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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Software => Photoshop Discussion => Topic started by: Pixart on October 05, 2010, 13:21

Title: Layer Mask Question CS3
Post by: Pixart on October 05, 2010, 13:21
I can't figure out in Photoshop and anything beyond basic masking is driving me crazy.... 

How do I convert an image to a layer mask? 

I have a black and white layer.  In Paintshop I can go "new mask layer from image"  and convert this layer to a mask.  It doesn't have to be b&w/greyscale in paintshop - works with photographs too. 

1.  How do I turn it into a mask in Photoshop and apply it to a layer?

2.  I also have trouble working with masks.  If I have made a mask on one layer, how do I copy it and apply same mask to a different layer?

This will likely sound pretty basic to most of you.  I've searched answers many times - I must be phrasing the question the wrong way because search results are always basic masking techniques. 

Did I make any sense?  LOL, Photoshop isn't my first "language", but I'm trying to make all my new templates in it exclusively... it's just not as natural to me as in Corel.

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Layer Mask Question CS3
Post by: LostOne on October 05, 2010, 14:24
1. Click on the bw layer, go to the channels (window -> channels if it's not open), ctrl click on one of the channels (this will select the white parts of the image). Then click on the layer where you want to add the mask. Last step is to click on the mask icon in the layers panel.
2. #1 Almost the same as above: ctrl click the existing mask, select the layer where you want to add the mask, click the mask icon. #2 You can also alt drag the mask from one layer to another

PS: There might be a more efficient way to do the first one, this is the only one I know :D
Title: Re: Layer Mask Question CS3
Post by: Pixart on October 05, 2010, 14:46
LostOne you are my hero!!!! You can't imagine how mad I've been going with this!!!  I've printed off 3 page instructions that make no sense and you gave me one simple line of advise and it works!!!!!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Title: Re: Layer Mask Question CS3
Post by: LostOne on October 06, 2010, 02:00
Glad I could help.