Flipping a layer in Adobe Photoshop is useful in many situations when editing. It allows you to create intricate patterns or shift the focus of the image. There are two main ways to flip layers in Photoshop.
Flip the entire layer
This method is ideal if you want to flip the whole layer horizontally or vertically.
- Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical.
Flip Layer Horizontally or Vertically. You can get the same results if you go to Image > Image Rotation > Flip Canvas Horizontal or Flip Canvas Vertical.
Flip Canvas Horizontal or Flip Canvas Vertical. - If these options are grayed, you must first unlock your layer—double-click on the padlock icon in the “Layers” tab.
Double click on the padlock icon.
Free transform tool
This tool allows you to transform the layer manually.
- Press Ctrl + T (Cmd + T on Mac) or go to Edit > Free Transfrom. This will open the Free Transform mode.
Open the Free Transform tool. - Click and drag the small white squares on the picture’s edges to resize the layer. To flip the layer, click on the middle square on the right, and drag it to the left.
Click and drag the white squares at the edge of the image. - You can also manually edit these options in the toolbar on top.
Edit the options in the toolbar to transform your layer. - Once you are done with editing, click on the checkmark to apply the changes.
Click on the checkmark to apply the changes.
