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

[goodrobot]

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!

[D Fosse]

Unlink the layer mask from the pixel image. Just click the link icon between them.

You still have to make sure the mask is targeted, not the image.

[goodrobot]

Maybe I'm confused, but I don't think this is relevant.

[Jumpenjax]

I agree with Fosse.

[Semaphoric]

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.

[goodrobot]

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.

[D Fosse]

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.

[goodrobot]

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.

[goodrobot]

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