How do you copy a layer location in Photoshop?

To copy a layer's location in Photoshop, hold down the Shift key while dragging the layer to another document or within the same document. This ensures the layer's position is preserved relative to the original document.

Here's a breakdown:

• Copying to the Same Location (Same Document Dimensions): If you're copying a layer within the same document or to another document with the exact same pixel dimensions, holding Shift will place the copied layer in the exact same spatial position as the original.

• Copying to a Different Location (Different Document Dimensions): If the destination document has different pixel dimensions, holding Shift will center the copied layer in the new document. It won't preserve the exact location, but it will ensure it's centered.

Steps:

1. Select the layer you want to copy in the Layers panel.
2. Select the Move Tool (V).
3. Click and drag the layer.
4. Hold down the Shift key during the dragging process.
5. Release the mouse button to place the layer.

Alternative Method Using Copy/Paste:

1. Select the layer you want to copy in the Layers panel.
2. Go to Edit > Copy (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C / Cmd+C).
3. Open the destination document.
4. Go to Edit > Paste Special > Paste in Place. This method perfectly preserves the original layer position.

Why use Shift?

The Shift key acts as a constraint, ensuring the pasted or dragged layer maintains its relative position. Without Shift, you'd have to manually reposition the layer in the new document, which can be less precise.

In summary: Use the Shift key while dragging to copy a layer's location in Photoshop; otherwise, use "Paste in Place" for exact positioning when copying between documents.