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Inspiring
December 4, 2019
Answered

Is there any way to select a layer, that is currently covered by a Marquee selection?

  • December 4, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 721 views

I'm not sure if this problem existed in the previous versions – in my head I remember that this thing worked, but now I finally got frustrated enough to ask:

Uusually I use the Move tool to quickly select layers by just clicking on a drawing. I can also use CMD click, if I'm currently using another tool.

But here is the trick - if there is any Marquee selection, there is no way to click through it to select a layer. Clicking outside a Marquee of course works, but what if all the drawing on the desired layer is currently covered by a Marquee selection?

I've tried all possible shortcuts, no luck. I can't even right ckick with the Move tool in order to choose from the list of layers.

In the end I have to search for the desired layer manually in the Layers panel, which can take time , if it's a big project, or clear the Marquee selection, then choose the layer, then use Marquee again (not an option, if I already created a complicated Marquee...)

 

(I'm on Mac OS High Sierra, Photoshop CC 2017)

 

in the screenshot - I try to pick the cat layer

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Jeff Arola

Option right click on the object (cat layer in your example) in the document window.

Cmd+Option right click with other tools.

 

Doesn't work if no layers are selected.

2 replies

Jeff Arola
Community Expert
Jeff ArolaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 4, 2019

Option right click on the object (cat layer in your example) in the document window.

Cmd+Option right click with other tools.

 

Doesn't work if no layers are selected.

soom1976Author
Inspiring
December 4, 2019

oh wow - I didn't think about right clicking! thanks!

Semaphoric
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 4, 2019

You could go into Quick Mask mode, and press Command+2 to make the composie (RGB) channel active. Select your layer with the Move tool, then exit Quick mask mode.