How to Insert an Image in Photoshop

If you’re working on a project in Photoshop and want to add an image, the process is easier than it seems. Whether you’re bringing in a photo from your computer or moving one from another document, there are several quick ways to get the job done. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through all the most user-friendly methods for inserting images.

Method 1: Open an Image Directly

The easiest way to get an image into Photoshop is by opening it directly. Here’s how:

1. Open Photoshop.
2. Click File in the top menu.
3. Select Open (or press Ctrl + O on your keyboard).
4. Browse your computer, find the image you want, and click Open.

Boom! Your image is now loaded in Photoshop, ready for editing.

Method 2: Drag and Drop

If you’re looking for a quick and intuitive method, drag and drop is your friend. Here’s what to do:

1. Open File Explorer (or Finder on a Mac) and locate the image.
2. Open Photoshop in a separate window.
3. Click and drag the image from your folder directly into the Photoshop window.
4. Release the mouse, and your image will appear in a new document.

This method is perfect when you want to skip a few clicks!

Method 3: Place Embedded Image

Want to add an image to an existing project? The “Place Embedded” option is great for layering images. Follow these steps:

1. In Photoshop, open the project you’re working on.
2. Go to File in the top menu.
3. Click Place Embedded.
4. Navigate to the folder with your image, select it, and click Open.
5. Your image will appear in the project. You can resize or move it before finalizing by hitting Enter.

This method keeps your image as a smart object, which is handy for non-destructive editing.

Method 4: Copy and Paste

If you already have an image open somewhere else, copying and pasting is a breeze. Here’s how:

1. Make sure the layer in your target Photoshop document is unlocked (click the lock icon in the Layers panel if needed).
2. Open the image you want to insert in another program (like a browser or another Photoshop window).
3. Right-click the image and select Copy (or press Ctrl + C).
4. Switch to your Photoshop project and press Ctrl + V to paste.
5. Resize or reposition the image as needed, then hit Enter.

This method is great for quickly grabbing images from other sources.