Method and apparatus for video coding

An apparatus for video decoding, comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to:
• decode prediction information of a current block in a current coding tree unit (CTU) within a picture from a coded video bitstream, the prediction information being indicative of an intra block copy mode;
• determine a reference area in the picture for the current block based on signals in the coded video bitstream that indicate constraints of the reference area;
• and
• reconstruct at least a sample of the current block based on reference samples of the reference area in the picture.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which when executed by a computer for video decoding cause the computer to perform:

• decoding prediction information of a current block in a current coding tree unit (CTU) within a picture from a coded video bitstream, the prediction information being indicative of an intra block copy mode;
• determining a reference area in the picture for the current block based on signals in the coded video bitstream that indicate constraints of the reference area;
• and
• reconstructing at least a sample of the current block based on reference samples of the reference area in the picture.