We are all unique. Our brains process knowledge differently than others might process the same knowledge, and we all have our own preferences when it comes to creativity and work habits.  I don’t know if that is why Adobe built into Photoshop multiple ways to accomplish the same task, but I’m really glad they did.

Do you ever find yourself duplicating kit elements to use in a layout?   Today, let’s look at 6 different ways to duplicate objects; some ways are faster than others, but there’s definitely something for everyone.

Once you have an object on your document that you want to copy:

Method #1: Go to the top Menu Bar.  Image > Duplicate. A new window will open asking you to name your duplicate image. You may do so, or just click OK and forego naming it.  (In Photoshop Elements:  File > Duplicate).

Method #2: In your Layers Panel, click on the layer you would like to duplicate, in order to make it active.  Right click, then choose Duplicate in the in the fly-out menu. (Same for Photoshop Elements).

Method #3: While holding down the ALT key, click on the layer you would like to duplicate. Left click and hold down your mouse button, while you drag the element up. When your mouse reaches the top of the layer you have selected, release the ALT key and your mouse. The layer will be duplicated. (Same for Photoshop Elements).

Method #4: Hold down the ALT key. Left click on the object within your document that you would like to duplicate and drag it away from the original object, and it will be duplicated.  (Same for Photoshop Elements).

Method #5: In the Layers Panel, click on the layer you would like to duplicate, and drag to the New Layer Icon. In Photoshop it is at the bottom of the Layers Panel; in Photoshop Elements, it is at the top of the Layers Panel.

Method #6: In the Layers Panel, click on the layer you would like to duplicate, and hit Control + J on your keyboard. The layer will be duplicated. (Same for Photoshop Elements).

If you have another favorite method I haven’t mentioned, please let us know in the Comment section. It’s always fun to learn.

View this tutorial on the Karen Schulz Designs You Tube Channel.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ve found this helpful!