Layer masks

[jjvera00]

OK bear with me on this...

1) I created a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer to make a color photo into black and white and then on the Layer mask color it with black to let the color show through.

2) I created a Levels Adjustment Layer only for the layer mask then clipped a photo to it so I can do a Gaussian blur to it. Then painted on the layer mask to let the solid color show through.

My question. Is there a way to paint on both layer masks at the same time without having to do it twice since I am painting over the same area I want to have show as being "untouched"

[Byron Gale]

...Is there a way to paint on both layer masks at the same time without having to do it twice...Johnny,

In a word... no.

However, there is a not-too-painful work-around.

Once you have one of the layer masks painted the way you like, ALT-click on the mask thumbnail to show just the black/white mask in the editor window. You can then select all, and copy to your clipboard. ALT-click the same mask thumbnail to revert to the image view.

Then ALT-click the other mask thumbnail, paste, and ALT-click it again to revert to image view.

This copies the first layer mask directly to the second.

HTH,

Byron

EDIT: to add that this is a fun technique for placing another image onto a layer mask, where it becomes a grayscale mask, itself. Try it!!

[Byron Gale]

D'OH!! There's an even simpler way that I just remembered....

Paint the first mask as you like. When done, CTRL-click the painted mask thumbnail to load a selection that is equivalent to the white areas on the mask. Invert your selection (CTRL-SHIFT-I).

Then select the other mask thumbnail, and fill with black. Only the active selection is filled, rendering a duplicate of the other mask.

[jjvera00]

I ended up doing the Cntl-CLICK, Inverse selection, method last night. I was just wondering if there was a simplier way.

[TonyW]

Another way. Ctrl-Click the mask of an adjustment layer that's been painted on. Then add a new adjustment layer. The new adjustment layer will have the painted mask of the previous one.

Tony