Can I create a vector mask on a folder in Photoshop?

[EllaMaeMoonshiner]

Hello peeps.

I have a vector shape layer and a group folder. I want to clip everything in the group, but Photoshop doesn't seem to allow this. Is there a workaround other than creating a layer mask? I love vector masks because they're editable.

Thanks,

E.

[Lumigraphics]

Any mask is editable. A regular layer mask is just an 8-bit greyscale image/channel.

[EllaMaeMoonshiner]

Right, yes. What I meant was that it's easier to edit vector masks with points than erase away a layer mask and then not be able to get that back.

[Spas K. · Accepted solution]

You can apply a vector mask to a group. For example:

1. Group a few layers

2. Draw a vector path (make sure it's a path, and not a shape, from the tool menu).

3. With the group selected, click on the Mask button at the top, to create a mask

Now you have a vector mask, which you can edit anytime:

If you have an existing shape, select all the points of the shape, Copy, then select the group, and Paste.

[EllaMaeMoonshiner]

Ahhhh, thank you Spas! I was, indeed, using a shape from the tool panel and not understanding why it didn't work on groups, when it clearly works on individual layers. I'll give this a try. 🙂

[Bojan Živković]

To create a blank vector mask, select the group and hold down Ctrl/Cmd while clicking the Add layer mask button. Then, use the Pen Tool with the drawing mode set to Path and draw a path on your vector mask or copy/paste path.