Okay, here is the exact answer to how to copy and move a selection in Photoshop, based on the provided reference.
To copy and move a selection in Photoshop, you use the Move tool in conjunction with the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) key.
Copying and Moving a Single Selection
The process involves selecting the area you want to duplicate and then dragging it while holding a specific key.
- Select the Move tool: In the Photoshop toolbox (usually on the left side of the workspace), click to select the Move tool (it looks like a cross with arrows).
- Target your selection: Make sure the layer containing the selection you want to copy is active.
- Press and Hold the Modifier Key: Press Alt on your Windows keyboard or Option on your Mac OS keyboard. Keep this key held down.
- Drag the Selection: While holding Alt (Option), click on the selection within your image and drag it to the desired new location.
- Release: Release the mouse button first, and then release the Alt (Option) key.
A duplicate of your selection will appear at the new location, while the original selection remains in its place. This action effectively copies the pixels within the selection boundary to a new spot on the same layer (or creates a new layer depending on your settings and the content).
Making Multiple Copies of the Same Selection
The provided reference explains how to quickly create several duplicates of the initial selection:
- To make additional copies of the same selection, continue to hold down Alt (Option in Mac OS) while dragging the selection to each new location.
This means you can perform the drag-and-drop action multiple times while keeping the modifier key pressed to generate several copies of the original selection.
Summary of Key Actions
| Action | Tool | Windows Key | Mac OS Key | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copy and Move | Move Tool | Alt | Option | Creates one copy at new location |
| Copy to Multiple Locations | Move Tool | Hold Alt | Hold Option | Creates multiple copies at different locations by repeated dragging |
By following these steps with the Move tool and the Alt/Option key, you can efficiently copy and move selected areas within your Photoshop projects.
