How to fix brush options per layer.

[koz___]

Regarding brush options, is there a way to link the settings for the sample layer to each layer individually?

(For example, I want to fix “Current Layer & Below” for Layer A and “Current Layer” for Layer B, and switch between them while working.)

[jane-e]

Regarding brush options...

By @koz___

If you mean the options for the Brush tool in the options bar, they remain the same until changed or the tool is Reset.

If you mean you want to paint on several layers simultaneously, that is not possible. You can only paint on one layer at a time.

Please clarify your issue if this does not answer your question. 

Jane

[koz___]

Thanks for the reply, jane.

I'm working with two layers in Photoshop and frequently need to switch between them while retouching. Here’s my setup:

[Top Layer]

• Grayscale image

• Blending Mode: Linear Light

• Edited using the Clone Stamp Tool or Healing Brush Tool

• Brush option: Sample – Current Layer

[Bottom Layer]

• Color image

• Blending Mode: Normal

• Also edited with the Clone Stamp Tool or Healing Brush Tool

• Brush option: Sample – Current & Below

The issue is that every time I switch layers, I have to manually change the Sample option in the options bar.
It’s quite tedious, so I’m wondering:

▶︎Is there any way to lock or save the sampling option per layer?
In other words, I’d like each layer to remember its own sampling mode when using clone or healing tools.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

▶︎Is there any way to lock or save the sampling option per layer?
In other words, I’d like each layer to remember its own sampling mode when using clone or healing tools.

By @koz___

No, that is not available in Photoshop. The options for a tool are sticky and remain the same until they are changed or reset. They can't be assigned to a layer.

Quite often our wonderful scripters will write script for something that Photoshop can't do on its own. I've tagged your post for Scripting just in case this can work with a script.

Jane

[koz___]

Thanks, Jane!

That makes sense — really appreciate your help!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

As @jane-e hinted at I suppose it should be possible to link a Script to the Layer Selection Event via Script Events Manager. 

And the Script could select a Tool (Preset) or change Tool settings depending on the Layer’s name or position in the Layer Stack or Blend Mode …

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Why »Current & Below« for the Bottom Layer – what is below the bottom? 

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible?