Paste one selection into or outside another

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to paste one selection into or outside another using layer masks in Adobe Photoshop.

Cut or copy the part of the image you want to paste.

In the same image or another, select the area you want to paste into or outside. If pasting outside, select an area smaller than the copied selection.

Select Edit > Paste Special > Paste Into to place the source selection within the destination selection, or Edit > Paste Special > Paste Outside to place it around the destination selection.

Select the Move tool from the Tools panel, or hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) to temporarily activate it, and drag the source contents until the desired area appears through the mask.

Select the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel and use a painting tool to edit the mask: paint with black to hide more of the underlying image, white to reveal more, or gray for partial transparency.

Once you are satisfied with the results, merge the new layer and mask with the underlying layer by selecting Layer > Merge Down.