Trying to turn positive space to negative.

[Ian5E48]

Hello,

Clawing my way through learning photoshop here.

I want a lower pattern layer to show through the top pattern layer. Is there a way to flip the positive/negative space on the top layer to allow that to happen without having to go through the, what would seem, much more slower process of creating a mask?

Thanks

Ian

[c.pfaffenbichler]

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

[Ian5E48]

Hello,
Thanks for writing me back.
I'll try and explain in writing first. The top layer is of a pattern that
I've drawn and then scanned in. The layer below is of a figure. How can I
make it so the figure is visible? As if you're looking at someone through a
fence?
Thanks again

Ian

[c.pfaffenbichler]

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

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Are you talking about actual Pattern Layers? 

With »plain« pixel Layers one could, I suppose, change the transparency to a Layer Mask (Layer > Layer Mask > From Transparency) and simply invert that (Image > Adjustments > Invert, cmd-I). 

[Ian5E48]

Hello,
Sorry for the confusion.
I want to combine two layers, one of a pattern that I drew and then scanned
in the other of a figure, in a way that looks like you're viewing someone
through a chain-link fence.
Thanks again

[edgrimley]

It sounds to me that you want to remove the background area of the pattern and just leave the shapes, thereby allowing the layer below to be seen as well. You would need to select the BG area. There are various ways of selecting, in your case color range might work well. Then use the active selection as a layer mask.

[Ian5E48]

Thanks for the information. I tried "select and mask" and that seemed to
work.
Thanks for the help.