To copy and repeat transform properties in Photoshop, use the keyboard shortcut: Shift + Option + Command + T (Mac) or Shift + Alt + Ctrl + T (Windows). This duplicates the layer and applies the last transformation you performed.
Here's a breakdown:
- Initial Transformation: First, transform your original layer using Edit > Transform (e.g., scale, rotate, skew).
- The Magic Shortcut: Then, hold down Shift + Option + Command (Mac) or Shift + Alt + Ctrl (Windows) and press T. This creates a duplicate of your original layer and applies the exact same transformation.
- Repeating the Transformation: While still holding down Shift + Option + Command (Mac) or Shift + Alt + Ctrl (Windows), repeatedly tapping the T key will create additional copies of the layer, each with the same transformation applied consecutively. This is extremely useful for creating patterns or repeating effects.
Example:
Let's say you rotate a layer 45 degrees. By using the shortcut, the next layer will be rotated 45 degrees from its current position relative to the canvas, not relative to the original. Each successive press of "T" will continue to apply that 45-degree rotation to the newest layer, creating a spiral effect if the layer also contains content.
Key Takeaways:
- The shortcut duplicates the layer and applies the last transformation.
- Successive applications of the shortcut build upon the previous transformation.
- This is a non-destructive method, as each transformed element is on its own layer.
