How to copy a layer in Photoshop? Tips & Tricks

A more or less experienced user of Adobe Photoshop is already familiar with the concept of layers. Layers - this is an important component of the graphics editor, which makes it easy to edit the image, and also gives a great advantage when working with images. Not everyone knows the full functionality of the layer panel, although some features will prove useful to professionals. For example, how to copy a layer in Photoshop SS to another image? In addition to this question, we consider the duplication of layers, their transfer and displacement.

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How to copy a layer in Photoshop

As stated earlier, layers are an essential element that you need to be able to use. Without it, it would be impossible to retouch photos and create graphic objects at the proper level. And it often happens that you have to copy and duplicate layers.

When designing a project, one has to resort to the creation of new documents, where it is necessary to transfer all the achievements that were earlier. Before copying layers in Photoshop, you must use the instructions:

Visual layer overlay




  1. Open two images in different documents, which will be hidden in the tabs (conditionally suppose that the first image is the original, and the second is where the layers need to be moved).
  2. On the first layer, select the layers necessary for the user.
  3. At the final stage, you can use one of the three proposed methods. The first method is to reformat all layers into one and select all the elements in the image, and then paste the copied image into a new document. The second is to select the layers and use the mouse to transfer them from one directory to another. The last method is to select the "Move" tool in the quick access panel and drag the required layer onto the new image.

You can also consider one of the questions: how to copy a layer in Photoshop using the keyboard? You need to select the one you need and click the button combination on the image itself: Alt + left mouse button.





Layer duplication

Consider the duplicate function from two positions: inside the image and between images. The second method is practically no different from copying a layer in Photoshop. Once the user has mastered these functions, then editing the images will become much easier.

  1. Inside the image. It is necessary to select the desired one in the layers section and right-click on it, then select "Create a duplicate layer". A window pops up to indicate the name of the new layer.
  2. Between Images. Open two images (as is the case with copying). Select the layer (or group) we need and create a duplicate of the entire list of selected elements. The final touch will be the transfer from one to another using one of the methods that were indicated in the section "How to copy a layer in Photoshop".

Reordering

Layering Layers in Photoshop




Photoshop environment obeys a certain rule - the layers seem to overlap each other. This means that the lowest will be hidden behind everyone else. Working with layers involves changing this order - changing them in Photoshop is easy. It is enough to use the cursor and just move the layers to a new location. But it is worth keeping in mind that new ones will be added on top of the selected, and not all layers combined.

Other layer operations

It will be useful to highlight some more actions with layers that can be useful in practice.

  1. Overlay options. This function allows you to edit a layer, change its transparency, stroke, shadow and much more.
  2. Rasterize the layer. If you are working with vector graphics or with a smart object, then you may need this function for further work with them.
  3. Convert to smart object. Helps the user to edit any objects without loss of image quality.




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