Skip to main content
B
BaCbDc
Inspiring
November 24, 2012
Question

[CS6] How can I copy and paste a rectangle or other shapes?

  • November 24, 2012
  • 1 reply
  • 106336 views

[Photoshop CS6]

I want to copy and paste a simple rectangle.

I drawed a rectangle with the Rectangle Tool.

I marked it with the Move Tool.

If I go to Edit->Copy and then to Copy->Paste

I see still only one rectangle. Could be

one is overlayed by the other but I don't

know how to separate them afterwards.

So I tried to move the first rectangle to another place

before click on Edit->Paste.

I then get a copy of the first rectangle. But the problem is that they

react as they would be one shape and not as two differnt shapes.

I can only move the two rectangles as they would be one shape

and they are also marked as they would be one shape.

And I can only mark them as they would be one rectangle.

But I want two independent rectangles.

How can I in Photoshop CS6 copy and paste rectangles or other shapes so

that the copy is independent of the original shape?

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    1 reply

    dhosford
    dhosford
    Participating Frequently
    November 24, 2012

    Hi there,

      The easiest way to copy and paste shapes would be to duplicate the shape layer in the layers panel. That way the shapes will be independent copies. To do this, first make a rectangle that you'd like to copy. Then, with your rectangle selected, click the panel menu icon in the Layers pallete:

    Then, choose "Duplicate Layer..." in the pop up menu that appears:

    And that's it! You will now have two shapes that are independent of each other.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further clarification!

      B
      BaCbDcAuthor
      Inspiring
      November 24, 2012

      Thank you. Is it also possible to create a copy

      of an object in the same layer?

      dhosford
      dhosford
      Participating Frequently
      November 26, 2012

      Hi there,

        You can have both copies in the same shape layer, but you will not be able to move them as separate objects anymore. To merge them into the same shape layer select both layers in the layers pallete by holding down CTRL and clicking on a PC or holding down Command and clicking on a Mac:

        Then click the Panel menu in the layers pallete:

        Then choose Merge Shapes from the pop up menu that appears:

        And that's it! Now both shapes will be in the same shape layer.

      I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further clarification or if you have any other questions. : )

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices