Creating a new layer with a layer mask from the Refine Edge window

[southwestform]

I need to isolate a subject from the background so I can bring it into Premiere to apply motion to the subject separate from the background. I use the Refine Edge window and create a new layer with a layer mask.

The problem is, by doing this it is not cutting the subject to a new layer, but instead just copying it so the original pixels of the subject are still on the original layer. I need to remove the subject to create the effect I need of the subject being separate from background. If there was an option in Refine Edge to cut to a new layer with a layer mask I could simply go back to the original layer, select the hole that is created and use content aware, or do some cloning, etc. I now need to start over to remove the subject from the original layer after getting the copy of it to a new layer with a layer mask.

Is there some way to simply cut the subject to a new layer with a layer mask and not copy it? Is there a reason this option is not available?

Thanks.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If there was an option in Refine Edge to cut to a new layer with a layer mask I could simply go back to the original layer, select the hole that is created and use content aware, or do some cloning, etc.

I for one do not miss that option at all (I think Refine Edge is about masking/clipping elements in photographs, not removing them from the background) but you should be able to pretty much automate that (save the Clone Stamping naturally) with an Action anyway.

[War Unicorn]

You just want to simply not have the background when extracting? You could use the "new document with layer mask" option, though I'm not sure if that would help in the overall composite scheme of things, depending on need. Could do an action as well like c.pfaff mentioned.