Changing the selection layer in Photoshop isn't directly possible, as selections themselves aren't layers. What you likely mean is how do you select different layers in Photoshop? Here's how you can switch between and select layers:
-
Clicking in the Layers Panel: The simplest way is to click directly on the layer's name in the Layers panel. This selects that layer, making it the active layer for any edits.
-
Auto-Select (Move Tool): When the Move tool (V) is selected, check the "Auto-Select" box in the Options bar (usually at the top of the screen). With "Auto-Select" enabled, clicking on an object in the image will automatically select the layer containing that object. Make sure the "Layer" option is chosen from the Auto-Select dropdown, not "Group."
-
Right-Click Context Menu: Right-clicking on an object in the image will often bring up a context menu listing the layers containing the objects under the cursor. Select the desired layer from this menu.
-
Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Next Layer: Alt + ] (Windows) or Option + ] (Mac) selects the layer above the currently selected layer.
- Previous Layer: Alt + [ (Windows) or Option + [ (Mac) selects the layer below the currently selected layer.
-
Selecting Multiple Layers:
- Adjacent Layers: Click the first layer, then hold Shift and click the last layer. This selects all layers in between.
- Non-Adjacent Layers: Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click each layer you want to select.
In Summary: You don't "change the selection layer," but rather select a different layer to work on. Use the Layers panel, Auto-Select, right-click, or keyboard shortcuts to choose the desired layer(s).
