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tv26204078
Participant
November 3, 2025
Answered

How to make a shape into a layer mask

  • November 3, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 435 views

I finally figured this out so I thought I'd share. If you'd like a layer mask that follows specific measurements or a shape, follow these steps.

 

  1. Click on your shape and go to Select and Mask (either cmd + opt + r, or right click and select)
  2. Use the Quick Selection tool to select the entire shape. Make sure your output is a Layer mask. Click OK.
  3. Drag this new layer mask onto the layer you'd like to mask.
  4. Go to Select and Mask again, and choose invert. Click OK.

 

Let me know if this was helpful! Posting so I also don't forget lol. 

    Correct answer Trevor.Dennis

    When you use the term 'Shape' you imply a vector mask.

    If you have an active path, which you might create with any of the shape tools, or the pen tool.

    And if you Ctrl click the layer mask icon at the bottom of the Paths panel, it will add a vector mask as opposed to the usual raster mask.

    The advantage is that you have a fully sharp and scalable mask that can be edited with the Direct Selection or Pen tool.

    You can even use Mask properties to feather the mask or change its density.

    The disadvantage is that you can't use filters on the mask, or Alt click the mask to view it full screen.  Not that you'd want to with a vector mask. 

    2 replies

    Trevor.Dennis
    Community Expert
    Trevor.DennisCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    November 4, 2025

    When you use the term 'Shape' you imply a vector mask.

    If you have an active path, which you might create with any of the shape tools, or the pen tool.

    And if you Ctrl click the layer mask icon at the bottom of the Paths panel, it will add a vector mask as opposed to the usual raster mask.

    The advantage is that you have a fully sharp and scalable mask that can be edited with the Direct Selection or Pen tool.

    You can even use Mask properties to feather the mask or change its density.

    The disadvantage is that you can't use filters on the mask, or Alt click the mask to view it full screen.  Not that you'd want to with a vector mask. 

      CMass
      Community Manager
      CMassCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      November 4, 2025

      Hey @troiv26204078, 

      Thank you for sharing this tutorial. Although I must admit that I got a little lost. I think it would be helpful to include images or a video. Can you share more about when you would use this in your work flow and what type of project? 


      ^CM

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