PS actions - pasting into layer mask?

I'm going crazy I think. Using this technique manually is fine, but when I try to record it as an action, it doesn't.

By way of example, copy background layer, select all, click background layer and cmd-c copy. Create layer mask on background copy layer, alt-click it so layer mask is shown, and paste into it. A grayscale copy of background layer has become the layer mask.

Now try the same thing while recording it as an action. Works fine while recording.

Now try playing the action. It doesn't work. Instead of pasting into the layer mask it pastes into a new layer above the one you want! At least it did on my action

You find similar? Any tips on getting around this for the action?

Can't you just save yourself the hassle and make a luminosity selection?

Otherwise, you'll have to record it the long way around - that is, paste the copy onto a new alpha channel, then load that alpha channel as the layer mask.

What's the ultimate purpose here? What comes afterwards?

Does the "select mask" step record in the action?
Otherwise, you can do it using "Apply image" for sure.

Damo77 wrote in post #11381316
Can't you just save yourself the hassle and make a luminosity selection?

Tried that, records ok, but when you try to play the action back again you're prompted for a selection. Seems the action doesn't record how you got the selection? Not sure.

Damo77 wrote in post #11381316
Otherwise, you'll have to record it the long way around - that is, paste the copy onto a new alpha channel, then load that alpha channel as the layer mask.

I'm thinking it'll have to be the long way around unfortunately.

Damo77 wrote in post #11381316
What's the ultimate purpose here? What comes afterwards?

It's part of an action for astro-image processing and trying to reduce grain/noise. Using the masks to separate stars from the background. The stars layer has the image as a layer mask, the background/sky has it inverted. There's other ways to achieve this, I'm sure, but I was just following this tutorial and was trying to record it as actions.

René Damkot wrote in post #11382662
Does the "select mask" step record in the action?

It does. "Select mask channel of layer 'background copy" without make visible"

René Damkot wrote in post #11382662
Otherwise, you can do it using "Apply image" for sure.

I'll try that next when I get a chance.

René Damkot wrote in post #11382662
...
Otherwise, you can do it using "Apply image" for sure.

Apply image worked. Thanks

I duplicated the BG, made it grayscale. Duplicated BG image again, created a layer mask, alt-click layer mask to make it visible. Apply image the grayscale copy, normal blend mode. All good.

Thanks again, Rene.

Glad to help

Now, the slightly easier way:
Open image, Cmd+J, add mask, click mask to highlight > Apply image:

Thanks mate. Much better.

i am creating a action for multiple layered template.i cant add stop before selecting a layer.
i want to add a stop at selecting layer and than paste into the image i had opened in other window.

You can Apply Image from another file, as long as the two files (the source and destination) are the same dimensions and both files are open in PS.

kirk

is there any way to make selection of a layer edge without using magic wand tool in photoshop.
if yes please tell me.
i am making an action which can use for multiple layers (frames) template to creating a collage. i really damn need it.
Is there any method to just click the layer with move tool and make selection it's edges with any other way than magic wand tool. please Reply soon.
THANKS IN Advance

CMD-A (CTRL-A on a PC) will select the entire layer (i.e., Select All).

kirk

thanks for attention....!!!
i had find the solution for what i had asked to u.
it was jst simply click on layer thumbnail in layer panel and right click than select pixel. was very simple.
I need another Help
Is there possible to add a stop at selecting a layer while playing action ?

You can pause an action by enabling the dialog window for a step in the action (item 1 in the attached image). You can also insert a Stop (item 2) - access from the flyout menu in the Actions panel.

kirk

thnks