How to prevent layer mask from changing the shadow?

[ccw123]

Hi,

I have a layer in my PSD file. The layer has some effects, such as "Inner Shadow" and "Gradient Overlay" etc. Now I want to grab a block from the layer, therefore, I try to add a layer mask on the layer. However, I find the layer mask not only pick out the block I want, but also move the shadow all inside the block, which is not desired. How to prevent this?

My PSD file can be downloaded from Dropbox - Problem1.psd - Simplify your life

[c.pfaffenbichler]

You can Group the Layer and apply the Layer Mask to the Group.

[ccw123]

Thank you very much.

[JJMack · Accepted solution]

Your Shape layer has two mask the Shape Path vector mask and the Normal Layer Mask.  Layer style pixels doe not exists thar are rendered for the layers visible pixels.  You can separate the two mask my moving the normal layer mask to a group the the shape layer is in.  The Layers style will be rendered foe the full Shape layer.  Then it will be masked in the group composite view by the group Layer mask.

The shape layer itself only  has the Shape Path Vector mask. As Chuck wrote

Also Changing the layer style Knockout can do what you want.

[ccw123]

Thank you very much.