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How to Change the Image Position in Photopea

Published in Photopea Image Manipulation 3 mins read

To change the image position in Photopea, you typically use the Move tool or the keyboard arrow keys.

Using the Move tool allows you to drag and drop layers (which contain images or other content) around the canvas with your mouse. The keyboard arrows offer precise control over movement pixel by pixel.

Methods to Reposition Images in Photopea

Here are the primary ways to adjust the position of an image or layer in your Photopea project:

1. Using the Move Tool

The Move tool is the most common way to reposition elements visually.

  • Select the Tool: Choose the Move tool from the toolbar (it looks like a four-headed arrow). The shortcut key is V.
  • Select the Layer: Make sure the layer containing the image you want to move is selected in the Layers panel.
  • Drag and Drop: Click and drag the image directly on the canvas to move it to the desired location.

Auto-Select Feature

The Move tool has an auto-select feature. When enabled, you don't need to manually select the layer in the Layers panel first; clicking on an object on the canvas will automatically select its layer.

  • Enable Permanently: You can enable auto-select in the top options bar when the Move tool is selected.
  • Enable Temporarily: You can also enable auto-select temporarily by holding the Ctrl key while using the Move tool.

2. Using Keyboard Arrow Keys

For fine-tuned positioning, you can use your keyboard arrows:

  • Select the Layer: Ensure the layer you want to move is selected in the Layers panel.
  • Press Arrow Keys: Press the Up, Down, Left, or Right arrow keys on your keyboard.
    • One keypress will move the content by one pixel. This provides very precise control.
    • If you hold Shift, content will be moved in ten pixel steps. This allows for faster movement over larger distances while still maintaining control.

Summary of Movement Options

Here's a quick overview of how different actions affect movement:

Method Action Movement Distance Precision
Move Tool (Mouse) Click and Drag Variable Visual
Keyboard Arrows Single Press 1 pixel Very High
Keyboard Arrows Hold Shift + Press 10 pixels High (Faster)

By combining the visual drag-and-drop method with the precise keyboard controls, you can position your images exactly where you need them in Photopea.

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