Any way to copy a layer mask?

[Travis F]

I am wondering if there is any way to copy a layer mask to a new layer in CS2?

I added a new layer and would like to mask the same area as another layer that I already masked. Just thought there might be an easier way than to redo the mask.

Thanks,
Travis

[lostdoggy]

Drag and drop it into the create a new layer icon on the bottom of the layer palatte.

[Travis F]

Drag and drop it into the create a new layer icon on the bottom of the layer palatte.


But, if I was trying to add the mask to say a curves layer, how would I do that? Just merge those two layers? I might have just figuerd it out while responding, thanks for the heads up!

Travis

[Travis F]

I guess I spoke too soon. When I drag and drop the mask it comes off the original layer. Any way sround that?

Basically looking to copy and paste just the mask but not the adjustment or layer...

Travis

[lostdoggy]

Just case you didn't figure it out. w/ mask as active layer switch to channels and click on load channel as selection then switch back to layer pallette and you'll see the masked area selected. Open say levels and you'll see the mask will be duplicated to the level layer mask.

[jfrancho]

Drag and drop it into the create a new layer icon on the bottom of the layer palatte.Never heard of that trick LD, I can't get that to work am I missing something?

Ctrl-click the layer mask to create a selection. From there you can save the selection as an alpha channel, or switch to a different layer and use Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection. The advantage of the alpha mask is that you can load it as a selection anytime by using Select > Load Selection and choose it from the list. Layer masks, selections and channels are all closely intertwined in Photoshop.

[lostdoggy]

Never heard of that trick LD, I can't get that to work am I missing something?

Ctrl-click the layer mask to create a selection. From there you can save the selection as an alpha channel, or switch to a different layer and use Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection. The advantage of the alpha mask is that you can load it as a selection anytime by using Select > Load Selection and choose it from the list. Layer masks, selections and channels are all closely intertwined in Photoshop.

You're right I forgot about the alpha channel!!!

[jfrancho]

I guess I spoke too soon. When I drag and drop the mask it comes off the original layer. Any way sround that?

Basically looking to copy and paste just the mask but not the adjustment or layer...

TravisCtrl-click the layer mask thumb in the layer pallet - marching ants will confirm you have an active selection. Then use Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves, or whatever. Simple as that.

[jfrancho]

You're right I forgot about the alpha channel!!!Love the alpha channels, hate the Drake.

[Picture North Carolina]

To move, copy invert layer masks:

Create a new adjustment layer, brightness, saturation, layer mask, whatever.

- click, hold, and drag the old layer mask you want to copy to the new adjustment layer. this will move the layer mask from one layer to another.

- while pressing and holding the <alt> key, click, hold, and drag the old layer mask you want to copy to the new adjustment layer. this will copy the layer mask from one layer to another

- while pressing and holding the <shift> key, click, hold, and drag the old layer mask you want to copy to the new adjustment layer. this will move the layer mask from one layer to another while at the same time invert it

- while pressing and holding the <shift and alt> keys, click, hold, and drag the old layer mask you want to copy to the new adjustment layer. this will copy the layer mask from one layer to another while at the same time invert it

Edit: sorry, don't know the corresponding keypresses for the Mac

/Dan

[Picture North Carolina]

Love the alpha channels, hate the Drake.

(love the drake, hate the soup ****)

Edit:

Well, I'll be darned... look at that! POTN is politically correct!!! Pekka, you old sneak you! the above four asteriks were the word n-a-z-i (without the dashes), but POTN's forum software censored the word! Of course, that brings forth the old argument about the fallacy of PC censorship seeing as in this case the use of the word was a non-offensive, innocent reference to the seinfeld comedy show, but that's a discussion for other forums, isn't it?

[jfrancho]

Thanks CH. I figure the dog's method worked, but there was a keystroke missing.

[Travis F]

Wow, thanks guys. The help is very much appreciated! My life just got alot easier.

Thanks again,
Travis

[pturton]

Group layers (select the layers and CTRL+G) that use the same mask and apply the mask to the Group.

To apply 2 layer masks to the same layer, to Group the layer with one mask and add a second mask to the Group.