How do you make a selection a new layer in Photoshop?

Creating a new layer from a selection in Photoshop is a quick and efficient way to isolate and manipulate specific parts of your image. Here's how you can do it:

Methods for Creating a New Layer From a Selection

There are two primary methods for accomplishing this: using keyboard shortcuts and utilizing the right-click menu.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

• Windows: Press Control + J
• Mac: Press Command + J
  This will immediately copy the contents of your selection and paste it into a new layer directly above the current layer. This is generally considered the fastest method.

Method 2: Right-Click Menu

1. First, ensure you have an active selection in your Photoshop document.
2. Right-click directly within your selected area.
3. In the context menu that appears, choose the option "Layer Via Copy."
   This method achieves the same result as using the keyboard shortcut, copying the selection to a new layer.

Practical Insights

• Efficiency: Using the shortcut (Command + J or Control + J) is generally faster for experienced users.
• Flexibility: Both methods achieve the same outcome, allowing you to choose the technique that best suits your workflow.
• Organization: This process is fundamental for non-destructive editing, enabling you to work on specific parts of an image without directly affecting the original.

Example Workflow

1. Make a selection of an object or area in your image using any of Photoshop's selection tools (e.g., Lasso tool, Marquee tool, Quick Selection tool).
2. Press Command + J (Mac) or Control + J (PC).
3. A new layer will appear in your layers panel with just your selected content.
4. Now you can independently adjust the new layer (color, blending mode, filters, etc.) without touching the original content.

Summary

As stated in the reference, the fastest way to make a new layer from a selection in Photoshop is to press Command + J (Mac) or Control + J (PC), or right-click on the selection and choose ‘Layer Via Copy.’ Both methods provide an effective way to move selected content to its own layer, facilitating a non-destructive workflow.