BITEM2K

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

BITEM2K

Heres an example of what i mean. i want to mask one image with the other. thanks

John1

[list][*]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:

John1

And another example

BITEM2K

Nice one Thanks alot! that has been a thawn in my side for quite some time! [righton] [righton] [righton]

John1

You're welcome Moo

Try to use some layer styles with a mask like that for some cool effects:

BITEM2K

indeed. Thanks again!

John1

Just experimenting...

Ferlin

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?

John1

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.