How to flip images and layers in Photoshop

Sometimes the simplest way of fixing a composition in Photoshop is to flip an image or layer. Below, we’ll show you how to do either in less than a minute.

How to flip an image in Photoshop

If you want to flip an entire image, including all of the layers associated with it, do the following:

• Open Image > Image Rotation in the top menu bar.
• Select Flip Canvas Horizontal or Flip Canvas Vertical, depending on your needs.

It’s often preferable to flip all layers simultaneously, since that ensures that any matching art or effects you’ve added will align. There are reasons to flip layers individually, of course.

How to flip a layer in Photoshop

If you’re tweaking parts of a composition without any dependencies, flipping a layer may be fine or preferable to reversing an entire image. Use these steps:

• Select the layer you want to flip in the Layers panel.
• In the top menu bar, select Edit > Transform, then either Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical.

Reasons flipping a layer might be preferable include creating mirror and reflection effects (via duplicate layers), or coping with specific printing needs — if you need to leave space for something post-Photoshop, you may be able to make room this way.

Read more: How to add fonts to Photoshop