Is there a way to paste an image to an exact location?

[Brian32453879u67v]

I have a background that I have to insert different versions of products into, Is there a way I can repeatedly paste images to a precise location on the canvas, so I don't have to move them into place? (Without using scripting)

For example if I place the fist image, is there a way I can select it and then easily paste the next image into the exact same spot? 

[Trevor.Dennis]

The Frame Tool might do the trick, depending on your workflow.  If you had a series of master images that you needed to paste or place other images into, then you could set up the master with Frames, and from there it is super easy.  Save the master as a template maybe.

By way of example, I have set up a Guide layout with two columns and two rows, and used the Frame tool which snaps to the guides as you drag the window.  You select one of the Frame layers and either File > Place embedded or simply paste from clipboard, and it automatically fits the frame.  It's one of those tools you might not need for ages, but when a use comes up, you are super glad to have it.

[Brian32453879u67v]

Maybe I am wrong. Why can't I paste into the frame, It always pastes on a new layer?

[didiermazier]

If the frame is selected in the panel it pastes in the frame. With no frame selected it pastes on a new layer

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I was mistaken, pasting in Frames indeed works. 

[Brian32453879u67v]

Good suggestion but It doesn't seem to work. It seems you have to drag and drop with frames. I have it setup so I can paste and then snap to guides, I was just worndering If there was a way I could select the previous image and then paste in the exact same place.

[Brian32453879u67v]

Maybe I am wrong. Why can't I paste into the frame, It always pastes on a new layer?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Good suggestion but It doesn't seem to work. It seems you have to drag and drop with frames.

That’s correct AFAIK. incorrect

What is your workflow? Why do you need to paste? 

[Brian32453879u67v]

I need to position it so the edges of the object are off the edge of the canvas, so I dont know if thats affecting it. Also the object being pasted is the same size as the canvass, so each time it centers it to the canvas even if I have the previous off centerd object selected. If you look at the image below I am trying to paste directly into that exact spot each time.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible, both of the file you copy from and the file you paste to? 

Could you elaborate on the whole process?

Why insert the objects atop the background and not the other way round? 

What are the output needs and what are you tring to automate? 

[Bojan Živković]

When you paste an image with an active selection, the pasted image will be centered on the selection, even if the selection is very small, such as a few pixels. You can create a selection from transparency, and use it when pasting another image. This process can be automated, I think, using actions.

[Brian32453879u67v]

I need to position it so the edges of the object are off the edge of the canvas, so I dont know if thats affecting it. Also the object being pasted is the same size as the canvass, so each time it centers it to the canvas even if I have the previous off centerd object selected. If you look at the image below I am trying to paste directly into that exact spot each time.

[Bojan Živković]

If you are pasting same size(dimensions) images on the same canvas then its not too difficult to automate using action. Just start recording from paste step and move ut manually. After positioning pasted image stop recording. Copy image you want to paste then ensure that top most layer is selected in the Layers panel ( assuming it is not clipped nor in masked group ir similar) then run action what can be done via assigned kbd shortcut.

[Brian32453879u67v]

It only takees me a half a second to paste and snap it to the guides so any added steps wouldnt really be useful. It just seemed like if I had an object selected that was the same exact size as the object I was pasting, it would paste into the exact same spot, but for some reason I cant get it to work. Maybe becase the positioning extends passed the edg of the canvas?

[Bojan Živković]

To load the selection of a previously pasted object, press Ctrl and click on its thumbnail. Then, paste content from the clipboard. Does this solution work for you?

[Brian32453879u67v]

When I press Ctrl and click on the layer thumbnail it just brings a menu up. The old image is selected but when I paste It is still  fit to the canvas.

[Bojan Živković]

Thats true because your object goes off canvas. The only thing that comes to my mind is to record action as suggested above to move object at exact location.

Copy object then start recording action, paste using menu or shortcut, press Ctrl + T then move object to position. Confirm movement, stop recording action, thats it. Copy object then play action.

Another option: convert layer with object to Smart Object. Edit SO then paste content. Save changes and exit editing mode.

[Stephen Marsh]

Another option, after pasting, you can cmd/ctrl click on the previous layer to load a selection from the layer transparency. The move tool align options can then align to say the upper left for example. This is simple enough to put into an action to automate the steps if you don't wish to do them manually (you did say without scripting).