Linking Layers in Photoshop

In the preceding section, you find out how to link layers to align and distribute them. Linking layers temporarily groups two or more layers and allows you to perform a multitude of commands to those layers as a unit, as described in the following list:
- Move linked layers: Just drag with the Move tool, and elements on the linked layers move together.
- Drag linked layers into another document
- Merge linked layers
- Apply transformations
- Create a new layer set
- Create clipping groups
- Delete linked layers: Select any one of the layers in the group and Ctrl+click (Ô+click on the Mac) the trash can icon in the Layers palette. Or choose Layer-->Delete-->Linked Layers.
- Delete hidden layers: Choose Layer-->Delete-->Hidden Layers.

To link layers, follow these short steps:
1. Select a layer or layer set in the Layers palette.
This is your active layer. Next, you link the other layers to it.
2. Click in the second column from the left (next to the eye column) on the layer you want to link.
A link icon appears in the column. Repeat this step for any other layers you want to link.
To remove a link, click the link icon. To link and unlink multiple layers in a single flick of the wrist, drag your mouse up and down the link column. To unlink all the layers at once, Alt+click (Option+click on the Mac) the paintbrush icon in the link column.

Linking Layers in a Collage and Adjusting Their Size
When you’re working on composites, you may find the need to adjust the size or angle of more than one layer. You can link the layers you want to scale or rotate and transform all the layers at the same time. This strategy enables you to adjust all the layers the same amount at the same time — thus ensuring that they stay proportional in size. In addition, linking layers can come in handy when you want to align and distribute layers evenly or if you want to merge several layers into one to save file space (both techniques are described in this chapter).
1. Open your saved collage file.
Make sure that the Layers palette is visible.
2. Select a layer.
3. In the Layers palette, click in the second column (just to the right of the eye) next to a different layer.
A chain link icon appears.
4. Choose Edit➪Free Transform and Shift+drag the corner transformation handle to scale the layers.
When you’re satisfied, double-click inside the transform box or press Enter (Return on the Mac).
Because the images are linked, any transformation you apply, including moving and scaling, affects all the linked layers.
5. Save the file when you’re done.
To unlink layers, click the link icon.