Photoshop question (applying a transparent layer to multiple psd's)

[Alex_ander]

I want to add graphic elements to multiple menu pages with similar backgrounds and those elements should be positioned exactly the same. I created a transparent layer with additional graphics (over the first page bg), selected and copy/pasted it to the next file. The problem is that at pasting it can't be locked inside the new image of the same size unless I mark with a brush the edges of the transparent layer at creation. The elements get centered in the image instead of taking their position according to parent file. Of course I can manually move it but can't do it exactly the same in different files. Locking the layer inside the original file doesn't apply to the new one. Is there any option in Photoshop to solve this problem?

[IKnowNothing]

I think you are doing this the wrong way

Try creating your backgrounds without the extra graphic and the flatten then.

On the first add your graphic on the transparent layer and save it (any format you like).
Now take the second image (flattened) and copy it as a layer into the first and then drag the layer (in the layers pallet) below the transparrent layer (with your graphic on) and save as a new file

Viola you have 2 images with different backgrounds but your graphic in exactly the same place - and the images are the same size. Since you are using layersyou can even transform the background without changing the size of the image if you like

Needless to say I haven't found an option in Photoshop CS to stop pasting centreing

While I'm thinking about it you could create a layer which is full size and transparent by cloning the background, doing a select all and delete and then merging this layer with your graphing layer. Then copy and paste would work because you actually want it centered. At least I think this would work.

I'm sure someone somewhere will have another/better idea but I think either of these will work for you

[guns1inger]

I would just create an action to do it. Actions are basically just macros with a few extra smarts. You can save your graphic as png with transparent background, then create an action to load it, copy and paste into your new file, and position it where you need to have it. Once your action is created you can call it any time.

I have a series of actions for menu creation that create duplicate layers for overlays, and preset layer styles for text buttons. Saves a lot of time.

[Alex_ander]

Thanks to both for the ideas!
Just tried this one:

... create a layer which is full size and transparent by cloning the background, doing a select all and delete and then merging this layer with your graphing layer. Then copy and paste would work because you actually want it centered. At least I think this would work.

(opened my psd, made layer from bg, select+delete, merge down from graph layer, select, copy/paste to next image) and it got centred again! Flatten instead of merge makes image white instead of transparent.
The very first suggestion with moving bg as a layer should work, there are no problems with transfering non-transparent layers. I'll try how fast it is with my 12 pages.
So far marking the two opposite angles of transparent layer looks simple enough to make it work but I was sure such an elephant as Photoshop could offer some tool to do 'invisible' markings (I adjust color for bg's) on a transparent layer.
I'll try the action thing too. Thanks again.