Chapter 11 — Layers
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts relating to Layers in Adobe Photoshop
Windows
| KEYS | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + C | Copy | Copy the current selection and save it to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + V | Paste | Paste clipboard contents (creates new layer just above current working layer) |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | New Empty Layer | Press the Control key, the Shift key and "N" to create a new blank layer above the currently active layer |
| Ctrl + J | New layer from Selection | Press the Control key and "J" to make a new layer containing the currently selected area (or the entire current layer if there is no selection) |
| Ctrl + E | Merge Layer(s) | Press the Control key and "E" to merge the current active layer with the one below it. Or you can Control-click or Shift-click to select multiple layers to merge. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E | New Merged Layer from All Visible | This four-fingered "Vulcan Death Grip" creates a new Layer that's a merged copy of all your currently visible Layers. The original Layers stay intact and separate and the new Layer made from them goes to the top of the stack in the Layers Panel. |
| Ctrl (alone) |
Move | Holding down the Control key gives you the Move tool temporarily; great for quick layer repositioning without switching tools |
Mac
| KEYS | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cmd + C | Copy | Copy the current selection and save it to the clipboard |
| Cmd + V | Paste | Paste clipboard contents (creates new layer just above current working layer) |
| Cmd + Shift + N | New Empty Layer | Press the Command key, the Shift key and "N" to create a new blank layer above the currently active layer |
| Cmd + J | New layer from Selection | Press the Command key and "J" to make a new layer containing the currently selected area (or the entire current layer if there is no selection) |
| Cmd + E | Merge Layer(s) | Press the Command key and "E" to merge the current active layer with the one below it. Or you can Command-click or Shift-click to select multiple layers to merge. |
| Cmd + Alt + Shift + E | New Merged Layer from All Visible | This four-fingered "Vulcan Death Grip" creates a new Layer that's a merged copy of all your currently visible Layers. The original Layers stay intact and separate and the new Layer made from them goes to the top of the stack in the Layers Panel. |
| Cmd (alone) |
Move | Holding down the Control key gives you the Move tool temporarily; great for quick layer repositioning without switching tools |