: Having CTRL+A also select fully transparent pixels in Photoshop When working with an image in photoshop which has a transparent background, pressing CTRL + A to select all, then CTRL + C to

@Tiffany317

My solution is to:


save the image layer as a PNG
open the PNG in Paint.net
perform all the copying and pasting you want
save the completed work
load work in Photoshop


Because Paint.net understands a pixel can be 00000000.

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@BetL875

Instead of using Ctrl+C, use Shift+Ctrl+C ("Copy Merged"). This preserves the size of the layer and the transparency. (But you MUST turn off all other layers first, or they'll be copied too.)

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@Dunderdale640

When you select something that has transparency and you try to copy and paste it into a new document, it acts the same as if you were to do image > trim.

If you try pasting it into a new document, even if you make it the same size as the previous one, it will paste in the center of the document (I'm sure this isn't what you want).

What I have done in the past is to paint a couple of pixels in all four corners of the image you are trying to copy. This will make sure the image is pasted back into place where you want it.

Another thing you can do, kind of as a shortcut is to make a new layer under the layer you want 'copied' and fill it with any color. Once you have the two layers, you can select both and "convert to smart object." This will convert both layers to a smart object. You can then double click on that smart layer and it will open a new window with your transparency image and background image. Delete the background image and save the new image as whatever you want!

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@Debbie163

I am pretty sure when you select pixels less than 50% alpha photoshop does not include the dashed lines to indicate it is selected (but it is infact SELECTED)

there is no reason to select transparency since its just empty spaces

only way to keep it or have it moved with your layer is by maybe using smart object

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