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Nemnissis
Participating Frequently
Jan 30, 2026 8:54 AM UTC
Answered

How to Paste into a Layer Mask in Photoshop

Hi there. I would like to do this.

https://youtu.be/Vzvv0DfvJm8?si=0kXVTHXUFwMWA6zZ

To paste a (black and white) image into a layer mask.
I've got it once to work and all the other times it doesnt work. I dont know why it works or why it doesnt work.
Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks a lot!!

    Ged_Traynor
    Ged_TraynorCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Jan 30, 2026 2:21 PM UTC

    @Ged_Traynor ​@Nemnissis try opening this layer in its own window

    Then go to Window > Arrange 2-up Vertical

    Your setup should look like this

     

    11 replies

    Legend
    Jan 30, 2026 1:39 PM UTC

    Going just from memory, option-click to load a mask, then you can treat it like any other black and white layer.

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    justlearn
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jan 30, 2026 10:07 AM UTC

    ​@Nemnissis I agree with ​@Ged_Traynor , it worked for me as well. If you wanted a longer tutorial, try this: https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/how-to-paste-an-image-into-a-layer-mask-in-photoshop/

    But, Julieanne Kost did nailed it under 2 minutes! 

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    m
    Ged_Traynor
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jan 30, 2026 9:36 AM UTC

    ​@Nemnissis I just tested a few times on my system, and it’s working fine, with Photoshop version 27.3, can you post a screenshot of the Photoshop interface with all the pertinent panels opened

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    Nemnissis
    NemnissisAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    Jan 30, 2026 12:44 PM UTC

    Thanks all for replying!
    here 2 screenshots:
     

    So this is the image i want to use as a mask. It had some color, so first i did single adjustment→ black and white then merge layers, to make it one layer again.  I select it, edit->Copy (no shortcuts). Select layer one, Alt click the mask thumbnail, edit->Paste (no shortcut). Nothing happens.


    ?
    I am on Photoshop 27.2.0
    Any help much appreciated.
     

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    Nemnissis
    NemnissisAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    Jan 30, 2026 12:48 PM UTC

    I am updating now to 27.3 Let’s see if that helps…….

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