Copy a layer fast

[AppleCider]

I know some of the experienced PS users already know this, but it may be useful for those of you who are new to the application.

Tired of dragging and dropping a layer onto the layer icon to copy it? (When I did it this way, I often hit the trash and delted the layer instead of copying it....yes, I could undo but it was annoying!)

Dragging and dropping is a great concept, but in this instance, simply hitting Cmd-J (PC Cntrl-J) will instantly copy the layer.

More layer shortcuts:

If you want to copy a part of the layer instead of the whole thing, select that part, and use the same command. If you want to cut a part of a layer out instead of copying it, making a new layer, select it and hit Shift-Cmd-J (PC Shift-Cntrl-J). (If the part of the layer you're cutting out is on a transparency, you do not have to make an exact selection; it can be sloppy, so long as the selection doesn't include another part of the layer)

 

[pdog182]

Yes! I've been wanting that shortcut since I started using photoshop. Thanks a lot.

 

[AppleCider]

Glad to help, pdog

 

[Wait]

AC, is there a way to select multiple layers at one time?
I shouldn't be asking this because of what I have in my sig.... :\

 

[Guest]

I always forget about the ctrl+j and I'm still dragging until now and yes, I trash a lot
Time to make the switch...but that's what I keep telling myself

 

[AppleCider]

AC, is there a way to select multiple layers at one time?
I shouldn't be asking this because of what I have in my sig.... :\

Wait, I'll have to disobey your sig this time and say "no, not directly." B7

The easiest way to sort of do it is to link all layers you want to trash, go to the arrow on the right of the layer and choose "Make layer set from linked." Then trash the set.

To move, transform, etc. multiple layers at the same time, simply link them.

To rasterize multiple text layers, link all the layers you want to rasterize, them Cntrl-click (PC: right click) on one of them, choose rasterize.