Working with Layers

Photoshop includes keyboard shortcuts for performing common operations with layers: creating new layers from scratch, and creating them via copying or cutting a selection; creating and releasing the clipping mask; and arranging layers into the right order.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Creating Layers

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[N], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[N]

Display the New Layer dialog box

Use the New Layer dialog box (the Windows version is shown here) to create a new layer in the active image.

Windows [Ctrl]-[J], Mac [ z ]-[J]

Create a new layer by copying the current selection

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[J], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[J]

Create a new layer by cutting the current selection

Keyboard Shortcuts for Creating and Releasing the Clipping Mask

Windows [Ctrl]-[G], Mac [ z ]-[G]

Create a clipping mask

Use a clipping mask to control whether one or more successive layers masks the layers above it or them. To create the mask, select the layer or layers in the Layers palette, and then press this shortcut or choose Layer Create Clipping Mask.

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[G], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[G]

Release the selected clipping mask

Use this shortcut (or choose Layers Release Clipping Mask) to remove a clipping mask you ve applied.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Arranging Layers

Windows [Ctrl]-[]], Mac [ z ]-[]]

Bring the selected layer forward

Windows [Ctrl]-[[], Mac [ z ]-[[]

Send the selected layer backward

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[]], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[]]

Bring the selected layer to the front

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[[], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[[]

Send the selected layer to the back

Keyboard Shortcuts for Merging and Stamping Layers

Windows [Ctrl]-[E], Mac [ z ]-[E]

Merge the selected layers

Windows [Ctrl]-[Shift]-[E], Mac [ z ]-[Shift]-[E]

Merge the visible layers

Windows [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[E], Mac [ z ]-[Option]-[E]

Stamp the selected layer with the contents of the layer beneath it

When working with linked layers, select one linked layer and press this shortcut to stamp that layer with the contents of the other linked layers.

Windows [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[Shift]-[E], Mac [ z ]-[Option]-[Shift]-[E]

Stamp the selected layer with all visible layers

Use this command as an alternative to the Merge Visible command.