Use the Move tool to duplicate your image (Photoshop CS/CS2/CS3/CS4)

As you’ve probably discovered, there are many ways to accomplish the same task in Photoshop. For example, there are numerous tools and methods you can use to select portions of your image, such as the Magíc Wand and Rectangular Marquee, as well as with commands, such as Select > Color Range and Select > All. Sometimes, however, you’ll need to select and duplicate an object multiple times within the same document. So, what's the best way to do it?

A common method is to select the object using a selection tool, copy the object with the Copy command, and then paste it with the Paste command, repeating these steps as many times as copies are needed. A faster way to do the same thing is to use the Move tool to do the operation all in one step.

To use the Move tool to copy an image:

1. Select the Move tool from the Tools panel.
2. Press and hold [option] ([Alt] in Windows).
3. Click on the object you wish to copy and drag to create a copy of your object in the same file.
4. Continue to drag as many copies as you need.