How do you copy a layer mask in Photoshop Elements?

To copy a layer mask in Photoshop Elements, you essentially copy the mask's pixel data and paste it onto another layer's mask. Here’s how you do it:

Steps to Copy a Layer Mask

1. Select the Source Mask:

   • Alt-click (Option-click on Mac) the layer mask thumbnail you want to copy. This will display the mask view on your image.

2. Select the Entire Mask:

   • In the Menu Bar, go to Select and then choose All, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A (Cmd + A on Mac). This selects the entire mask.

3. Copy the Mask:

   • Go to Edit in the Menu Bar and select Copy, or use the shortcut Ctrl + C (Cmd + C on Mac). The mask data is now copied to your clipboard.

4. Select the Destination Mask:

   • Click on the layer mask thumbnail of the layer where you want to paste the mask.

5. Paste the Mask:

   • Go to Edit and select Paste, or use the shortcut Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on Mac). The copied mask will now be applied to the selected layer.

Key Points to Remember

• You are copying and pasting the pixel data of the mask, not the actual mask as an object.
• This technique works whether the mask is black and white or contains grayscale values.
• After copying a mask, you can invert it if needed by selecting Image>Adjustments>Invert with the mask selected.

Step	Action
1. Select Source Mask	Alt/Option-click the mask thumbnail to copy
2. Select All	Ctrl+A or Cmd+A to select the entire mask
3. Copy	Ctrl+C or Cmd+C to copy the mask data
4. Select Destination	Click the mask thumbnail of the target layer
5. Paste	Ctrl+V or Cmd+V to paste the copied mask to the target

Following these steps provides a quick and efficient method to transfer layer masks between layers in Photoshop Elements.