How do you copy image settings in Photoshop?

Unfortunately, the provided reference focuses on Lightroom, not Photoshop. Copying image settings directly in Photoshop isn't a single-click process like it is in Lightroom. However, there are several methods you can use to achieve a similar result in Photoshop:

Methods for Copying Image Settings in Photoshop

Here's a breakdown of the most common approaches:

• Copy and Paste Adjustment Layers: This is the most direct method.

  1. In the image with the settings you want to copy, select all the adjustment layers you want to replicate.
  2. Right-click on the selected adjustment layers and choose "Duplicate Layers..."
  3. In the "Destination" dropdown, select the target image where you want to apply the settings. Ensure "Document" is set to the name of the target image.
  4. Click "OK." The adjustment layers will now be added to the target image.

• Saving Adjustment Layer Groups as Presets: You can save groups of adjustment layers as presets to easily apply them to other images.

  1. Group the adjustment layers you want to save together.
  2. With the group selected, go to the Layers panel menu (the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner) and choose "New Layer Group From Layers."
  3. To apply to another image, simply drag the group to that image or copy/paste the adjustment layers as described above.

• Using Actions: Actions allow you to record a series of steps and then replay them on other images. This can include applying specific adjustments. This is useful if you have a repetitive series of edits that you want to apply consistently.

  1. Open the Actions panel (Window > Actions).
  2. Create a new action set and a new action.
  3. Record the steps of applying your desired adjustments.
  4. Stop recording.
  5. Open the target image and play the action.

• Match Color: While not a direct copy of settings, "Match Color" (Image > Adjustments > Match Color) allows you to attempt to match the color and luminance of one image to another. This is best used when you want to quickly achieve a similar overall look but don't need exact replication of specific adjustments.

• Copy/Paste Appearance (For Layer Styles): If you're copying settings that are primarily applied as layer styles (like drop shadows, strokes, etc.), you can right-click on a layer with the styles you want to copy and choose "Copy Layer Style." Then, right-click on the target layer and choose "Paste Layer Style."

Considerations:

• Image Differences: Keep in mind that these methods work best when the source and target images are similar in terms of lighting, exposure, and subject matter. Significant differences may require further adjustments after applying the copied settings.

• Smart Objects: Converting layers to Smart Objects before applying adjustments can help you maintain flexibility and non-destructive editing.