How to Link Layers in Adobe Photoshop

This article explains how to link multiple layers in Adobe Photoshop so their movements and transformations remain synchronized without placing them into a group folder. By using Photoshop’s Link Layers feature, you can keep your existing layer structure and blending hierarchy intact while manipulating several elements across your canvas simultaneously.

When you group layers, you force them into a shared folder, which can alter blend modes, clipping masks, and panel organization. Linking layers avoids these issues by creating a functional relationship between the layers without moving them from their current positions in the Layers panel.

Step 1: Select the Target Layers

  1. Open the Layers panel (Window > Layers).
  2. To select multiple consecutive layers, click the first layer, hold down Shift, and click the last layer.
  3. To select non-consecutive layers, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while clicking each layer you want to connect.

Once the desired layers are highlighted:

  • Click the Link Layers icon (represented by a small chain link) located at the bottom of the Layers panel.
  • Alternatively, right-click any of the highlighted layers and select Link Layers from the contextual menu.

A chain icon will appear on the right side of each linked layer in the panel, indicating they are now tied together.

Step 3: Move and Transform

With the link established, you only need to select any single layer within the linked set to affect all of them:

  • Moving: Select the Move Tool (shortcut V), click anywhere on the canvas or select one of the linked layers, and drag. All linked layers will move in unison.
  • Transforming: Press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Cmd + T (macOS) to scale, rotate, or skew the entire set together.

To remove the link between layers at any time:

  1. Select one or more of the linked layers in the Layers panel.
  2. Click the Link Layers icon at the bottom of the panel, or right-click the layer and choose Unlink Layers.
  3. To temporarily disable a link without removing it completely, hold Shift and click the chain icon next to the layer's name (a red "X" will appear over the icon). Shift-click it again to re-enable the link.