How do I copy a shape

[salimah999]

Photoshop question: I have made a selection of a small shape on a layer, and filled it with colour. Now I want to reproduce that shape multiple times on the same layer. I would be grateful if someone could tell me how to do this. Thank you.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Good day!

How did you create the Selection?

Have you deselected already or is the Selction still active?

Regards,

Pfaffenbichler

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I have made a selection of a small shape on a layer, and filled it with colour.

If the shape is the only thing on that Layer you could convert it to a Smart Object and duplicate and transform it as needed; as instances of the same Smart Object the resulting Layers can all be updated simultaneously if changes to the object should become necessary.

[salimah999]

Hi, thanks for your help. I could select it, or de select it. I could make it with the lasso tool or any of the tools for selecting if that makes it easier. I hoped there might be a simple way of reproducing this shape easily many times, and dragging them around, arranging them in a sequence on the layer. I don't know how to convert something into a smart object.. Best wishes.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

You could create the shapes as Paths and use them as Vector Masks on Shape Layers.

The Paths can be easily duplicated by cmd-alt-dragging.

But to me it seems you might not be using Photoshop efficiently by trying to get all the instances onto one Layer, once again: Using Smart Objects is likely a more prudent approach.

[salimah999]

Yes it works, that's exactly what I want thank you very much!