Don't allow layers below background

[kiwichick]

Hi everyone, When it comes to working with layers, the image editor I've been using for years has the background layer permanently 'locked' so that it can't be moved up and no layers can be moved below it. It doesn't seem that any of GIMP's lock layer options does this. Is there any way to achieve this in GIMP so that it avoids sending a layer to the bottom and then having to move it up one layer to be on the background.

[sallyanne]

I can't see that you can. You just have to be careful not to do so. I like that it can be deleted if no longer needed

[Ofnuts]

(03-14-2022, 02:16 AM)kiwichick Wrote: Hi everyone, When it comes to working with layers, the image editor I've been using for years has the background layer permanently 'locked' so that it can't be moved up and no layers can be moved below it. It doesn't seem that any of GIMP's lock layer options does this. Is there any way to achieve this in GIMP so that it avoids sending a layer to the bottom and then having to move it up one layer to be on the background.

No. "Background" is just a default name but as a layer it has no specific status. If you want to always work with a uniform background, you can define how the canvas looks (i.e., replace the checkerboard by black/gray/white (Preferences > Interface > Display > Transparency)).

Personally I keep the "hidden" layers (initial text layers, etc...) under "Background".

[PixLab]

(03-14-2022, 02:16 AM)kiwichick Wrote: .... so that it avoids sending a layer to the bottom and then having to move it up one layer to be on the background.

GIMP does not do that.
Each new created layer will always go above the already selected one and if there is no selected layer, the new created layer will go at the top of the layers' stack.
A human interaction is mandatory to put a new created layer below the "Background".

[kiwichick]

Thanks everyone, I didn't think it would be possible but it never hurts to ask

[PixLab]

OK I see what you mean, You are using Layer ➤ Stack ➤ Layer to bottom,
Um... how to tell, it does what it said, bottom is not before the bottom

More seriously, I understand your meaning, it can be very annoying if you have to use layers this way,
Sorry but I am not aware about an option to lock that bottom layer at the bottom.

[kiwichick]

(03-16-2022, 01:27 AM)PixLab Wrote: OK I see what you mean, You are using Layer ➤ Stack ➤ Layer to bottom,
Um... how to tell, it does what it said, bottom is not before the bottom  

More seriously, I understand your meaning, it can be very annoying if you have to use layers this way,
Sorry but I am not aware about an option to lock that bottom layer at the bottom.

Yes, my old editor doesn't consider the background to be a layer. It's just a standard image and created layers are placed 'on top' of it. It's not a biggie, just an adjustment I have to make in my head to a different way of working