How do I Overlay a transparency over all layers?

Question

How do I overlay a shape that has a transparent background, over all below layers, so that the below layers have the area of that shape replaced with a transparency.

I am looking to have multiple layers in an image.

1.) Top Layer with a Square Transparency
2.) Background image

I want any transparency layers I created in layer 1 to also appear in all of the below layers.
I DO NOT want to have to switch to layer 2 and edit it in any way.

For example, if I create a transparent square in layer 1, I want that same transparent square to appear in after I add a background image.

This way if I switch between different backgrounds that same transparent square will appear in the same spot, in the final image, regardless of which background I use in layer 2.

I need to create large numbers of backgrounds with aeas of transparency and was hoping there an easy way of doing so.

Transparent Square on Layer 1

Layer 2 (black background) - example 1

Layer 2 (blue background) - example 2

Outcome I am looking for when using a black background

Outcome I am looking for when using a blue background

AV_Editor9000 · Accepted Answer

Ah, I understood that you wanted the transparency of one layer to be applied to others, but in this last message, you show the opposite, where the opacity of one layer creates transparency on others.

will it always be black?

If you have some time and want to learn a lot, check this series of videos:

https://creativecloud.adobe.com/cc/discover/video/Crash-Course-Masks-Modes-More-Photoshop-Basics-with-Tim-Moebest/19093?locale=fr

https://creativecloud.adobe.com/discover/video/Photoshop-Crash-Course-Top-Tips-for-Masks-with-Tim-Moebest/19099

and https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_LAdBwf5TVk

I believe part 3 might get you covered, but seeing all parts will let you know everything about the different masking methods.

Thank you for the videos. They were extremely helpfull!

The third video had a section on a feature called "KnockOut".
This solved my problems!

I created 3 layers.

1.) The top layer has the shape.
I then went into Blending options.
Turned on"Knockout".
Set it to "Deep"
And then set the fill Opacity to 0%.

2.) The second layer is now my "background" layer.
I can quickly swap out different images.

3.) The third layer I kept as 100% transparent.

Whenever I add any shapes to Layer 1, they automatically are removed from the 2nd layer and only the 3rd layers transparency displays in-place of that shape.

Fotomaker01RA · Answer

I'm not sure what you need is a transparency... at least the way you've described it.

You can create 2 different layers with Edit > Fill. One a black layer. One a blue (or whatever color desired) layer. Then put a mask in the shape you want on each of those layers. See my attached, layers-labelled snip.

Save that as a .PSD for regular use (if you want to re-use).

You can open whatever images you want below those layers then just turn on/off the eye icon visibility to display the color mat you want to show.

(If you want to get "tricky" about it you could even write an "Action" to perform those steps of applying the black or blue mats for you in an automated way. Google "How to create Photoshop Action"). Good luck!

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