo by keeping the background layer. Also sometimes when working with another layer the changes trickle all the way down to the background layer. Why?

Mary Lou