How Do I Quickly Create a Transparent Hole Through A Multi-Layered Image?

[EricCartman]

Hi there,

I recently purchased the Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 Classroom in a Book and have just finished it.

I had the idea of trying to create a transparent hole through a multi-layered image and simply tried to select all layers, marquee a circle in the middle of the image window, and press Delete. Didn't work.

Here is the link to the file in case you want a go (it's one of the files I created through the book's lesson):

Dropbox - 04End.psd

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Conrad C · Accepted solution]

A fast way, maybe even the fastest way, is this:

1. Choose Select > Select All Layers
2. Choose Layer > Group Layers
3. Select the Elliptical Marquee tool
4. Shift-drag a circular selection over the document
5. With the layer group selected in the Layers panel, Option-click or Alt-click the Add Layer Mask button in the Layers panel. This creates an inverted mask from the circle, punching a hole in the layer group.

All the layer content is preserved.

[EricCartman]

Brilliant! Did the trick; just had to add one more step:

6. Delete the background layer.

P.S. Realised you are one of the two co-authors of the book—it was a good read and the subtle humour was palpable. Any further book recommendations after one has completed the Adobe PS CC 2018 book?

[Conrad C]

Good idea to remove the background layer so you actually get a hole.

As for further reading, I have a few ideas but I haven't read the latest editions of many of the books that are out there. It also depends on what you want to concentrate on: Color-correct, edit raw files, create composites, create web graphics, or a little of everything.

For a general reference you might try Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers, CC 2018 Edition by Martin Evening.

For raw image editing and fine-art printing, read The Digital Negative and The Digital Print by Jeff Schewe.

For retouching try Adobe Photoshop Restoration & Retouching, 4th Edition by Katrin Eismann and others.

[DebsCoach]

Thanks for this tip. I want to do something similar using custom shapes ie cut a small bird shape out of a bigger bird shape. Is the process the same? I somehow accidentally did this before and have no idea how I did it. Trying to duplicate the effect but can't get anything to work!