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How do you copy and paste layers in the same position in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Layers 3 mins read

To paste a copied layer into the same position in Photoshop, you use different keyboard shortcuts depending on whether you are pasting within the same document or into a new document. According to one reference, these shortcuts are specifically used for pasting in place after copying a layer (e.g., with Ctrl + C).

Pasting a Layer in the Same Position Within the Same File

If you want to duplicate a layer and place the copy directly on top of the original within the same Photoshop file, ensuring the copy lands in the exact same position, you first copy the layer and then use a specific shortcut.

Here are the steps:

  1. Select the layer(s) you want to copy in the Layers panel.
  2. Copy the selected layer(s) by pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac).
  3. To paste the layer(s) in the exact same position as the original(s) within the same document, press Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac).

This method is useful for creating an exact duplicate layer perfectly aligned with the original.

Pasting a Layer in the Same Position in Another File

When you need to transfer a layer from one Photoshop document to a different Photoshop document, and you want it to appear in the same relative position it occupied in the source document, a different paste command is utilized.

Here are the steps:

  1. Select the layer(s) you want to copy in the source document's Layers panel.
  2. Copy the selected layer(s) by pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac).
  3. Switch to the target Photoshop document where you want to paste the layer(s).
  4. To paste the layer(s) in the exact same position as they were in the original document, press Shift + Ctrl + V (Windows) or Shift + Cmd + V (Mac).

This ensures consistent placement when transferring elements between different projects.

Summary of Shortcuts

Here is a quick reference table for the shortcuts mentioned:

Scenario Shortcut (Windows) Shortcut (Mac) Action
Paste in Same Document Ctrl + F Cmd + F Pastes copied layer(s) in place
Paste in Another Document Shift + Ctrl + V Shift + Cmd + V Pastes copied layer(s) in place

Using these specific shortcuts allows you to maintain the original positioning of your layers when copying and pasting in Photoshop.

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