How to Stop Clone Stamp from Shifting in Photoshop

When using the Clone Stamp Tool in Adobe Photoshop, the setting that controls whether the sampling point shifts between individual brush strokes is the Aligned option. By unchecking the "Aligned" checkbox in the tool options bar, Photoshop locks the source point to its original sampled position. Every time you release the mouse button and begin a new stroke, the sampling reference immediately resets to the exact location you initially selected, preventing it from drifting across your canvas.

How the Aligned Setting Works

The Aligned option dictates the spatial relationship between your brush cursor and the sampled source point.

  • Aligned Disabled (Unchecked): Photoshop anchors the source to your initial sample point. When you click and drag, it clones from that location; when you release the mouse button and click again elsewhere, the source automatically returns to the original point. This behavior is ideal when you need to duplicate a specific, isolated object or texture repeatedly across different areas of an image without repeatedly resampling.
  • Aligned Enabled (Checked): Photoshop preserves the exact offset distance and angle between your cursor and the source point. If you release the mouse and click somewhere completely different, the source reference maintains that same relative distance and tracks your cursor. This is standard for seamless retouching over large areas where you want a continuous, unbroken replication of the surrounding pixels.

How to Change the Setting

  1. Select the Clone Stamp Tool from the Tools panel on the left, or press the keyboard shortcut S.
  2. Look at the Options bar running horizontally along the top of the workspace.
  3. Locate the Aligned checkbox, positioned between the brush presets and the "Sample" dropdown menu.
  4. Uncheck Aligned to prevent the sampling source from moving between individual clicks and strokes.

Best Practices for Static Sampling

When working with Aligned disabled, define your source point with precision by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and clicking the exact center of the detail you wish to clone. Because the source resets with every click, using a soft-edged brush will help blend the edges of repeated elements into their new background, avoiding harsh borders or noticeable patterns.