Multiple adjustment layers using the same selection

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

i know the solution will most likely be simple, but can’t seem to find the answer, it often depends on searching for the correct wording in a question. I am editing a photo and plan to use several different adjustment layers, on the same selection. However when I create a new adjustment layer it applies to the whole image, can some please go through the steps to allow mulyole adjustment layers to work with the same selection please ?

thanks

 

[IamSam]

Sure.

The area to be affected by the adjustment layer is usually determined by a layer mask created from the selection. Just copy the layer mask to the new adjustment layers by hitting Option/Alt and dragging the layer mask to the new layer.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Sure.

The area to be affected by the adjustment layer is usually determined by a layer mask created from the selection. Just copy the layer mask to the new adjustment layers by hitting Option/Alt and dragging the layer mask to the new layer.

I create a selection using the quick select tool, is this automatically added to the layer mask ?sorry still learning

 

[IamSam]

I create a selection using the quick select tool, is this automatically added to the layer mask ?

It should be when you add the adjustment layer. However, if you are just making an adjustment and not an adjustment layer, then the selection will only be applied one time without a layer mask.

 

[IamSam]

This is a Color Fill adjustment layer with it's corresponding layer mask. The mask has the selection I made.

 

[IamSam]

If I add a Gradient Fill Adjustment layer.....it adds the layer mask.



I just copy and drag the layer mask as I described above.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Wow, I knew it would be easy.....why is it so hard to search on the internet ? Thank you so very much for explaining it so clearly, one result I saw was to create a layer group, but that looked complicated and not even sure if that would do what I wanted

if I wanted 3 different selections with the same image, I assume I would create duplicate layers, one for each selection, then would I need separate identical adjustment layers for each layer ?

e.g. layer 1-trees, layer 2-people, layer 3 grass, each with their own Hue Sat & Color fill adjustment layer(s)

 

[IamSam]

then would I need separate identical adjustment layers for each layer ?

Depends. You can add the selections to the existing Adjustment layers-layer mask if that's the adjustment you wish to make, or you can use the new selection to create a new adjustment layer.

 

[hawkeye]

Put your selections on separate layers and group them. Add an adjustment layer and clip to the group.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

if I group the layers each with different selections, then clip an adjustment layer, won’t any changes to that adjustment layer affect ALL the selections ?

also not sure about clipping but can research and see how

going to look for a photoshop course that’s not too expensive but good value, would love to learn more about Photoshop mechanics....

thanks

 

[hawkeye]

if I group the layers each with different selections, then clip an adjustment layer, won’t any changes to that adjustment layer affect ALL the selections ?

also not sure about clipping but can research and see how

going to look for a photoshop course that’s not too expensive but good value, would love to learn more about Photoshop mechanics....

thanks

Copy and paste your selections each to a new layer. Group the layers, then clip the adjustment to the group.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Sorry not trying to be difficult, but why do I need to copy and paste the selections to new layers, why can’t they remain in the layer they are in ?
all so confusing

 

[hawkeye]

Sorry not trying to be difficult, but why do I need to copy and paste the selections to new layers, why can’t they remain in the layer they are in ?
all so confusing

There is most always more than one way to accomplish the same task in Photoshop. This is just one of them, you could also use layer masks if you want to use the same layer. Make a selection, with the selection active add an adjustment layer and the mask will match the selection. Copy the selection for any other adjustment layer masks.

 

[IamSam]

Sorry not trying to be difficult, but why do I need to copy and paste the selections to new layers, why can’t they remain in the layer they are in ?
all so confusing

Here's what Hawkeye is saying.........

Let's say you have an image...


You make a selection of the Basketball for adjustments and you copy it to it's own layer using Cmd/Cntrl + J.



Then you decide you want to include the Tennis Ball for adjustments as well.
So yo make a selection of the Tennis Ball and copy it to it's own layer.



You want both to have the same adjustment so you group them together......


And clip the Adjustment Layer to the group!


Make your adjustment and all the selection s you made (within the group) will be affected.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Thanks that’s very interesting, is the little down arrow on the HS adj layer the clip function ?

using the same scenario if I for example wanted different HS adjustments to 3 selected balls, could I have 3 layers each with a different ball selected, then add a single HS adj layer, and use this to adjust HS on whichever layer I choose, either ball 1,2 or 3 ?

and further what if I wanted a 2nd adj layer

so 3 layers each with a different selected ball, with 2 adjustment layers which could be used with any of the layers with balls 1,2 or 3

maybe if this is impractical, maybe just have multiple Adj layers connected to a single layer with just one selection ?


does that make sense ? If I can crack this option it will help a lot......or need find a good tutorial on layers layer masks adj layers selections etc.

 

[IamSam]

using the same scenario if I for example wanted different HS adjustments to 3 selected balls, could I have 3 layers each with a different ball selected, then add a single HS adj layer, and use this to adjust HS on whichever layer I choose, either ball 1,2 or 3 ?

Yes. But you don't need to group them...

 

[IamSam]

so 3 layers each with a different selected ball, with 2 adjustment layers which could be used with any of the layers with balls 1,2 or 3
maybe if this is impractical, maybe just have multiple Adj layers connected to a single layer with just one selection ?
does that make sense ?

Yes.

Here are two Adj layers clipped to the basketball...

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Ok will give this a try tomorrow, thank you

 

[IamSam]

So a separate HS layer would be needed for each ball ?

If you wanted different adjustments to each ball.....yes.

The HS adj layer can’t be shared by changing the layer being adjusted. .?

If I'm understanding you........one HS layer CAN be shared.........that was the purpose of grouping the differently selected balls. I may not be following you here.

 

[Reddwarf4everOrig]

Yes I can see a HS Adj layer can be clipped to multiple layers but any change in the Adj layer would be reflected in All 3 layers, so that’s perfect when that’s the desired result, but can’t see when I would need to do that.....but will practice with the clipping of multiple Adj layers to a layer....looks like what I need, someone else said can drag one layer mask onto another to achieve the same result, but will stick with one method till perfected and ‘ remembered’ then try something else, thanks for all the advice and help