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Layer Masks


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BITEM2K

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Hi All!

is it possible to use an existing layer as a layer mask? i.e

im trying to use a dirt map from a file to mask some moss, but when i add a layer mask and try and copy the dirt map into the mask channel, i get no success.

sorry if that sounds a bit cryptic but im terrible at explaining my problems in writting!

thankyou
 
  • Select the image you want to create a mask from (Ctrl + A)
  • Copy (Ctrl + C)
  • Create the layer mask
  • Alt + left click on the layer mask (complete mask will be visible in your document)
  • Paste (Ctrl + V)[/list:u]

    Example:
 
You're welcome Moo ;)

Try to use some layer styles with a mask like that for some cool effects:
 
Good examples John. I'm going to try this - but some things don't click with me. Why would you need to paste onto the layer mask when you can just keep the layers seperate and adjust opacaties or blend modes?
What am I missing?
 
Ferlin said:
Why would you need to paste onto the layer mask when you can just keep the layers seperate and adjust opacaties or blend modes? What am I missing?
Click to expand...
Ferlin, you might be confused after looking at the first example with the eye. That one can probably be done with some blending and opacity, but not the last two examples. In these examples layer styles are added to the masked layers, that's something totally different, because suddenly you can create for example bevels, drop shadows, glow, etc, something you can't do with just a straightforward blending/opacity combination.

Let me show you an example.

I used a texture and blended it with a orange layer using luminosity blending mode. The result looks flat.

Then I selected the texture and copy/pasted it as a layer mask for the orange layer. I then added a bevel.

Notice the difference? ;)

Blending is mixing pixels, masking is hiding pixels, that's the main difference.
 
But it's not only useful in combination with layer styles.
In this example I created a mask of the same mountain, to increase the sharpness in the brightest areas only (highest luminosity).
 
I get it John. That is a strong and useful piece of info. that I didn't know about before. I'm going to print it out. I'ts funny but I never copy and paste in photoshop...well technically maybe I do all the time with command j and moving one layer from one document to another but I never use those specific commands - but it looks like thats the only way to do this layer mask thing. In Illustrator I use copy paste all the time.. anyway thats another story... thanks John ;) :righton:
 
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