How to Do "Step and Repeat" in Photoshop

Last Updated: June 3, 2021 Tested

Step and repeat is a technique used for duplicating an object and the spacing as you want it to be. Typically, step and repeat is used in an object-oriented program, such as InDesign, rather than in a pixel-based editor, such as Photoshop. However, you can do a step-and-repeat technique in Photoshop. Without step and repeat, creating a perfectly spaced pattern is not a fun venture. It would involve manually duplicating and placing each shape, which takes quite some time. Step and repeat makes it easier!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making the Step

1
Open Photoshop.
2
Open any image or make a new document. Making a new document is often more convenient when you are doing step and repeat. Choose any size.
- Go to File > New or press Ctrl+N in Windows or press ⌘ Command+N in Mac, on the keyboard.
Advertisement
3
Make any shape that can be duplicated or transformed. Let that be a square. You can use the shape tool or make a marquee selection.
- Do it on a new layer.
4
Press Ctrl+Alt+T in Windows or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Option+T on a Mac. The transform buttons will show up in the four corners of the square.
5
Move or rotate the object to the desired location/direction.
6
Press ↵ Enter when done moving. You can also click on the Check(✓) above.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Doing the Repeat

1
Press Ctrl+Alt+⇧ Shift+T in Windows or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Option+⇧ Shift+T on a Mac to do the repeat part.
- A new layer is created as you press the T button (while holding the other keys at the same time).
- You can press T (with other keys) as many times as you want. Just be sure to not to make too many layers.
2
Merge or group those layers. If you merge or group the layers, it will a lot easier to manage. Otherwise, you might experience lag working with so many layers.
- Select all the layers and press Ctrl+E in Windows and ⌘ Cmd+E on a Mac.
3
Use the technique until you've got your desired effect. You can use it while selecting hairs, making animations, creating frame animations, etc.