How Do I Move a Mask in Photoshop?
Moving a layer mask in Photoshop is straightforward and can be done in a few ways, depending on whether you want to move the mask independently of its associated layer.
If you want to move a layer and its mask together, simply select the layer in the Layers panel. Then, use the Move tool (V) to drag the layer to its new location. The layer mask will move along with it. This is the default behavior; the layer and its mask are linked.
Moving a Layer Mask Independently
To move the mask without moving the underlying layer, you first need to unlink the layer and its mask.
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Unlink the Layer and Mask: In the Layers panel, look for a small chain icon between the layer thumbnail and its mask thumbnail. Click this icon to break the link. Now the layer and mask are independent.
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Select the Mask: Click the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel to select it. Only the mask will be active, indicated by a white border around it.
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Move the Mask: Now, use one of the following methods to move the mask:
- Move Tool (V): Select the Move tool and drag the mask to reposition it.
- Arrow Keys: Use the arrow keys to nudge the mask, holding down Shift for precise movements in larger increments.
Fine-tuning Mask Position
For precise adjustments, use the arrow keys with the Shift key held down, providing more control over the mask’s movement.
Important Considerations
- Fill Layers: Moving a mask on a fill layer will reveal the fill color in areas where the mask is moved from. (Solved: Moving Fill Layer Masks - Adobe Community)
- Linked vs. Unlinked: Remember the chain icon linking the layer and its mask. Clicking it controls whether they move together or independently. (How do I move a layer WITH it's layer mask?, Difficulty moving an image together with its mask ... - Adobe ..., adobe photoshop - How do I move my mask independently of my ...)
