I want to add a border to a picture. When I read the Help files, it says to go to Select> Modify> Border. However, when I import the picture I want to add the border to, those options are grayed out under the Select menu. I can see the lock on the background. When I try to double-click on that to unlock the image, nothing happens. When I hover my mouse over the lock, the screen tip says the image is partially locked. What might be going on and am I approaching adding a border the right way?

The Modify/Border is not used for the purpose you want, it is used to modify the border of a selection.

If you want to add a border to your image, try the following.

Duplicate your image.
Set the background colour on your tool palette to the colour you wish your border to be.
Now click Image/Canvas Size, click the Relative button, then add the dimensions you wish your border to be, click OK.

Hope this helps.

Thank you! That worked beautifully!

You're welcome, glad I could help.

You can also add a Layer Style, go to Stroke, select color, size and make sure the position is inside.

A couple of questions regarding some replies here...

I am just going through this now to add some white borders to portfolio pics. Is there a standard width for the border either percentage of photo or actual dimensions? Also, I dont mean any offense, 12fretter, but with that method you will lose some of the original photo. I was trying to go about this using the stroke command but couldn't get it to be on the outside, the image/canvas size method worked much better for my purposes.

No offense taken...just another way if you have the room to crop a bit.

Indeed. And actually they may be where I'm at fault in this process. I'm adding the border after all the r&r work is done. I've already cropped and done all that I need to do, just adding the border to bring out the pic a little more for presentation purposes.