Photolabile protecting groups (PPGs) are very useful tools in organic synthesis, biochemistry, and biomedical applications. However, practically useful PPGs for some important functional groups such as carbonyl groups are still rare. Herein, we report our effort in developing a series of novel and robust PPGs for carbonyl compounds, based on the well-established triphenylmethyl dye photochemistry. These PPGs are structurally simple and can be readily synthesized from commercially available and inexpensive materials. The installation of the PPGs upon carbonyl compounds were achieved in excellent yield. Carbonyl compounds in their protected forms have excellent dark stability and can be photochemically released in high efficiency.