How do I copy an edit in Photoshop?

There are several ways to copy an edit in Photoshop, depending on what kind of edit you're referring to and what you want to apply it to. Here are a few common methods:

Method 1: Copying and Pasting Layer Styles

This is useful when you want to transfer effects like shadows, glows, or strokes from one layer to another.

1. Right-click on the layer with the styles you want to copy in the Layers panel.
2. Select "Copy Layer Style."
3. Right-click on the layer you want to apply the styles to.
4. Select "Paste Layer Style."

Method 2: Copying and Pasting Adjustments

This allows you to replicate adjustment layers like Curves, Levels, or Color Balance between images or layers within the same document.

1. Select the adjustment layer in the Layers panel that you want to copy.
2. Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy the adjustment layer.
3. Open the image or select the layer you want to apply the adjustment to.
4. Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the adjustment layer.

Method 3: Using Actions

Actions are a powerful way to record and replay a series of steps. This is useful if you have a complex editing process you want to repeat on multiple images.

1. Open the Actions panel (Window > Actions).
2. Create a new action set if you want to organize your actions.
3. Click the "Create new action" button (looks like a plus sign in a square).
4. Name your action and click "Record."
5. Perform the edits you want to copy. Photoshop will record each step.
6. Click the "Stop recording" button.
7. To apply the action to another image, open the image and select your action in the Actions panel, then click the "Play" button.

Method 4: Syncing Edits (Similar to Lightroom Workflow)

While Photoshop doesn't have a direct "Sync" feature like Lightroom, you can use actions or copy/paste adjustment layers to achieve a similar result when working with multiple images opened as layers/smart objects within a single document. The reference suggests this method, hinting at the ability to select all layers and apply the same adjustments. This is generally achieved by creating an action that applies an adjustment layer with specific settings, or simply pasting a copied adjustment layer to each desired layer.

In summary, copying edits in Photoshop depends on the specific type of edit and how you intend to reuse it. Layer styles are best copied with the "Copy/Paste Layer Style" commands. Adjustment layers can be copied and pasted directly. For complex or repetitive tasks, actions provide the most flexibility.