How do I select a layer "sitting" under the mouse cursor in Gimp?

Question

I'm using GIMP to copy some layer out of a PSD file, But the layers are badly named, So I want to select the correct layer by clicking on the item I wanted to copy.

Which tool should I use, And please provide a screenshot.

Another problem is that sometimes you just can't click anywhere on the image since its layered.

score 70 · Accepted Answer · answered May 08 '12 at 12:36

70

Open Gimp preferences by going to "Edit" menu.

enter image description here

In "Preferences" dialog box click on "Tool Options" and enable the "set layer or path as active" option.

enter image description here

Close the "Preferences". Now Click on your desired object and it's layer will be selected automatically. Hare's an example! enter image description here

answered May 08 '12 at 12:36

Basharat Sialvi

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Hell to tha yeah. – Spencer Williams Nov 15 '16 at 17:31
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You also have to Shift + Click with the move tool tested as of GIMP 2.10.18, perhaps this wasn't mentioned because it is obvious for more experience users :-) – Ciro Santilli OurBigBook.com Apr 13 '21 at 14:09
Is it possible to have it selectable with "Selection" tool active and Mouse Left Button click like in Photoshop? Currently, it warns with "Cannot substract from an empty selection" if clicked outside of the current layer but on another. – Artfaith Aug 05 '23 at 15:56

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 05 '23 at 17:59

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It should be possible to select a desired layer with Alt + Middle Mouse Button. A preview from GIMP v2.10.30 on Linux KDE Neon OS:

Related: Celebrating "Click to Select" in 2.10.10

answered Aug 05 '23 at 17:59

Artfaith

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How do I select a layer "sitting" under the mouse cursor in Gimp?

2 Answers2