adding layer mask problem, (CS5 mac)

[sonia]

Hi, I'm working with CS5 mac 10.5.8, working with raw files .CR2

I'm trying to add a adjustment layer to an image, option click layer mask, select brush tool (100% Opacity) make sure the white for the mask is selected and paint with my brush, but nothing happens.

I tried the same thing but instead of the adjustment layer I duplicated my background then option clicked the layer mask, and it works.

the only difference I noticed between the two is that when adding the layer mask to the adjustment layer, the mask that appears in the little icon is grey. however when adding the layer mask to the actual duplicated background, the icon is black (which is how I think it should be)

what am i doing wrong? please help! thank you!

 

[theKeeper]

I duplicated my background

There's your answer right there sonia.

You can not edit a background layer directly. You must first convert it to a normal layer. Which is what you did when you duplicated it. But you can skip the duplication process by simply double-clicking on the layer and then clicking OK to accept the layer status change. You can also find this command under the LAYER>New menu > Layer From Background.

Try that, it should work now for you.

Hope that helps.
Mark (aka theKeeper)...

 

[sonia]

Thanks Mark! I was actually trying to make the adjustment layer work... anyways I figured it out, I kept adding a vector mask thinking that was the layer mask... but that was a good tip, I didn't know. thanks for taking the time to answer!