How to Copy Layer Properties in Paint.NET

Paint.NET does not feature a dedicated one-click command to copy and paste layer properties—such as blend modes and opacity levels—directly between separate project tabs. To replicate these settings across different open images, you must view the source layer's configuration using the Layer Properties dialog and manually apply those identical values to the layer in your target image.

1. View the Source Layer Properties

  1. Switch to the tab containing the image with the layer you want to copy settings from.
  2. Select the desired layer in the Layers panel (bottom-right corner).
  3. Open the Layer Properties window by pressing F4 on your keyboard, or by double-clicking the layer directly.
  4. Note the two critical settings:
    • Blending Mode: (e.g., Multiply, Screen, Overlay)
    • Opacity: (A value ranging from 0 to 255)
  5. Click Cancel or press Esc to close the window without making unintentional changes.

2. Copy the Visual Content (Optional)

If you need to copy the actual image content along with its properties:

  1. Ensure the source layer is selected and press Ctrl + A to select the entire canvas.
  2. Press Ctrl + C to copy the pixel data to your clipboard.
  3. Switch to your target image tab at the top of the Paint.NET window.
  4. Click the Add New Layer button at the bottom of the Layers window (or press Ctrl + Shift + N).
  5. Press Ctrl + V to paste the copied content onto the new layer.

3. Apply the Properties to the Target Layer

  1. With the destination layer active in your target image, press F4 to open its Layer Properties.
  2. Set the Mode dropdown menu to match the blending mode you noted from the source image.
  3. Adjust the Opacity slider or type the exact numerical value (0–255) into the input box.
  4. Rename the layer if you want to keep project organization consistent.
  5. Click OK or press Enter to apply the changes.