You can easily copy a layer mask to multiple layers in Photoshop by using a simple drag-and-drop technique while holding down a specific key. Here's how:
Copying a Layer Mask
To copy a mask to another layer, you will need to use a modifier key. The steps are as follows:
- Select the Layer with the Mask: First, click on the layer that contains the mask you want to copy.
- Hold Down the Modifier Key: Press and hold the Alt key on Windows or the Option key on macOS.
- Drag and Drop the Mask: Click on the layer mask itself (the black and white thumbnail next to the layer) and drag it to the target layer where you want to apply the mask. The reference explains that by doing this you will copy the layer mask.
- Repeat: Repeat step 3 for any other layer you want to copy the mask to.
Important Considerations
- Moving vs. Copying: If you drag the mask without pressing Alt/Option, you'll move the mask rather than copy it. Ensure you are holding the modifier key to make a copy.
- Adjustments: Once copied, the masks on each layer are independent. This means that any changes you make to one layer's mask won’t affect the others.
Example
Imagine you have a photo of a landscape with a sky. You’ve added a layer adjustment for color saturation and created a mask to affect only the sky.
- You want to apply the same mask to a contrast adjustment layer and another for brightness adjustments.
- You would follow the steps described above, holding Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging the sky mask to the other layers.
- This ensures that all three adjustments only affect the sky, based on the mask’s applied area.
Summary
| Action | Modifier Key | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Drag Layer Mask | None | Moves the mask |
| Drag Layer Mask | Alt (Windows) | Copies the mask |
| Drag Layer Mask | Option (macOS) | Copies the mask |
By using the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key while dragging and dropping, you can efficiently replicate the same mask to multiple layers in Photoshop.
