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Post by ladypink on Jun 3, 2016 2:58:15 GMT
I have cropped a single layer many times in the past but for some reason when I try now every layer is cropped. Any advice would be so helpful.
Thank you!!!
njw
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Post by Tpgettys on Jun 3, 2016 3:09:19 GMT
Hi ladypink ; welcome to Photoshop Elements & More! You didn't say how, but if you mean by using the Crop tool, it will crop the entire image. However, you can select a part of a layer and copy just the selection to a separate layer. If you say a bit more about what you want to do I am certain we can help get you there. |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 3:10:33 GMT
Hi ladypink, welcome to PSE&M!
I don't believe this is a problem with the Crop tool, the Image>Crop command, or cropping with the Rectangular Marquee tool. That's how cropping is supposed to work; it crops the image as a whole and not individual layers. Would you please give us some more details? What kind of project were you doing? What was the purpose of cropping single layers? Maybe we can figure this out.
EDIT: Oops! I didn't notice you were being helped already.
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Moto
Established Forum Member
Posts: 662 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by Moto on Jun 3, 2016 3:15:34 GMT
To do the equivalent of cropping a layer:
1) Use the Rectangle Selection tool.
2) Then either press Ctrl-J or use the Layer Menu/New/Layer Via Copy.
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 3:18:21 GMT
To do the equivalent of cropping a layer: 1) Use the Rectangle Selection tool. 2) Then either press Ctrl-j or use the Layer Menu/New/Layer Via Copy.
Yes, that's how I would it if I wanted to crop a single layer.
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Post by Tpgettys on Jun 3, 2016 3:51:10 GMT
I would do it just a little bit different. To "crop" a single layer, try this: - Use the Rectangular Marquee tool to select the region of interest
- Press Ctrl-Shift-I to invert the selection
- Press the delete key to delete the selection
After doing that, what remains is a layer containing only the region of interest. If that still isn't what you wanted please ask again! |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 4:10:24 GMT
Yes, this will work as well. That's the beauty of Elements -- more than one way to do something. However, as I am into streamlining the workflow in Elements as much as possible, I tend to advocate fewer steps whenever possible.
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Post by Tpgettys on Jun 3, 2016 5:18:46 GMT
I tend to advocate fewer steps whenever possible. Yes, me too, that's why I offered the fewest steps possible to properly crop a layer. |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 5:30:35 GMT
Yes, me too, that's why I offered the fewest steps possible to properly crop a layer.
Moto's technique has even fewer steps -- only two.
To do the equivalent of cropping a layer: 1) Use the Rectangle Selection tool. 2) Then either press Ctrl-j or use the Layer Menu/New/Layer Via Copy. |
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Post by Tpgettys on Jun 3, 2016 5:39:31 GMT
2 steps that do not result in a crop is not fewer. In fact, what is obtained is a layer containing exacting what is NOT wanted!
Give it a go, and you will see what I mean.
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 6:04:18 GMT
2 steps that do not result in a crop is not fewer. In fact, what is obtained is a layer containing exacting what is NOT wanted!
I am afraid there is some confusion.
Moto's suggestions will give you a cropped layer with exactly what you want. You use the Rectangular Marquee tool to select the area you want. That's the area which will be placed on its own layer surrounded by transparency.
Ex.: I wanted to crop the layer to focus on the three crosses. I used the Rectangular Marquee tool to make a selection of the three crosses and placed the selection (the cropped area) on its own layer per Moto's suggestions. Two steps and I got what I wanted.
1) Use the Rectangle Selection tool. 2) Then either press Ctrl-j or use the Layer Menu/New/Layer Via Copy.
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Post by michelb on Jun 3, 2016 6:57:02 GMT
What I like in the Ctrl J solution of Moto, is that it's by far the best way to deal non-destructively with cropping a smart layer. You have just added several images to your background for a page layout, and you want to crop non-destructively. Your smart layer is always there for possible ulterior use. Well, you have another click to hide the smart layer, but it's worth the time of the click...  With shapes, text ( vector layers) you can't use Ctrl J unless the layer is simplified. You may want to keep and hide the original vector layer together with a simplified copy to crop. There are times when may prefer using a mask on such a vector layer. - draw your selection (rectangle, ellipse, lasso...) - click on the layer mask icon in the layer palette - the mask is selected (blue frame) - you can use Invert or other selection options. |
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Post by cats4jan on Jun 3, 2016 9:35:49 GMT
As a digi-scrapper, Control/Command J is one of the most useful techniques I've learned. I use it all the time. Only thing that might confuse when using it is the need to either turn off or delete the original layer so the "crop" shows. Personally, I turn off the original layer instead of deleting it so I have the option of going back to the original if I change my mind. __________________________________________ Another of my favorite techniques for "cropping" a layer is to clip/group it with a shape or text by using Control/Command G. That is even more versatile than Command/Control J because I can move my photo around and resize it - all the while being able to see what the result will be as I do it. Plus you have the option of manipulating the shape after grouping for even more control. Note: you do not need to simplify a text layer or a shape layer in order to clip/group it with a photo layer or a scrapbooking paper. EDIT - When clipping, there is seldom a downside to simplifying a shape because you still have the option of resizing a shape after simplifying by using the move tool, but if you can avoid simplifying, that is best to keep your options open so you have unlimited ability to resize, etc. There is a big downside to simplifying a text layer because simplifying renders the text uneditable, that is why I try never to simplify text. I love Control/Command G Use a shape Use a word Do individual letters in a word NOTE: to do this, each letter needs to be on it's own layer |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 3, 2016 14:06:16 GMT
I am afraid there is a downside when you simplify a shape.
Shapes are Vector images. They can be resized (enlarged, shrunk, etc.) without loss of quality, i.e., without resulting pixelation. Once simplified Shapes are changed into Raster images, i.e., into a bunch of pixels (just like your photos) and will have the same limitations as regular photos. For example, enlargement of more than 100% will result in loss of quality.
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Post by cats4jan on Jun 3, 2016 16:02:29 GMT
Thanks for that clarification, Sepiana.
I was only speaking about when I group, but - point taken. I have edited my answer above. Don't want to lead people astray.
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