FAQs About Pasting into a Selection in Photoshop

Question 1

What is "pasting into a selection"?

Accepted Answer

Pasting into a selection is when you copy an image or layer and paste it into an existing selected area. Generally, when you paste an image or layer in Photoshop without selecting anything previously, it creates a new layer on top of everything else in your project canvas.

Question 2

Is it necessary to select an area before pasting?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If there’s no selection made prior to performing the paste function, the cutout image will be placed as its own independent layer on top of your other layers. If you want to place the cutout image inside another layer already created in your project, then creating or copying a specific section to paste that image inside would be required.

Question 3

How can I create/select an area for pasting?

Accepted Answer

Photoshop has several tools that allow you to create/select areas for pasting including:

Question 4

How can I properly align the pasted image into the selected area?

Accepted Answer

Aligning the pasted image is as simple as using the Move Tool. Once you have made your selection, copy and paste the desired content (Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V) onto the selection target. After three dots will appear representing handles for your newest layer, position it as required. And, after that press ‘Enter’ to lock in its placement.

Question 5

Can I paste multiple cutouts inside a specific shape selection all at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This process is called "distributing spaces". You can select multiple objects on different layers simultaneously and then perform a single paste command while holding down “Shift” key when dragging across multiple objects layers in Layers panel. This will allow you to place each object automatically within separate, precisely generated custom shapes based upon each of their individual contours.