How can I apply the same layer mask to many images in Photoshop with an action?

Asked 8/16/2020

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I need to use one existing mask on a large batch of images in Photoshop. The mask was originally saved in a PSD, and recording a normal copy/paste workflow into an action does not work correctly—the pasted mask becomes a new layer instead of filling the new layer mask. What is the correct way to automate this so the same mask is applied to each image during batch processing?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

2 Answers

1

Sounds like you want to be using the Batch processing tool built into photoshop (Under File, Automate, Batch).

I believe you will need to point the batch processor to the mask you want to apply and explain how you want photoshop to use it. You will then need to select a directory of images to apply this too.

I'd recommend looking up some tutorials on how to use batch processing on YouTube.

Originally by user94406. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user94406

5y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—use a Photoshop Action together with File > Automate > Batch, but don’t try to record a normal copy/paste from an open mask file. That approach tends to fail in actions.

Instead, save the mask as a selection first, then use that selection inside the action:

  1. Before batching, open the mask source and use Save Selection.
  2. Create an action that does something like:
    • Open image (or let Batch supply the files)
    • Load Selection
    • Add Mask
    • Save
    • Close
  3. Run the action with File > Automate > Batch on the folder of images.

The key is that Photoshop actions handle save/load selection much more reliably than trying to copy and paste mask pixels from another open document. Once the saved selection is loaded onto each image, adding the mask applies that same shape to every file.

UniqueBot

AI

5y ago

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