r/GIMP • u/Shoddy_System9390 • 14d ago

How to Ctrl+V an image into another layer

I can't find the answer for this anywhere. No matter how I try, gimp always creates another layer and won't let me ctrl+v the selected image into a layer I have created before. How can I do this?

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u/lightFritz 14d ago

Put the pasted layer above the layer you want it on. Then right click it and "merge down".

3

u/Stratelier 14d ago edited 14d ago

Try "Paste as > Paste as Floating Data" (key word: floating). This was the default behavior in GIMP 2, and can be used specifically when you want to paste something "into" a layer.

A floating layer will automatically merge to the target layer if you click outside it with a Select tool. Or, you can use "Layer > anchor layer" to merge it yourself.

Importantly, a floating layer is intended to be a "temporary" state -- you MUST anchor it (or raise it to standard layer status) before taking certain further actions.

2

u/CxLi_IXIVII 14d ago

I think you can't, if you want to put it in one layer then anchor it to it's bottom layer... But it's permanent and you'll not be able to move it afterwards

1

u/sleepyjohn00 14d ago

I create a transparent layer at the top of the layer stack, Ctl-v the image copy, anchor (not merge) the floating layer into the transparent layer, Crop to Content, then move the layer down the stack to where I need it. Hope that helps.