Photoshop · Layer via copy
Layers
Windows · Linux
Ctrl+JMac
Cmd+JDuplicates the layer. With a selection active only that part goes up to a new layer — the step most people take right after isolating a subject.
- Group
- Layers
- Keys held
- 2
Bracket keys resize the brush ([ and ]) on every layout, but with a non-Latin input method active some other shortcuts stop responding.
Reading the key names
- Keys joined by + are pressed together: Ctrl+Shift+P means hold Ctrl and Shift, then P.
- On a Mac, Cmd is ⌘, Option is ⌥ (labelled Alt on some keyboards), Control is ⌃ and Shift is ⇧.
- Windows Ctrl usually becomes Cmd on a Mac, but not always — this reference lists both combinations separately.
- With a Korean, Japanese or Chinese input method active, shortcuts built on letter keys may not fire. Switch to Latin input and try again.
- When a combination does nothing, another program has often claimed it as a global shortcut first.
Common questions
Q. What is the shortcut for Layer via copy in Photoshop?
Duplicates the layer. With a selection active only that part goes up to a new layer — the step most people take right after isolating a subject. It is Ctrl+J on Windows and Cmd+J on a Mac.
Q. Is it the same on Windows and Mac?
No — Ctrl+J on Windows, Cmd+J on a Mac.
Q. How many keys is that?
2 pressed together. The combination sits under Layers in Photoshop.