When you’re working in a Photoshop document containing multiple layers, it can be handy to use the Auto-Select option. With this turned on, you just click in the image with the Move tool to select a different layer in the Layers panel.
But Auto-Select can also be a nuisance when you don’t want it, causing you to accidentally switch layers. So for many users, the best option is to leave Auto-Select turned off and toggle it on with a keyboard shortcut. Just hold the Ctrl key in Windows or the Command key on a Mac. Auto-Select will be enabled until you release the key.
It also works in the opposite way—you can leave Auto-Select turned on in the Options bar and temporarily turn it off by holding Ctrl/Command.
This article was last modified on January 12, 2026
This article was first published on April 24, 2017
Commenting is easier and faster when you're logged in!
Recommended for you
Tip of the Week: Instant Pull Quotes
This tip was sent to Tip of the Week email subscribers on May 28, 2015. Sign up...
Tip of the Week: Move Text to a New Frame
This tip was sent to Tip of the Week email subscribers on September 25, 2014. Si...
Tip of the Week: Collecting Fonts on Hidden Layers
Sign up for the InDesign tip of the week to get a new tip, roundups of new artic...