How do you invert laterally in Photoshop?

To invert laterally (flip horizontally) in Photoshop, select the layer you want to modify, press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Command+T (Mac) to activate the Free Transform tool, then right-click inside the transform box and choose "Flip Horizontally."

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Steps to Flip a Layer Horizontally in Photoshop

1. Select the Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer you wish to flip. Ensure it's highlighted.
2. Activate Free Transform: Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Command+T (Mac). This places a bounding box with handles around the contents of the selected layer.
3. Right-Click within the Transform Box: Move your cursor inside the bounding box surrounding the layer's content. Right-click (or Control-click on a Mac if you don't have a right mouse button).
4. Choose "Flip Horizontally": A context menu will appear. Select the "Flip Horizontally" option.
5. Commit the Transformation: Press the Enter key (Windows) or Return key (Mac) to apply the transformation, or click the checkmark in the options bar at the top.

Flipping Multiple Layers

If you need to flip multiple layers at once:

1. Select Multiple Layers: Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and click on each layer you want to select in the Layers panel.
2. Follow the same steps: Use the Ctrl/Cmd + T command for transformation and the right click to Flip Horizontally. All selected layers will be flipped.

Understanding the Difference Between "Flip Horizontally" and "Flip Vertically"

• Flip Horizontally: Creates a mirror image of the layer along a vertical axis. This is the action of inverting laterally.
• Flip Vertically: Creates a mirror image of the layer along a horizontal axis.

Alternative Method: Using the Image Menu (For the Entire Image)

While the above method focuses on flipping specific layers, you can also flip the entire image. To do so:

1. Go to Image > Image Rotation.
2. Choose either Flip Canvas Horizontal or Flip Canvas Vertical. Note: this affects all layers in the project.

In summary, flipping a layer horizontally in Photoshop is a straightforward process involving the Free Transform tool and the "Flip Horizontally" option. This method allows you to easily create mirror images or correct orientation issues in your designs.