Copy and paste in Photoshop Elements 2021

[Sonya5E2A]

Hi there, I'm a new user of Ps Elements 2021 (Windows). I'm unable to copy and paste.

I have tried using the rectangular selection tool and also other tools, combined with hot keys or the drop-down menu method of copying (which is usually greyed out). I sometimes get an error message telling me "no pixels are selected" even though I can see a selection on the screen (but not marching ants - haven't worked out how I'd get those). Any tips?

I have my layers on autoselect so I don't think it's a layer related issue.

For background: I'm trying to paste PNG images into another file. The files were provided as part of a design course. My fellow students have been copying and pasting these same images in photoshop without any problems, so I must be doing something wrong!

Thank you

[davescm]

Hi , I've moved your post from the Photoshop forum to the Photoshop Elements forum where you are more likely to get help with your issue.

Dave

[hatstead]

1. Open the donor file

2. Go to Select>all

3. Go to Edit>copy

4. Open the recipent file

5. Go to Edit>paste

If you wish to select only an object in the donor file, use one of the selection tools, e.g. lasso tool, selection brush, for this purpose.

[GozaMite]

Edit>copy is not active when I try to do this!

[hatstead]

Are you on the advanced tab?

If you wish to make a selection of an object, use one of the selection tools, e.g. lasso tool.  Once the selection is complete, Edit>copy should work.

If the problem persists, reset preferences via Edit>Preferences>General -----Reset on next launch.

I

[GozaMite]

I choose "select all" from picture 1. Then I go to edit menu but copy is not active.
I did "Reset on next launch" and it didn't change anything.

[hatstead]

1. Open your picture file This wil be the Background layer

2. Go to Select>all. At this stage you should see an outline "marching ants" surrounding the content on the Background layer.. It indicates that the selection is complete. This information will be on the clipboard, ready to be pasted.

[GozaMite]

also "paste" is not active.