How Do I Make a Selected Area a New Layer in Photoshop?

To create a new layer from a selected area in Photoshop, use the "Layer Via Copy" or "Layer Via Cut" options. Here's how:

1. Make a Selection: Using any of Photoshop's selection tools (Lasso, Marquee, Quick Selection, etc.), select the area you want to isolate into a new layer.

2. Choose Your Method: Decide whether you want to copy the selection into a new layer (leaving the original intact) or cut the selection (removing it from the original layer).

3. Create the New Layer:

   • Layer Via Copy (Leaves the original intact): Go to Layer > New > Layer Via Copy. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac).

   • Layer Via Cut (Removes from the original): Go to Layer > New > Layer Via Cut. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+J (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+J (Mac).

In summary, selecting an area and using "Layer Via Copy" or "Layer Via Cut" creates a new layer containing only the selected portion, either duplicating it or moving it from the original layer.