fbpx

How To Link Layers In Photoshop

Last Updated:

One of the most basic ways of keeping two different layers connected is by linking them. Learning how to link layers in Photoshop is extremely simple and is a process that can be done in seconds.

Similar to groups, linking layers allows you to connect two or more layers. This way, when you try to move one layer around your canvas, all other linked layers will move as well.


Lesson Summary
Step 1: Select The Layers You Want To Link By Control/Command + Clicking Them
Step 2: Click On The Chain-Link Icon At The Bottom Of The Layers Panel
Step 3: Click And Drag The Link Icon To A New Layer To Link It (Optional)
Step 4: Right-Click And Click Select Linked Layers (Optional)
Step 5: Right-Click And Click Unlink Layers (Optional)
Step 1: Select The Layers You Want To Link By Control/Command + Clicking Them
Step 2: Click On The Chain-Link Icon At The Bottom Of The Layers Panel
Step 3: Click And Drag The Link Icon To A New Layer To Link It (Optional)
Step 4: Right-Click And Click Select Linked Layers (Optional)
Step 5: Right-Click And Click Unlink Layers (Optional)

How To Link Layers In Photoshop

Step 1: Hold Control/Command And Select The Layers You Want To Link

Hold Control (Win) or Command (Mac) and click on the layers you want to select. Alternatively, hold Shift and click between the first and last layer you want to select.

Step 2: Click On The Chain-Link Icon At The Bottom Of The Layers Panel

With your desired layers selected, click on the chain-link icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel. A chain icon will appear beside all highlighted layers to signify they’re linked. Alternatively, you can right-click on any layer and select Link Layers.

Note: These icons will only be visible when a linked layer is selected. If you don’t see these icons, just click on any of your linked layers to reveal the chain icon.



Step 3: Click And Drag The Link Icon To A New Layer To Link It (Optional)

If you just created a new layer, you can add layers to an existing link group. To do this, just click and drag the link icon to the layer you want to add. Now, a new link icon will appear beside this additional layer.

Step 4: Right-Click And Click Select Linked Layers (Optional)

If you have several linked layers throughout different groups and levels of your layer stack, it’s a hassle to find them all. Fortunately, you can quickly highlight all of your linked layers with an easy shortcut. Just right-click on a linked layer and choose Select Linked Layers.

Step 5: Right-Click And Click Unlink Layers (Optional)

If you don’t need your layers to be linked anymore, you can easily unlink them at any time. All you need to do is right-click on any of the linked layers and select Unlink Layers. After doing this, the selected layer will be unlinked. Continue this process to unlink any other layers.

Learning how to link layers in Photoshop offers some significant advantages. By linking layers, you can keep related layers connected while keeping them independent in your Layers Panel. To make the most of linked layers, it’s worthwhile to use groups alongside them. You can learn the differences between groups and linked layers in this post.

– Brendan 🙂



Photo of author
I'm a Canadian photographer and photo retoucher turned founder of bwillcreative.com. Around here I help you to decode the mystery of photo editing with no-fluff videos and written guides to help you achieve your creative goals. Outside of shooting photos and my passion for educating, you'll find me mountain biking or on the trails with my dog, Sunny!

Continue Reading:

How To Use The Marquee Tool In Photoshop

Learn how to use the Marquee Tool in Photoshop to crop layers, create basic selections, add selective adjustments, and more with ease.

How To Crop A Layer In Photoshop (3 Simple Methods)

If you're struggling to figure out how to crop a layer in Photoshop, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are a few easy (not so obvious) methods to help you crop a single layer in Photoshop.

How To Fill A Selection In Photoshop (5 Best Ways)

Learn how to fill anything in Photoshop from selections, shapes, and text with solid color, gradients, and even images!

What Are Embedded Previews In Lightroom + How To Use Them

Use this guide to help you understand the use of embedded previews in Lightroom along with tips to help you use them in your workflow.

Adobe Lightroom System Requirements For Mac & PC

Here's a breakdown of the system requirements for Adobe Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC to make sure it will run smoothly on your computer.

How To Add A Watermark In Lightroom Classic & CC

Learn how to add a text or graphic watermark to a photo in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC to protect your photos from theft.

How To Outline An Image In Canva

Learn how to outline anything in Canva from outlining images, shapes, text, designs, and more with a few easy steps.

How To Add A Border In Canva (To Images, Shapes & Text!)

Learn how to easily add a border to your designs, images, shapes, and text in Canva using these step by step techniques.

How To Make A Background Transparent In Canva

Learn how to create and export images with transparent backgrounds in Canva to open up more design options and creative styles.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments