How to combine mask and layer?

[Ethan Landers]

I have a layer with an attached mask, and I want to combine the two into a layer so I can adjust the photo in other ways with new layers.  If I do combine the mask and layer, I want to be able to come back later to this mask/layer and be able to make mask adjustments, even if there are new layers on top of them.

Is this possible?  If so, how can I do it?

[D Fosse]

It may not be necessary. You can clip adjustment layers to this masked pixel layer, so that those adjustments only affect that layer. The adjustment layers can have their own masks.

You can also turn the layer into a smart object.