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How Do I Copy Objects in Photoshop?

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
January 31, 2025
4 replies
1220 views

I'm using Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 and I found it nearly impossible to simply copying objects!

I need to create a subway type of route map with tens of lines and maybe hundred of nodes. I can create one node by drawing a circle. My problem is to reproduce such circles in the amount of hundreds.

However, I cannot just point to the circle and make copy (the copy menu is disabled).

Further, every circle I draw, it creates a separate layer. This will end up hundreds of layers being created.

My question is: how can I simply copy and paste circles? And, is it even possible to keep them in one layer?

Correct answer Glenn 8675309

For your project: Open a new canvas, draw your circle the size you need, duplcate the layer containing the circle a bunch (CTRL J). That way your circles will be the same size. tile your two canvases: the one with all the circles, the other the canvas being where you are putting your map together.

Tile the two canvases: WINDOW>IMAGES>TILE

Drag a circle from your stack of copies onto the map you are making, repeat as needed.

The canvas on the left you see below has a bunch of the circles stacked on top of each other. Just CLICK HOLD AND DRAG A CIRCLE from the left to the right- repeated as needed.

TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE: MATCH THE SIZE AND RESOLUTION OF THE CANVASES.

Glenn 8675309

Brainiac

this program is free, nothing to install, so much eaiser that doing it in photoshop elements.

https://beno.uk/metromapcreator/

Greg_S.

Community Expert

Glenn, that is a good approach - but you will still end up with multiple layers.

Glenn 8675309

Brainiac

Layers? I don't care bout no stinkin layers.... I'll have to check the monoply game board I've been working on for 3 years-- pretty low key project--- 316 layers, and 45 groups.i had to load in photoshop to quickly count the layers.

Greg_S.

Community Expert

Any copy operation is going to create another layer. The only way you can create circles on a single layer is to paint the pixels each time.

But, yes, you can copy the circles by duplicating the layer (Ctrl+J) and using the Move tool to arrange the circles on the page. (The copy will directly overlay the copied circle until you move it.)

You can group layers together for easier management in the Layers panel.

And you can merge multiple circle layers to a single layer. But once they are merged, you cannot rearrange them on that layer.

Glenn 8675309

Brainiac

I took a slightly different approach think how I would do it If I were creating it.

Glenn 8675309Correct answer

Brainiac

For your project: Open a new canvas, draw your circle the size you need, duplcate the layer containing the circle a bunch (CTRL J). That way your circles will be the same size. tile your two canvases: the one with all the circles, the other the canvas being where you are putting your map together.

Tile the two canvases: WINDOW>IMAGES>TILE

Drag a circle from your stack of copies onto the map you are making, repeat as needed.

The canvas on the left you see below has a bunch of the circles stacked on top of each other. Just CLICK HOLD AND DRAG A CIRCLE from the left to the right- repeated as needed.

TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE: MATCH THE SIZE AND RESOLUTION OF THE CANVASES.

T

tjfan001Author

Participating Frequently

I think I can duplicate circles as you suggested by using Ctrl-Click on one canvas and move to the other. I don't think I need to produce more layers (Ctrl-J) , though.

The annoying thing is that each duplicated circle is a new layer, but looks like I have to live with it if I want to move/size them later.

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