A real layer mask

[dina]

I'd like to see a layer mask option that does not require the work-around of using a dummy adjustment layer then grouping with previous. There are 3rd party plug-ins that can be used but why not have them as native to PSE?:rolleyes:

[Wendy]

That has been on everyone's wish list since PSE2 ...

.. but I don't think that it will ever appear. Its just too linked with Photoshop so to maintain the gap between them no layer mask is added into Elements.

The coding is actually still within Elements as a left over from when they converted the software to Elements ... so all these tool sets do is use a back door routine (done using actions created in Photoshop) to access the hidden parts inside Elements :)

Wendy

[Michel B]

I do not understand Adobe's choice of crippling PSE. Everyone serious about Elements acquire a third-party add-on for masks... and they do not know what new to include to make upgrades attractive!
I have even tried to borrow a layer with mask from a PSD made from the full photoshop. It does work. You can drag the layer from the PSD to your working document in PSE. I have saved a blank PSD with only one layer copy with mask. So, if I have to work with a copy of Elements without add-ons (at friends or relatives), I can always borrow this layer. Same with curves adjustment layers, which means compatibility has something to do with this. On the other hand, many complain about the lack of masks, and ignore their presence in adjustment layers.

[TonyW]

Michel: I agree with you - the only thing missing is an icon to click to add a layer mask and it would be so simple for Adobe to add one. It's almost as quick and easy to click an action to add one. Interestingly in PSE6 Adobe are even adding layer masks themselves. If you run the Photomerge Panorama it adds layer masks to the layers you've merged and if you want to you can save one of those layers and use it in another document by dragging it. So now you don't even need to have full Photoshop to do it that way.

Tony

[lionsleeps]

Adobe should realize that PSE is a fine substitute for those of us who simply cannot afford CS3. For most photographers, especially, PSE is mostly adequate.

That said, full mask capabilities would make PSE everything I could ever want in a photo editing program. I suspect Adobe hopes and intends PSE to be a stepping stone to their more complicated (read: expensive) CS3 programs. Too bad!

[mattyboy]

I have even tried to borrow a layer with mask from a PSD made from the full photoshop. It does work. You can drag the layer from the PSD to your working document in PSE. I have saved a blank PSD with only one layer copy with mask. So, if I have to work with a copy of Elements without add-ons (at friends or relatives), I can always borrow this layer.

Wow that's interesting. So I can drag a masked layer from CS3, for example, and drop it into Elements and still maintain the mask? So is it still editable? I think I'll have a play around and see what I can find out!

[stevenm]

well if people really want something this bad you could all hire someone to hack pse7 and unlock the options:twisted:

[Byron Gale]

I can remember this old thread like it happened yesterday...