Creating a Layer from a Selection
On the previous page, you learned how to create a selection based on the image information within a layer. In addition to creating a selection from a layer, Photoshop gives you the ability to instantly create a layer from a selection. Creating layers from selections opens up all kinds of opportunities for generating special effects. For example, selecting an object from one layer, and then making a layer with that selection, or making a selection of a portion of a image, creating the layer, and applying a layer style to the copy. The possibilities are endless, and the fun of using Photoshop is exploring those possibilities.
Create a Layer from a Selection
Select the Layers palette.
Click on the layer containing the information you want to convert into a layer.
Select an area of an image using any of Photoshop's selection tools.
Press Ctrl+J (Win) or press
+J (Mac) to make a copy.Photoshop converts the selected area into a new layer, and places that layer directly above the active layer.
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Did You Know?You can make a copy of all elements within a layer. Select the layer in the Layers palette, and then click Ctrl+J (Win), ![]() To make a copy of a layer that contains an object, select the layer in the Layers palette, select the Move tool, hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key, and then click and drag (in the document window). |