How do is export a layer with icon from photoshop?

Question

I have an icon like this:

It's on its own layer with a tranpsarent background, I duplicate it onto a new layer.

I can't remember how to fit a rectangular selection around it, so that it is just the right size, so I could then export it as a .png?

I also have a few icons like that, each on their own layer. How would I go about making them into a sprite image?

Answer 1

Command–click to select the layer. Then select the crop tool (hit "C"). If the crop tool isn't the current tool, then it should crop to the selection. If it is the current tool simply pick something else, like the move tool (hit "V"), and then pick the crop tool again. Hit enter to crop the image. Hide the layers behind it, and hit save as. You'll need to use the history pallet to get back to your original state.

Doing it quickly it looks like this:

1. Command-Click Layer
2. V for the move tool
3. C for the crop tool
4. Enter to crop
5. Hide any layers behind
6. Command-shift-S to save as
7. Use history to go back

Answer 2

• Select the layer where the icon is.
• Go to Select, then Load Selection.
• Then copy it (either command-copy or control-copy).
• Create a new Photoshop file.
• Paste the icon in.
• It should still be a smart object and you may resize as needed.
• Then simply export as a png or whatever format you'd like.