In Photoshop Elements, the most efficient way to copy and paste layers between multiple images is to use the drag-and-drop method. Why? Because it bypasses the clipboard, which is the temporary storage area on your computer for copied data. Storing data, especially large files, can bog down your system. By keeping your clipboard clear of data, your system operates more efficiently. If you've already copied data and it is lounging on your clipboard, choose Edit, Purge, Clipboard to empty your clipboard.

Here's how to drag and drop layers from one file to another.

1. Select your desired layer in the Layers palette.

2. Grab the Move tool (four-headed cursor) from the Tools palette.

3. Drag and drop the layer onto your destination file.

The dropped layer pops in as a new layer above the active layer in the image. You don't need to have a selection border to copy the entire layer. But, if you want to copy just a portion of the layer, make your selection before you drag and drop with the Move tool. If you want the selected element to be centered on the destination file, press the Shift key as you drag and drop.