To rotate a Photoshop clone source, hold Alt (Option on Mac) + Shift + < or >. This will rotate the clone source.
Rotating the Clone Source in Photoshop: A Detailed Guide
The Clone Stamp tool in Photoshop is a powerful tool, and rotating its source allows for greater precision and creative possibilities. Here's a breakdown of how to rotate the clone source:
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Select the Clone Stamp Tool: First, select the Clone Stamp Tool from the toolbar (or press 'S').
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Define the Clone Source: Hold down the Alt (Option on Mac) key and click on the area you want to use as your clone source. This sets the point from which you will be cloning.
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Rotate the Source:
- Windows: Press and hold Alt + Shift and then tap the < (less than) or > (greater than) keys. < rotates counter-clockwise and > rotates clockwise.
- Mac: Press and hold Option + Shift and then tap the < (less than) or > (greater than) keys. < rotates counter-clockwise and > rotates clockwise.
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Clone: Release the keys and begin cloning. The clone source will now be rotated according to the angle you've set.
Scaling the Clone Source (Related Information)
While you asked about rotation, it's also useful to know how to scale the clone source.
- Windows: Hold Alt + Shift and use the { or } keys. { decreases the scale, and } increases the scale.
- Mac: Hold Option + Shift and use the { or } keys. { decreases the scale, and } increases the scale.
Important Considerations
- Practice: It takes some practice to get used to the rotation and scaling shortcuts. Experiment to find what works best for you.
- Subtle Adjustments: Small rotations often yield the best results, especially when trying to seamlessly blend cloned areas.
- Other Clone Stamp Tool Options: Explore the Clone Stamp panel (Window > Clone Source) for more advanced options, such as flipping the source horizontally or vertically.
