how to copy a layer in photoshop to export image for web

Question

I'm trying to export some images of a photoshop design and this is how I usually do it:

1. select the layer you want.
2. command + left click the thumbnail to create a marquee around the layer
3. copy it (command + c)
4. Create a new file (command + n). this will create a file with the exact dimensions as the layer
5. paste in the copied layer. (command + v)
6. save for web

For certain layers I get stuck on number 4 where photoshop doesn't know that I copied something onto the clipboard so the right dimensions aren't displayed. plus pasting doesn't work because for some reason it was never copied. I don't know if certain layers cannot be copied simply by pressing command + c?

Answer 1

Try right clicking your layer in the layer palette and selecting Duplicate Layer. In the resulting pop up, set the Document option to New. This will take care of steps 2-6 in your workflow.

You could also add that (and the save for web) to an action or script for 1-click functionality.

Answer 2

Try to do this:
Edit --> Copy Merged.

You'll copy all layers do you want (selected) and you can export it.

Answer 3

Press F12!

Steps [Follow one time only, you will be able to export any layer with a single click!] :

• Select the layer or group containing your asset.
• Open your actions palette (window > actions).
• Hit the "Create New Action Button", and name it. (example, "Asset to File").
• Press record .
• Right click on the layer or group title and click "Duplicate. Layer/Group".
• In the dialog that pops up, change the destination document to "New" and hit OK.
• Now you have a new Photoshop document with just that isolated asset!
• In the menu bar, select Image > Trim... > Transparent Pixels.
• Now your document is exactly the size of your asset, to the exact pixel.
• Save for Web (works cleanly since you're saving the whole document - no accidental extras or generated file names).
• Close your document.
• Hit the stop button .
• Select your action in the actions palette.
• Open the actions palette context menu and select "Action Options".
• Choose a function key (I selected Shift + F12) (and an optional modifier key if needed).