Move tool should select layer mask, not the layer itself.

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
February 27, 2024
8 replies
856 views

I illustrate in photoshop by painting within Solid Color layers, instead of standard layers. I therefore paint withing the layer mask, not the layer itself. This gives me the benefit of being able to change colors of layers very easily, and mimmics a vector workflow within Photoshop - at least as far as color and layer management is concerned. This is wonderful for very complex illustrsations. My feature request is that the move tool's (crtl or command) selection feature should also offer the option to select layer masks, not just layers or groups.

This simple addition would make the process of working with solid color layers way faster. It would make Photoshop behave much like Procreate. And the only thing I like about Procreate is that the color and layers act like solids. Thanks!

G

goodrobot9169155Author

Participating Frequently

I figured it out! While clicking with the move tool, Command (Crlt) + \ selects the layer and then switches to the layer's mask automatically.

G

goodrobot9169155Author

Participating Frequently

I think you may have misunderstood. It's about automatically jumping into the layer mask. Not selecting the layer first, and then having to click on the layer's mask before being able to paint inside of it. Being able to automatically go to the layer mask would drastically enhance a different kind of workflow for digital painters. Thanks anwyay.

D Fosse

Community Expert

OK, I get what you're asking, but this is a very special workflow and it would be guaranteed to backfire. Here's how it would look in these forums:

<Stupid Photoshop, why is it moving the mask and not the image? If I wanted to move the mask I'd move the mask>

Not trying to kill your idea, your workflow is perfectly valid and I can see your point - but realistically, there are already simple and easy ways to do it. Unlink the mask, target the mask, and you're all set to go. Keep "auto-select layer" on, and you hit the target layer immediately.

It wouldn't bring any new functionality, that's what I'm trying to say.

G

goodrobot9169155Author

Participating Frequently

To clarify, this is about selecting and working with layers. Those of us that paint in photoshop spend a lot of time wading through layers. The quickest way to find the right layer is to use the move tool, and then command or ctrl click. I'm requesting a feature where you automatically go to the layer's mask, not the layer itself. This would be very useful for working with solid layers. Thanks.

Semaphoric

Community Expert

One way this could work is, if a "Not directly editable"layer with a mask is active, selecting a painting tool would automatically switch to the mask.