Using Ctrl L with a copied channel - Photoshop - 23.4.2

[R D Parry]

I'm trying to use the channels method to select wispy hair on a model. I copy the blue channel (best contrast) and select it but then if I use Ctrl+L to open levels the copied blue channel is not selected or selectable so I'm unable to adjust it. However opening levels via the Image/Adjustments/Levels menu route works fine. 

[kevin stohlmeyer]

Thats because using the Adjustment Levels automatically creates a layer mask based on your selection.

The Layers menu option does not.

[R D Parry]

Thanks for your response Kevin. However if you take a look at a Youtube video by Phlearn (Advanced Hair Masking with Channels in Photoshop) at around 2.58 you will see that he is able to use Ctrl+L to open layers on the copied blue channel. I can't replicate that as I mentioned.

Regards

Roger Parry

[Earth Oliver]

if you're using a mac, it's cmd-l.

[jane-e]

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@R D Parry wrote:

you will see that he is able to use Ctrl+L to open layers on the copied blue channel.

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To clarify, Ctrl+L (Win) or Cmd+L (Mac) opens Levels, not Layers, by default. You may have made a typo, but it's hard to know for sure.

You can also go to Image menu > Adjustments > Levels. The shortcut that is assigned on your system will be to the right of the Levels command.

When you copy a color channel, it becomes an Alpha channel.

Jane

[Chris 486]

Hi!

Just want to check to make sure. When you duplicate a channel layer it duplicates with visibility turned off. You won't be able to use ctrl+l until the layer is set to be visible. I am using the same version of photoshop with you and do not get an issue when following that tutorial at the 2:58 mark.

Advanced Hair Masking with Channels in Photoshop | PHLEARN - YouTube

[R D Parry · Accepted solution]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I've now identified the source of the problem. I've a number of third party plugins and clearly one of them is causing the problem. Just a matter of going through and finding the culprit. Again thanks for your help.