Error: Could not complete the Copy command because the selected area is empty

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
December 1, 2024
4 replies
1452 views

So I am trying to copy a die-cut logo with a transparent background like I've done countless times

I always use the magic wand to click the image, right click and "Select Inverse" and then I can ctrl+c to copy it to paste it into another .psd I'm working on

But for the last few weeks everytime I try this technique, I'm getting an error saying:

Could not complete the Copy command because the selected area is empty

What am I doing wrong?

Here's a screenshot of my settings

Windows

Bojan Živković11378569

Community Expert

Have you tried Copy Merged?

J

JohnnyScienceAuthor

Known Participant

Ok I appreciate the feedback

So using the magic wand to select the image, then right click and Selecting Inverse and then doing Copy Merged does seem to work

Why is this file requiring me to do it via Copy Merged?

Is there a way to set this file so I can easily just CTRL+C to copy it?

When it comes to pngs or jpegs, when I'm using the Magic Wand, I always have to right-click & Select Inverse or it doesn't die cut the image/logo - it works pretty fast & efficient for me, so I don't mind it and don't know any other way

I have not tried it by loading the transparency as a selection (and I don't know how to) - the magic wand was always pretty easy until this file

Here is another screenshot of the Groups expanded a bit, but as you can see, there are a lot of them - so let me know if you want a deeper look

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

I have not tried it by loading the transparency as a selection (and I don't know how to) - the magic wand was always pretty easy until this file

By @JohnnyScience

A single layer with transparency can be loaded as a selection by holding down the Ctrl/Cmd key and clicking on the layer thumbnail in the layers panel (note the icon).

Another option for a selected layer is the Select > Load Selection menu item, where the transparency channel can be set as the source.

As you have a group, these single-layer methods will not work. What you can do is hold down the Alt/Opt modifier key and select the layer menu item "merge group", which will create a single layer with transparency. Then, load the transparency as a selection and delete the temporary layer. This is arguably better than using the magic wand. These steps are easy to record into an action or can be scripted for regular use with a keyboard shortcut.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

Isn't inversing the selection from the image selection going to select nothing?

Rather than using the magic wand, I would load the transparency as a selection... But as your screenshot shows a collapsed group, it's impossible to know the layer structure.

J

JohnnyScienceAuthor

Known Participant

Anyone have an idea?

J

JohnnyScienceAuthor

Known Participant

I should also note, it seems to only be on this particular .psd file