Photoshop Quick Tip: Improving Workflow Using Auto-Select
There is a tool in Photoshop that I use so often that I don’t even think about it. This tool is so essential to my work flow that I would be lost without it. I realized that if I didn’t write a PS Quick Tip on this simple tool, I would be doing the design community a disservice. If there is even one Photoshop user out there that discovers this tool from this article, I will have done my job. :-)
Some of my designs can reach up to 50-100 layers before I start flattening and finalizing the piece. And as you already know, a PS file with that many layers can be difficult to navigate. For example, in the artwork below there are over 50 layers. If I wanted to select and move one of those layers, I would have to navigate through the entire layers panel to find what I’m looking for. And if you’re like me, you don’t always name your layers for easy reference.
Enter the Auto-Select feature of the Move Tool (V). By checking this option in the top toolbar, when the move tool is selected, you can simply click anything on your document and the layer will “auto select”. This is an unbelievable time saver.
One other thing to note about this setting is the drop down. When layer is selected it will select layers regardless of whether they are in a group or not. When group is selected it will select the entire group (if available) that a layer resides.
This setting is not obvious if you don’t know it’s there. Give it a try and it will change your workflow tremendously.
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You bet!
This is a great tip – thanks so much!! I do name my layers but this step is preferable. It automates the navigation… Thank you!!!
You bet Margaret! ;-)
Yeah, thanks for this big tip. I hope this will work as well with the type layers also because i hate it when i want to change some letters and there are many type layers it always select the biggest.
I think this setting only works to interfere with the workflow, if you need to click without selecting or maybe you click by mistake your layer selection has changed.
My advice? Turn this setting OFF and If you want to still select a layer directly press CMD(CTRL on Windows) and Click, the layer you want will be selected – and only when you want it.
Agreed! I’ve been using the CMD-click to select layers for some time (can’t remember when it was introduced).
This auto-select option will save lots of time in the designing when selecting any layer or group individually, which helps to increase the work flow.
I just discovered this tool from this article. Thank you veeeery much!
Wah! Had no idea this was there — thank you so much! :)
Excellent tip. Have used to Move Tool so much and never even noticed this option. Very useful. Thanks.
yeah! that great tips. i use a lot with this. but do you know the short cut to turn it on/off? i’ve been wondering with this one..
Great tutorial, the texture really spice up the design.