Content Aware Unavailable: When I open an image in Photoshop (latest version 23.5.1) and select the crop tool, then select the Straighten option, the Content Aware option is darkened...

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

When I open an image in Photoshop (latest version 23.5.1) and select the crop tool, then select the Straighten option, the Content Aware option is darkened and unavailable, both before I use the Straighten option/tool and after. How do I make this option available?

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

You can't edit a background layer so be sure you aren't - the little lock on the far right of the background layer.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

fredpnm wrote:

You can't edit a background layer so be sure you aren't - the little lock on the far right of the background layer.

Thanks for your response, Fed. I hope I'm not misunderstanding what you said.

I am editing a background layer, and I seem to be able to do it. That is, I've opened a .psd file, or a raw file out of ACR, and I can crop it, rotate it, and even straighten it in the crop using the crop tool's Straighten feature. It's just that the Content Aware check box is darkened and unavailable; it's supposed to allow me to straighten the image, and let Photoshop fill in the areas that have been rendered empty by the rotation of the image. At least, that's what it says here:

https://www.dpmag.com/how-to/processing/quickly-straighten-tilted-images-in-photoshop-with-no-cropping/

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

Well does the little lock icon in the background remain after you do a crop? If you copy the background layer does the Content Aware now become available? Are you editing a RAW image?

Let's consider this...when you select the crop tool click on the little gear icon just to the left of the Delete Cropped Pixels box, is the 'Use Classic Mode' checked? Uncheck it if it is...see if that helps

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

fredpnm wrote:

Well does the little lock icon in the background remain after you do a crop? If you copy the background layer does the Content Aware now become available? Are you editing a RAW image?

Let's consider this...when you select the crop tool click on the little gear icon just to the left of the Delete Cropped Pixels box, is the 'Use Classic Mode' checked? Uncheck it if it is...see if that helps

Thanks so much, Fred, you gave me what I needed. Classic Mode wasn't checked. Using a .psd file with several layers, I flattened it into one layer, clicked the lock off of that layer, and the Content Aware check box became highlighted and available. However, when opening a raw file into ACR, and then into PS, there is no lock on the single layer, and the Content Aware isn't available. However, if I rasterize that layer, Content Aware is available. So, I think the bottom line is that this Content Aware feature isn't available for Smart Objects, which is my default for opening from ACR. I think I've learned my lesson. Thank you again.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

Ah, Smart Object...I didn't think to ask that question. Glad to know the problem is solved. There are so many different ways to do things in PS it can often be frustrating trying to figure out a solution.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

cbtsam wrote:

Thanks so much, Fred, you gave me what I needed. ... (show quote)

You are correct about that. And too many of these Photoshop instructors who push and tout Smart Objects without talking about the downsides of it do a disservice.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

Fotoartist wrote:

You are correct about that. And too many of these Photoshop instructors who push and tout Smart Objects without talking about the downsides of it do a disservice.

I gotta ask: what are the other downsides?