Inspiring

Question

Importing layers from PSD into another PSD File

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
April 12, 2024
3 replies
6223 views

Hi all!

I have one main document and want to place/import several PSD files, including an image with a layer mask to make the image transparent. When dragged and dropped as an object, to adjust the layer mask, I need to "edit content," which is an extra step I would like to remove.

Is there a way to import layers from another PSD into the open PSD (preferably by drag-and-drop)?

Thanks in advance for your time and sharing the knowledge 🙏

Cheers!

macOS

This topic has been closed for replies.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

When imported as an object, to adjust the layer mask, I need to "edit content," which is an extra step I would like to remove.

But depending on the use of the placed elements (multiple instances, transformations, different Color Spaces, use in multiple images [in the case of linked smart objects], …) the benefits can outweigh that inconvenience.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

You can also duplicate selected layers from an open doc to another open doc.

I wrote a script to stack files retaining layers here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/request-photoshop-script-load-files-to-stack-including-layers-in-order/td-p/14202346

Esther NetherlandsAuthor

Inspiring

Thanks Stephen! This indeed looks to be doing kind of what I am looking for... but the canvas settings etc should remain from the "main" document. Now the size is enlarged due to the other files being bigger in pixel size.

Esther NetherlandsAuthor

Inspiring

After duplicating you can just close the doc without saving, that way when you're finished the only open doc is the target/destination doc.

If you can supply test files a script could be written for your specific situation. A layered after file would also be good.

Hey Stephen, It is related to the process of warping, resizing and placing I asked here @c.pfaffenbichler created a great script for based on a manual added 4 point path. But seems to be causing some unwanted cases and deeper investigation.

This is based on creating transparency after the warp/resizing/move because the images were not transparent. But with remove.bg the transparency is much better (than using the object selection, which misses the box, or using the wand to select the white) ... but not always perfect and some manual mask adjustment is needed.

Creating the example file you asked for revealed to me that having transparency in the form of a mask before these steps is not efficient / possible. Not only the image needs to be warped/resized/moved but the mask itself as well. Which sounds impossible. So, it is better for me to go back to the drawing table to find the best solution and process before asking for assistance with a script. I do not want to waste too much of your and @c.pfaffenbichler generous and genius minds. I already feel so much in debt to both of you without having anything to repay the favor.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Open both images and drag the Layer (edit: either from the Canvas or the Layers Panel) to the other image window. A reason not to use tabbed view.

In tabbed view it is naturally also possible but a little less convenient.

Esther NetherlandsAuthor

Inspiring

I knew about the open/drag function, but when I did this with several at once, my windows became a mess and I got confused about which ones I did and did not do. 🫣

That is when I thought, let's ask to make sure I am not missing out on some cool feature to automatically fuse different PSD files into one, having all the original layers accessible. But, if I understand correctly, there is non. Right?

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

I may not fully understand what you mean.

If you want Layer/s from one file inserted in many images there have been options for a long time; I would prefer a Script but even an Action combined with Batch should suffice.

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