How to copy layers and groups between open files in Photoshop?

Question

To copy layers/groups of layer between open files in Photoshop, this is what I do: drag one open file tab so it become a small window, then I can drag drop my layer between the documents. I haven't been able to drag layers to tabs directly.

This is cumbersome. Is there a faster way?

score 26 · Accepted Answer · edited Aug 20 '15 at 03:58

26

Highlight ALL the layers you want to copy. In your Layers panel, right click the layer and choose "Duplicate Layer." There will be a dropdown to choose the destination file.

edited Aug 20 '15 at 03:58

Community

1

answered Oct 17 '11 at 16:12

anon

521

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 18 '11 at 02:42

Simply select the layer in the source image, and drag it from the image viewport into the destination image viewport. If you are using CS5, you can drag to the destination images tab and hold for a moment to bring it to front (do not actually drop ON the tab), then drop the layer on the destination image. This will work with individual layers, layer selections, or groups.

How to copy layers and groups between open files in Photoshop?

2 Answers2