But while testing this new feature in the CS5 prerelease beta I found that while you could select an area and then press the delete key to bring up the Fill dialog window, the use of the delete key would only work on the Background layer and not on any duplicate layers.

Strange right? This drove me nuts but…

There is a reason for this and it because you can’t “Delete” data from a Background layer to transparency, so that’s why the Fill dialog comes up. It just happens that Adobe lists Content-Aware as the first item in the drop down menu of the Fill window.

While you can use Edit > Fill… from the menu on duplicate layers, I wasn’t satisfied with that option so I decided to start pressing keystrokes to see if I could get the Fill dialog to come up on a duplicate layer. Well sure enough, if you press the Shift+delete key with a selection on a duplicate layer the Fill dialog will appear and you can simply press enter to activate the Content-Aware fill option.

I hope this little tip helps you out while using Content-Aware fill in your work!

• Bluehost.com – I use Bluehost for my web hosting needs. They have unlimited disk space, transfer, domains and offer a free primary domain name for the life of the account. All starting at $6.95 per month. Click the Bluehost.com link to get started!
• ProPhoto Blogs WordPress Templates – I’ve been a long time WordPress user but finding the right theme has always been a challenge. Well if you’re a photographer or want to create a nice photo blog then take a look at the ProPhoto WordPress theme. After months of searching I finally decided to get this theme and have been happy since. Check out this short video to find out more about ProPhoto Blogs and to get $10 off your purchase! Or just use the discount code SCORUS838 and still get $10 off your purchase!
• Zenfolio Photo Hosting – While setting up my photography business web site I was looking for a way to host my client session photos. I wanted an easy solution that allowed me to customize the site and give the client a way to proof and order prints. Being a fan of Mpix as an on-line photo printing service, their Zenfolio hosting seemed like a match made in heaven. Use this Zenfolio Referral Code: 1U8-A6R-Z6X to save $5 off a subscription for their service.
• NAPP Membership – By joining NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) you get discounts on hardware and software and first class Photoshop and Lightroom training. By using this the link provided and promo code: friend you can get a Sign-up Bonus: Free copy of The Best of Photoshop User: The Eleventh Year DVD. Not too bad.

As I’m sure everyone knows, by using discount or referral codes, it not only helps out the person using the code, but also the person who has supplied the code. So please help out a fellow blogger/photographer and use my codes. I’ll keep them updated and add any additional codes as I get them! Thank you!