How do I import an image into a mask in Photoshop?

To import an image into a mask in Photoshop, you need to paste it into the layer mask itself. Here's how:

1. Select the layer with the mask you want to modify. In the Layers panel, locate the layer that already has a mask applied to it.

2. Select the Layer Mask. Click on the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel (it's usually a black and white rectangle next to the layer thumbnail). This ensures you're working directly on the mask, not the layer's content.

3. Copy the image you want to use as a mask. Copy the image you want to use for your mask. You can copy it from another Photoshop document, or from any other program, to your clipboard by pressing Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac).

4. Paste the image into the mask. Go to Edit > Paste. The image you copied will now appear inside the layer mask. Photoshop interprets the grayscale values of the pasted image as mask values: black hides, white reveals, and shades of gray create transparency.

5. Adjust the image within the mask (if needed). Once pasted, you can use the Move tool (V) to reposition the image within the mask. You can also use Edit > Transform options (such as Scale, Rotate) to further refine the image's placement and size inside the mask.