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Participating Frequently
March 31, 2024
Open for Voting

Layer adjustments (Non-destructive) for MASKS only

  • March 31, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 365 views

It would be great if we could have non-destructive layer adjustment for each individual mask.

 

Currently I have to add a mask then adjust it destructively with image > adjustments

 

.....and then redo the mask if i want to change it later.

 

An adjustment layer option which ONLY affected the mask (or one which had an option to select which mask to afferct) would solve this issue, save time AND help to maintain non-destructive workflows 

4 replies

davescm
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 31, 2024

I would also support this. It is something that is implemented well in Adobe Substance Painter, with a layer stack within a layer/mask or both, so developers could take a look at the interface there.

 

Dave

Matt OrrAuthor
Participating Frequently
March 31, 2024

Simple non-destructive layer-adjustment sub-layers for just the mask part of a layer would suit me just fine.

 

Completely non-destructive editing re: "make the Select and Mask function reversible" could get more convoluted but a simple adjustment-layer targetting the mask or layer far less so.

 

"It could retain the original mask like a smart object"

 

......masks being able to be smart-objects would solve ALL our problems where the mask adjustment-layers could easily be nested within the smart-layer when opened. 

Matt OrrAuthor
Participating Frequently
March 31, 2024

Yeah just the masks.

 

I can't imagine it being too difficult (or convoluted interface wise) for a layer adjustment to target the layer OR the mask.

 

Perhaps a graphical/icon adjustment to the layer-mask/adjustment-layer icon (like with smart or linked layers) and/or a 'affected layer/mask' option in the individual adjustment layer panel.

 

Nested layer clippings/groupings could just feature the mask based adjustment-layers being tabbed further to the right.   

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 31, 2024

To be clear - you want non-destructive / re-editable masks? This isn't about the image itself?

 

In that case I fully agree and, as it happens, suggested this in another thread just recently.

 

I do suspect it's not as simple as it sounds. It would significantly increase file sizes. It would completely bomb the Layers panel and probably require an additional panel. And more importantly, it would require more memory/scratch resources, no doubt leading to complaints about Photoshop "bloat".

 

But yes, I agree. A modest beginning could be to make the Select and Mask function reversible. It could retain the original mask like a smart object.