Keeping original image layer selected

[lee.bkk]

I have an image with a large number of faces on, I am trying to make each face into a separate layer/image. I don't know if there is an optimal way to do this but I have been using the marquee tool to select each face individually, then copying and pasting. However, each time I paste I then have to select the first original layer to be able to copy and paste the next face, as I am doing this for a significant number of faces its an extra time consuming step I wish to avoid. Is there a way to keep the original layer selected or a more optimal way to do this task? Thanks

[Gabe]

Hi @lee.bkk,

Welcome to the forums. 

I'm afraid there's no other way. When you paste it, you are creating a new layer, therefore selecting the newly created layer. Reselecting the "bottom" layer would be your only option. 

Thanks,

Gabe. 

[toltec]

There's no way to avoid selecting the background layer AFAIK but you can halve the number of copy and paste keystrokes.

Press Ctrl + J and that duplicates the selection to a new layer.

[Alfred]

Welcome to the Serif Affinity Forums, @lee.bkk.

Before selecting anything, copy the original image to the clipboard. Now make a selection and use the ‘Duplicate’ command (Ctrl+J on Windows, or Cmd+J on a Mac) to duplicate the selected pixels on a new layer. Deselect, paste the original to create yet another new layer, make another selection and then ‘rinse and repeat’ as necessary.

[carl123]

If you have a lot of these to do, create a small macro with just 2 commands

1. CTRL+J to duplicate the selection
2. Select the Background layer

Then just make a selection of another face and run the macro

Repeat for each face