Make Cmd-J duplicate multiple layers

My personal “JDI” list of Photoshop tweaks includes a request to make the Cmd-J/Ctrl-J keyboard shortcut duplicate multiple layers (and/or layer sets) at once. That change hasn’t been made yet, but scripter David Jensen has a solution: Install a script that dupes layers, then assign Cmd-J to it. It’s very easy to do:

  1. Download this script and drop it into your Photoshop CS5/Presets/Scripts folder. (I’ve only tried it in CS5, but I’d imagine it works in previous versions, too.)
  2. Choose Edit->Keyboard Shortcuts, then choose File->Scripts->Duplicate Layers and assign Cmd-J.

6 thoughts on “Make Cmd-J duplicate multiple layers

  1. Speaking of duplication – when using Image > Duplicate it would be VERY helpful to be able to type in how many dupes you need.

  2. Nice JDI feature ideas @ John & Katrin
    May I add my wish for boolean operations with layers?
    Example:
    Background image, shape layer, text layer on top of the shape.
    Now use boolean operation to cutout text from shape and see background behind.
    Cheers,
    Martin

    1. Martin,
      If I understand you correctly, this is already possible (and has been for many versions):
      1. Convert the text layer to shapes
      2. Select the text shapes and set their mode to Subtract (in the Options bar)
      3. Cut and paste them into the vector mask for your other shape layer
      4. Choose Combine (in the Options bar)
      You should now see your background through the text (as a hole in the shape layer).

      1. Hi Trevor,
        for non-destructive editing, boolean would be a great help. For your suggested workflow: Everytime you need to change the text, you’ll have a bit of work to do. This could be much easier with boolean operations.
        Cheers,
        Martin

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