Free Transform — masked image not entire layer

So i'm having the same issues as you. It's already a smart object. It has a mask on it. But i hit command T and it only transforms the image inside of the mask and not the image and the mask. I don't know what setting to turn off to fix this and it's causing my workflow to seriously slow. Not cool, Adobe.

I understand exacly what you want, I'd like that functionality back as well...

However the workflow of Masking your asset , then converting to SO first is wise because a mask is raster and the SO will protect its resolution/acuracy during transforms.

If you really need your detailed mask available in the main comp layer stack, then consider:

1. start with a simple rectangular mask around the asset where you would want the transform tool to operate

2. make the layer a SO

3. now create you detailed mask

... the transform should be as you hoped with this workflow.

If you want something with a basic mask (i.e., circlular or quadrilateral) use the Frame tool (k).

- Select just the mask and skew, distort ect. withCtrl (Cmd) + T to alter the mask shape

- Trasform both the layer and the mask TOGETHER by selecting both the layer and mask in the layers panel and then Ctrl (Cmd) + T

@JohnJohnJohnJohnJohn 

1. Convert the image to a smart object
2. Edit the smart object
3. Use the Crop tool with the "delete cropped pixels" checkbox off/unchecked
4. Close/save the smart object
5. The transform will now work as you wish
6. If you need to rework the crop, edit the SO again and use Image > Reveal All and crop again with the "delete cropped pixels" checkbox off/unchecked

you can try converting the layer to a smart object.

There is probably not a way to make the bounding box work the way you want, because it’s intended to show the extent of what’s selected, and that’s the layer dimensions. (Or at least I don’t know of a way to make the box go around the fully revealed mask pixels only.)

If the goal is to transform the entire layer precisely while viewing only the masked region, there are alternate methods you can use. Instead of dragging the handles, use the transform values in the options bar. This is what’s shown in the demo below…would any of this address the issue?

1. (Optional) A second window for the same document is opened, by choosing Window > Arrange > New Window. This allows monitoring the document simultaneously at both Fit magnification and zoomed into the region of interest. They are arranged by choosing Window > Arrange > 2-up Horizontal.

2. After selecting the masked layer and entering Free Transform mode, adjust the layer position by dragging the X and Y labels in the options bar. You can also adjust them with more precision by entering values in the X and Y fields, or clicking in the X or Y field and nudging the value up or down with the up arrow or down arrow keys. All while watching the window to see the result.

3. Adjust the layer size by dragging the labels for or entering values into the W and H fields.

By using the X/Y/W/H fields in the options bar, it is not necessary to see or drag the handles which are out of view.

4. To transform the layer or mask independently of the other, click the link icon between the layer and mask, to unlink them.

5. To reposition the layer on the canvas behind the mask, drag the layer with the Move tool.

6. To reposition the vector mask over the layer, drag it with the Path Selection tool. (I use vector masks whenever possible, because with a pixel layer mask there can be more complications to handle, such as revealed mask edges to fill in.)

7. To transform the vector mask in any way, independent of the layer, choose Edit > Free Transform Path, or Free Transform for a pixel mask.

Try this:

• Ctrl (Cmd) + click on layer mask to create selection from transparent or white areas.
• Ensure mask is selected in the Layers panel.
• Ctrl (Cmd) + T to enter Free Transform.
• Drag handles to adjust what you want visible.
• Confirm using Enter/Return or checkmark in the Options bar.
• Ctrl (Cmd) + D to deselect.