How to Copy a Path in Photoshop

Paths can be copied in Photoshop CC in two ways: using the Paths panel or the Path Selection tool. Each method can duplicate a path in its entirety or any selected portion of the path.

Paths Panel

Duplicate paths from the Paths panel using the right-click context menu. The duplicate path is an exact copy of the original placed on its own path layer.

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Step 1

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Click the Paths tab in the Layers panel to open the Paths panel.

Step 2

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Right-click a path and select Duplicate Path.

Step 3

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Enter a name for the duplicate path and click OK.

Path Selection Tool

Photoshop also has a tool specifically designated for selecting paths. Using this tool, you can select an entire path or certain segments and copy them to the clipboard. From there, you can paste the path to create a duplicate path in the same document or in a new file.

Selecting and Copying a Path

Step 1

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Choose the Path Selection Tool in the toolbar or press A on the keyboard to select the tool.

Step 2

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Select the desired path in the Paths panel.

Step 3

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Draw a marquee box around the desired path segments or the entire path using the Path Selection tool.

Step 4

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Click Edit followed by Copy or press Ctrl-C on the keyboard.

Pasting Onto a New Path Layer

Step 1

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Create a new path layer by clicking the Create New Path icon.

Step 2

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Select the new path layer.

Step 3

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Click Edit followed by Paste or press Ctrl-V on your keyboard.

Pasting Into a New Document

Step 1

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Click File followed by New or click Ctrl-N on the keyboard.

Step 2

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Click OK to create the new document.

Step 3

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Click Edit followed by Paste or Ctrl-V to paste the path into the new document.

Duplicating on the Same Path Layer

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To duplicate on the same path, select the path with the Path Selection tool and then hold down the Alt key and drag the path to the desired location.