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Mike Priester
Participant
April 12, 2021
Question

Can't move selected pixels in PS

  • April 12, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 844 views

I'm attempting to move a selection to another part of the same image. I created a new layer, selected the object in question, and clicked on the "move" tool. I then clicked on the selection, and a window popped up with the following message: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty.

I've tried Edit > cut, Edit > copy; using the move tool while pressing the shift key, option key, yet I keep getting the same annoying message. Would like to know what I'm doing wrong.

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2 replies

Bojan Živković11378569
Community Expert
Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
Community Expert
April 12, 2021

You have correct answer by @barbara_a7746676 . If you want to move selected pixels on separate layer then you must ensure that layer with selected pixels is unlocked, normal, pixel based layer in the first place. Next thing to do is to use Cut command followed by paste on new layer. After pasting on new layer you will be able to move pixels around (that, new layer with paste content must be selected in the Layers panel).

barbara_a7746676
Community Expert
barbara_a7746676Community Expert
Community Expert
April 12, 2021

It sounds like the active layer has no pixels on it.

Make sure that the layer with the pixels you want to move is the active layer.

The active layer should have a highlight in the Layers panel, like the image layer shown:

    M
    Mike PriesterAuthor
    Participant
    April 13, 2021

    Empty layer was the problem. I duplicated the background layer and tried again. Success!

    Thank you much.

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