How to Duplicate and Modify a Layer in Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a versatile photograph program you can use for a variety of digital image editing needs. While it may seem intimidating to the novice, it is easy to learn simple functions on an individual basis. When you start working with layers, you may find that you need to duplicate or modify certain layers of the image file to reach that end.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open your project in Photoshop and make sure nothing is currently selected, by going to "Select," then "Deselect."

2. Go to your "Layers" palette, and click on the layer that you want to duplicate.

3. Go to "Layer" and select duplicate layer. In the pop-up window that opens, give the new layer a name. If the layer you are copying is called “My Layer,” call the duplicate something that will make it easily identifiable, such as “My Layer Copy.” Click "OK."

4. Make modifications to the duplicate layer as you would any other layer, such as rotating. Go into the "Layers" palette and select the duplicate layer you want to rotate.

5. Go to "Edit," then "Transform," and then "Rotate." A box will then appear, called the “bounding box”. It defines the edges of the layer. Using your selection tool, point it to the outside edge of the box. As you scroll around the edge of the bounding box, the arrow become curved or straight. Click and drag the bounding box until the image is rotated where you want it to be.

6. Apply a filter to the duplicate or original layer by going to "Filter" and then choosing one of many effects. Each effect has a preview option that you can use to view the image before you apply the effect and adjust options for each filter. Always save your work.