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

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
January 5, 2024
4 replies
4958 views

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?

macOS

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Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

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).

Bojan Živković11378569

Community Expert

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.

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Brian32453879u67vAuthor

Inspiring

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 Živković11378569

Community Expert

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.

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Brian32453879u67vAuthor

Inspiring

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.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

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?

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

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.

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?

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

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.