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
CreativePro Tip of the Week: Using the HUD (Heads-Up-Display) Color Picker in Photoshop
This CreativePro Tip of the Week on using the HUD (Heads Up Display) Color Picke...
Tip of the Week: Right-click to Reveal
This tip was sent to Tip of the Week email subscribers on June 26, 2015. Sign up...
Tip of the Week: Starting a Document on a Left-Hand Page
David Blatner shows the easy way to change a document so it starts on a left-han...