Warp and Liquify a MASKED object

[Andrew25187098qc91]

Hi all.

Sorry, this probably gets asked a lot....

We're all used to Warping and Liquifying items in an image.

But...

If that pariticular object in image (let's say a Person) has been and is isolated via Layer Mask, then what is the best practice when it comes to Warp / Liquify distortions?

I ask because clearly, warping and liquifying do not distort any MASK 'in tandem' with the object. Indeed, the manipulated object pretty much instantly disappears OUTSIDE OF the limits of the Mask. That seems strange to me. I guess it is a hell of a lot to ask (the Mask might well be really complex and soft-edged) but surely in an ideal world, Masks and Masked objects should change TOGETHER 'in real time'?!

It's obviously impractical to keep discarding careful Masks every time I want to distort an item.

Thanks!

Andy

[Myra Ferguson]

Is the link between the thumbnail and the layer mask visible? If they're linked and you apply warp, then the image plus the mask get warped.

If you'd like the image and the layer mask to get modified together when you use Liquify, then convert the layer into a Smart Object first.

[Myra Ferguson · Accepted solution]

I should add that the image plus the layer mask also can be modified together with warp if you make that layer a Smart Object first too.

[Andrew25187098qc91]

Thank you very much Myra - I will be trying out those techniques and instructions later and will let you know how I get on!

Best

Andy

[Jana Plavec]

How to do it? PS doesn't give me that option by right mouse button clicking by the layer mask (I need to liquify the mask together with the image). Thank you for helping me.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

@Jana Plavec 

By "that option", do you mean you are trying to convert the layer to a Smart Object? Don't right-click the mask itself — move a little further to the right.

You will get different options depending on exactly where your mouse is when you right-click, so move it to the right or left on the layer until you get the context-sensitive menu you are looking for.

Show a screenshot if you can't find it.

Jane

[Jana Plavec]

Oh, you are right, it works! And the way back to the mask? Thank you for the incredibly quick answer, I am amazed.

[jane-e]

Thank you for the incredibly quick answer, I am amazed.

By @Jana Plavec

You're welcome @Jana Plavec 😊 and I'm glad it's working for you now!

Jane

[Myra Ferguson]

1. Select the layer in the Layers panel that has the content and the layer mask.
2. Right-click and select Convert to Smart Object or go the Layer menu above the canvas and select Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.
3. Apply Liquify or Warp to the Smart Object.

[Jana Plavec]

Thanks, Myra!

[Myra Ferguson]

You're very welcome! 🙂