Select > Color Range grayed out even if the layer max has been merged into layer

[Kansas_54]

Hello all,

I am trying to select the red from the outline of a piece of text to then erase it, however it simply won't let me because the color range option is grayed out.

I was using a layer mask to make a "fade-out" effect with the gradient tool, I found a Yahoo! Answers thread and the best answer was to go back to regular editing by right clicking on the masked layer, but the mask has already been merged with some layers so it's not there anymore. Even if there are no masks anymore the grayout won't go.

This is really frustrating... if someone knows the answer don't hesitate to help me, I'd be grateful, thanks!

[JJMack]

You can help by providing more information so we can see what you are seeing Screen captures showing Photoshop's pallets image and color Range UI grayed out as well as other information.

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[Kansas_54]

It would be no problem to me to send screenshots, but my client is in italian.

[Kansas_54]

That is the file I have so far.

KANSAS once was split up in 2 layers, one of which was named KANSAS.ref, I applied a mask to KANSAS.ref to make that fadeout effect in the text reflection.

Then I merged KANSAS and KANSAS.ref together(the final layer inherited the name form the first one of the two I mentioned), so the layer mask was gone, leaving only normal layers.

My intention is to select the red outline of this (rasterised)text to then erase it.

However, when I try to...

The color range(the highlighted option) is grayed out, I have no idea why, and that's exactly what I am trying to solve.

I hope I was specific enough

I am using a 32 bit color palette if that counts.

[Barbara Ash]

The 32 bit color palette does count. Color range is not available with 32 bits.

[Kansas_54]

Oh, that's lame... Thanks for the answer anyways.

[Barbara Ash · Accepted solution]

You could duplicate the image. Convert the duplicate to 8 bit. Use the Color Range command as you normally would. Window > Arrange > 2 up vertical. Choose one of the selection tools, like the Rectangular Marquee tool. In the duplicate image, carefully position the cursor inside the selection. Hold down Shift and drag the selection into the 32 bit image. Release the mouse; then release Shift. The shift key will keep the selection in the same position.

If that doesn't work for you, let me know.

[LoLoJenkinz]

How to convert an image to 8 bit??

[Rowan327088185kyw]

what if "2 up vertical" also is greyed out ?

[RLChris121]

Had similar issue - the Selection > Color Range is grayed out. (Situation - some lines in an illustration were highlighted when the screen cap was saved & sent to me and image shows various highlighted object lines as yellow instead of black.) Simply wanted to replace the yellow with black - but that option is grayed out and not available. (Why?)

Also tried to use IMAGE > ADJUSTMENTS but that menu item is ALSO grayed out, so could not try using Replace Color either. Then selected the only layer, and trying to recolor the yellow lines using the Color Replacement Tool method also does nothing.  Good grief...

To save time - just erased the yellow lines and recreated them manually using the color I needed to change it to. Often use other programs beside Photoshop for image manipulation & retouching etc. Not used to basic tools not working as expected. Such a simple task.

[SRP-Orlando]

If you try to make a selection using color mode with *Edit in Quickmask selected it will grey out *color mode. Make sure that is unchecked to make a selection using color mode. Hope that helps anyone having this sort of issue.

[jamsfrrever]

This one solved it for me!!!

Thank you!

[Barbara Ash]

You're welcome!

[jamsfrrever]

SRP-Brea Jun 16, 2017 1:28 PM

If you try to make a selection using color mode with *Edit in Quickmask selected it will grey out *color mode. Make sure that is unchecked to make a selection using color mode. Hope that helps anyone having this sort of issue.

THIS is the answer I mean! Solved my issue.

Again, thanks SRP-Brea​!