Copying and duplicating layers


You can copy individual layers in the same image or between images. You can also duplicate layers in order to quickly replicate image elements. In addition, you can simultaneously copy the contents of multiple layers by using a selection.

To copy and paste a layer

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1 Choose the Layer Adjuster tool in the toolbox.
2 Enable the Auto-Select Layer check box on the property bar.
3 In the document window, click the layer that you want to copy.
4 On the property bar, click the Copy button , and perform an action from the following table:

 

To paste a layer
Do the following
Directly above the copied layer
Click the Paste in Place button .
Above another layer
Click the layer in the Layers panel, and then click the Paste in Place button .
Above the canvas
Select the canvas in the Layers panel, and then click the Paste in Place button .

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You can also copy a selected layer by pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (macOS), and then paste it by pressing Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (macOS).

You can also copy a selected layer by choosing Edit Copy, and then paste it by choosing Edit Paste in Place.

To duplicate a layer

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1 Choose the Layer Adjuster tool in the toolbox.
2 Enable the Auto-Select Layer check box on the property bar.
3 Hold down Option (macOS) or Alt (Windows) and click a layer.
A duplicate layer is created on top of the original layer. Drag the new layer to reveal the original layer in the document window.

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You can also duplicate a layer by right-clicking the layer in the Layers panel, and choosing Duplicate Layer.

You can also duplicate a selected layer by clicking the Layer options button in the Layers panel, and choosing Duplicate Layer.

You can also duplicate a layer by selecting the layer in the Layers panel, and choosing Layers Duplicate Layer.

To copy a layer to another document

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1 Choose the Layer Adjuster tool from the toolbox.
2 Enable the Auto-Select Layer check box on the property bar.
3 In the document window, click the layer that you want to copy.
4 On the property bar, click the Copy button .
5 Open or create a document.
6 Choose Edit Paste In New Image.

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You can also copy a layer by opening the document where you want to copy the layer, enabling the Auto-Select Layer check box on the property bar, and dragging the layer to the other document.

To copy a selection from multiple layers

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1 Make a selection.
The selection must include elements from multiple layers.
2 Choose Edit Copy Merged.

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You can also copy from multiple layers by pressing Command + Option+C (macOS) or Ctrl + Alt + C (Windows).

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