P: Clipping mask to a Layer group?

Like i said, I didn't mean to be rude... But there is a difference between Normal and Pass Through. But that is off topic. if you are curious, look it up. I want to stay on the topic at hand which is clipping to a layer set and not write out a photoshop lesson on a layer set's blending modes.

I'm not sure that's a fair comment Joshua... there's probably quite a few people here who have been using Photoshop for quite some time and are aware of the advanced functions you're talking about.

PECourtejoie raises a good point. Why wouldn't Normal blending mode cut it in this situation?

I don't mean to be rude but i am using some advanced functions that most people don't understand or realize exist in Photoshop. To explain would be way too long and off topic.

And why would changing the mode of the group to normal not be sufficient in this case? (I'm like Marc, trying to understand) And... Very nice composition!

I'd like to clip a folder to a layer, and a layer to a folder.

I'm with ya.

I'd similarly like to be able to clip a folder to a layer (folder above layer).

Fair enough. I don't know how that could be handled UI-wise though. I still think it's pretty easy to mask the group (folder) and then you can place whatever adjustment layers inside the folder you'd like. That does suck if you move elements around and you have to remake the mask from the various parts. Still, gets the job done.

How would the layers palette look with a clipped group (folder)?

OK.. check this out. I have a group for each component of this image. one for the background, one for the car, and another for the light streaks. The car is made up of SEVERAL layers that are masked and clipped.
It would be great if i could clip the layer titled 'Curve 6' to the entire group called 'Car'.
This way, whatever is visible in that group will be lightened leaving the rest of the image untouched.

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I often complicate the matter by masking both the bottom layer and adding masks to the layers that are clipped to it.

Yep, I do that too.

It would be great to have a set/group/folder, and be able to clip to only the visible contents of the folder.

This is where you lose me. Why can't you have a group (folder) and use a clipping mask inside the folder? What are you trying to achieve that can't be done with a combination of groups (folders), clipping masks and masks?

I think I get what you're after now—having layers clipped to a group (folder), but I can't think of a case where the result couldn't be obtained using other methods. Also, it might create UI confusion if a layer was indented above a folder?

It seems like this is what you want:

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Which could be done now like this (and probably other, better ways?):

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Yeah, I use that all the time, too. I'm still not exactly sure what Joshua is after and why it can't be done using a combination of clipping masks, masks and/or groups (folders). Maybe I won't be able to help, but if there's a specific scenario, maybe there's a good way to do things already.