Empty layer when duplicating onto separate document

[JJLa42]

I often duplicate layers onto a different file. Sometimes this works fine, and other times it will copy the layer but not copy the actual picture. I haven't been able to figure out the connection and when it will appear or not. Sometimes creating a new template will help, but other times, it will not appear on a new template either. Does anyone have any ideas on why this is happening or what to do about it?

[JessCampbell]

Can you describe your specific path to produce this problem? What are you selecting- the layer itself or the pixels on the canvas? How are you copy/pasting - a keyboard shortcut, menu, or drag and drop? 

[JJLa42]

Sure! I start with a layer mask in the first document, select and merge the layers, right-click, then "duplicate" the single layer onto the second document. I don't use keyboard shortcuts for this process. This particular layer/picture I CAN duplicate onto a different document and see the photo, I just cannot duplicate it directly into the document I need it to be in until after I duplicate it first into a different document.

I also checked that it is not outside the document constraints.

[Bojan Živković]

Which version of Photoshop are you using? To clarify, does your layer contain content prior to using the 'Duplicate Layer' command? When you select the destination document from the 'Document' drop-down menu in the 'Duplicate Layer' dialog, does it result in an empty layer in the destination document?

[JJLa42]

I am using Photoshop 2023.

Correct, the content exists in the previous document. The duplicated layer will appear in the new document, but with no content.

[Bojan Živković]

To assist someone in replicating the issue, please provide the exact version of Photoshop. You can find this information under Help > About Photoshop.

For any unusual behavior in Photoshop, the general recommendation is to reset preferences. Remember to save all unsaved actions and presets before resetting preferences.

[JJLa42]

24.7.3 Release but this issue has been happening to me for around a year.

[JJLa42]

I reset my Photoshop preferences but it did not solve the issue unfortunately.

[barbara_a · Accepted solution]

I have sometimes encountered that.

Try dragging the layer from the layers panel into the second document or onto it's title bar.

[JJLa42 · Accepted solution]

I can't believe it was so simple, but this worked! Thank you!

It gave me some information in the process. Apparently, the original file is a different bit depth, so my guess is that something related to mismatched bit depth prevents the picture from being copied to certain files. 

For anyone else looking, this is how to fix or check bit depth:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/quot-target-document-has-a-different-...