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
1
Choose the
Layer Adjuster tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Layer-Adjuster.svg)
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
![](../Shared_graphics/Copy.svg)
, and perform an action from the following table:
|
|
Directly above the copied layer
|
Click the Paste in Place button ![](../Shared_graphics/Paste_in_Place.svg) .
|
|
Click the layer in the Layers panel, and then click the Paste in Place button ![](../Shared_graphics/Paste_in_Place.svg) .
|
|
Select the canvas in the Layers panel, and then click the Paste in Place button ![](../Shared_graphics/Paste_in_Place.svg) .
|
![*](images/tip.svg)
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
1
Choose the
Layer Adjuster tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Layer-Adjuster.svg)
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.
![*](images/tip.svg)
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
1
Choose the
Layer Adjuster tool
![](../Shared_graphics/Layer-Adjuster.svg)
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
![](../Shared_graphics/Copy.svg)
.
5
Open or create a document.
6
Choose
Edit
Paste In New Image.
![*](images/tip.svg)
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
The selection must include elements from multiple layers.
2
Choose
Edit
Copy Merged.
![*](images/tip.svg)
You can also copy from multiple layers by pressing Command + Option+C (macOS) or Ctrl + Alt + C (Windows).