To copy transform settings in Photoshop, you can utilize the following methods, leveraging smart layers and keyboard shortcuts:
Duplicating Transforms with Smart Layers
When working with smart layers, you can efficiently duplicate both the layer and any transformations applied to it. Here's how:
- Apply Your Transform: Apply your desired transform (e.g., scale, rotate, skew) to a smart layer.
- Duplicate: Hold down Shift + Ctrl + Alt on Windows or Shift + Command + Option on Mac, and then press T. This action duplicates the smart layer and its applied transforms.
- Iterative Duplication: You can continue to press T while still holding down the modifier keys (Shift + Ctrl + Alt or Shift + Command + Option) to create multiple duplicates of the layer with the same transformations applied.
- Smart Layer Preservation: Crucially, each duplicated layer remains a smart layer. This means that you can still edit the original layer and all copies will update to reflect those changes.
Why Use Smart Layers?
Smart layers offer several advantages when copying transform settings:
- Non-Destructive Editing: Transforms applied to smart layers are non-destructive, allowing you to modify them later without losing quality.
- Centralized Control: Editing the content of the original smart layer updates all of its duplicates, saving you time and effort.
- Efficiency: Quickly create multiple copies of a transformed element with consistent attributes.
Practical Example
Imagine you want to create a pattern using an icon you've rotated and scaled. By making the icon a smart layer, applying your initial transform, and then using Shift + Ctrl + Alt + T (Windows) or Shift + Command + Option + T (Mac), you can easily create a grid or other repeating pattern with identical, transformed icons that all update when you make changes to the initial layer.
| Task | Keyboard Shortcut (Windows) | Keyboard Shortcut (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate Smart Layer with Transforms | Shift + Ctrl + Alt + T | Shift + Command + Option + T |
