Mask a text layer with another text layer

A couple of alternatives which may help :

1. Put the text layers in a group and add the drop shadow to the group

2. Make a copy of the foreground text layer and widen stroke on the lower of the two (text Layer 2 copy in my screenshot)

3. Convert that copy to a smart object

4. Turn Fill to 0% and , in Blending Options, Knockout to Deep

That cuts through to the background and the drop shadow appears in the gaps

Another way with a different result:

1. Put the text layers in a group and add the drop shadow to the group

2. Make a copy of both text layers and change the stroke to white widen stroke on the lower of the foreground pair two (text Layer 2 copy in my screenshot)

3. Convert the copy of the backround text to a smart object

4. Clip the copy of text with teh white wide stroke to the smart object

That shows white where the other layer is solid or has a stroke but does not show the real background with its drop shadow.

Dave

Hi @seanwinningham

Just add another white stroke filter to the text in front set behind the black: