Can multiple adjustment layers share the same mask in Photoshop?
Asked 12/1/2010
2 views
2 answers
0
I have two adjustment layers in Photoshop that should affect the exact same area of an image. Right now each adjustment has its own layer mask, so whenever I change the mask I have to copy it to the other layer as well.
Is there a way to make multiple adjustment layers use one mask, so edits to the mask update both adjustments automatically?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
6
Yes, that's pretty easy. Let's assume your image in in the background layer. You need only one layer mask actually, and that layer mask will be in layer A, on top of the background layer. Put your other layer B on top of A. Now press the Alt key and move your cursor right in between the two layers in the layers panel. The cursor should change to some kind of intersection symbol. Click. The top layer will be indented to the right, with a down arrow pointing at the bottom layer, indicating that the effect of layer B is now going through the mask of layer A.
Screenshots:
1) You can see my photo in the background layer, and I added a layer A as an Exposure layer effect, with a simple circle as the layer mask. The exposure effect only applies inside the layer mask as expected.
2) My layer B is a Black & White layer effect, on top of A. Right now, by sitting on top A it actually applies to the whole image. Not what you want.
3) I Alt + Clicked right in between layer A and B, thus forcing B to use the layer mask of A. Now both the Exposure and Black & White effect only applies to the layer mask of A.
Originally by user1273. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1273
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. In Photoshop, the usual way is to have multiple adjustments share a single mask rather than trying to directly link two separate masks.
Two common methods:
-
Clip one adjustment to another
Place one adjustment layer above the masked adjustment layer, then create a clipping mask between them (Alt/Option-click between the layers in the Layers panel). The upper adjustment will then be limited by the lower layer’s mask. -
Put the adjustment layers in a group and mask the group
Select the adjustment layers, group them, and add one mask to the group. That single group mask controls where all adjustments in the group are visible.
For your use case, the group mask method is usually the cleanest if several adjustments need the same masked area.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can one Photoshop layer mask control multiple adjustment layers?
How can I copy a layer group from one Photoshop document to another?
How do I apply an adjustment layer to only one layer in Photoshop?
Can GIMP mimic Photoshop adjustment layers with duplicate layers and masks?
How can I apply the same layer mask to many images in Photoshop with an action?