Fix: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty

Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty, how to fix could not complete the cut command because the selected area is empty . You are unable to define a brush preset in Photoshop CC? Every time you try, you always get the following error message, ” Could not complete copy because the selected area is empty”? You try selecting the entire canvas, but the error message persists. You even try saving your brush as a PNG and reimporting the PNG into Photoshop, but the error message still persists? Theartcult will introduce you several ways to avoid an error like that.

Fix: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty
Fix: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty

What causes Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty error?

There’s a lot of reason why you’re getting that error message in adobe photoshop. 

This error commonly occurs when you attempt to copy from a blank or inexistent Photoshop layer. Check the status of the layers in the palettes; ensure that the layer you are trying to copy has been selected too, because even if the layer is there and you have not selected it before copying so that you can move it, the layer will not be moved. It will still display the error that you have indicated above.

Fix: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty

Also ensure that you are not trying to copy a layer that has no image in it. A blank even when properly selected will be moved or copied to another layer because they is nothing to copy there.

It can happen when on an empty Photoshop layer, a selection has been made to move a tool.  It can also happen when you try to make a layer from a selection. I am sure that you get that error because the are you selected is empty. Here are some different possibilities/common pitfalls

  1. Select the correct layer / deselect any existing layer masks

  2. Unlock the layer (double click on it)

  3. Check quick mask mode is disabled (Q)

  4. Make sure there are no odd/small sections of your selection interfering

  5. Invert your selection

  6. Deselect and reselect

  7. Odd layer settings (feather, non-standard tools, etc)

  8. Or try this:

    1. Go to “Select/Transform “

    2. Choose “Image/Transform”

    3. Now you can distort an empty selection until it fits

How to fix “Could not use move tool because the target channels is hidden”

While using Adobe Photoshop you might get this popup warning “Could not use move tool because the target channel is hidden”. 

Could not use move tool because the target channels is hidden
Could not use move tool because the target channels is hidden

Why are you getting “Could not use move tool because the target channel is hidden” popup warning?

  • If you get this error while trying to select object with Move Tool [V] it means that have entered “Edit in quick mask mode”.
  • If you are using keyboard shortcut it is that most likely you have accidentally hit [Q].

Solution: Simply quit “Edit in quick mask” mode. You can do that by doing one of the following:

  • Use keyboard shortcut, press [Q] again to switch to “Quick Mask Mode” or “Standard Mode”;
  • Click “Select” from main menu and then un-tick “Edit in quick mask mode”;
  • Select “Channels” panel and delete Alpha layer

You will see a red pallet on the right side of the circle icon

 

Update fix could not complete the cut command because the selected area is empty

Here are some different possibilities/common pitfalls I’ve run into

  1. Select the correct layer / deselect any existing layer masks

  2. Unlock the layer (double click on it)

  3. Check quick mask mode is disabled (Q)

  4. Make sure there are no odd/small sections of your selection interfering

  5. Invert your selection

  6. Deselect and reselect

  7. Odd layer settings (feather, non-standard tools, etc)

END

Hopefully, the above article has helped you. Follow the next articles to get more instructions to deal with common errors in Adobe Photoshop.

Above is how to Fix: Could not move the selection because the selected area is empty in Photoshop, in addition, when using this software you may also encounter some errors such as: