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petrk27901450
petrk27901450
Inspiring
June 1, 2017
Answered

How to apply a layer style to a selection only?

  • June 1, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 3837 views

Is it possible to apply layer styles to a selection only, to use behind or above other layers? For example, let's say I would like to create an outer glow that matches the shape of a person, but I want to keep this outer glow as a separate layer. Or in other words I do not want to apply the inner glow to the person layer, so that I can manipulate each separately.

So far the only way I have found to do this is to duplicate the person layer, apply a mask to hide the person, and then apply the layer style. This seems a little counter intuitive. Is there a better way to apply layer styles to selections only or to empty layers?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Chuck Uebele

    If you want it editable, you need to duplicate the layer and set the FILL opacity to 0.

    1 reply

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 1, 2017

    You can convert the style to layers, which means that the effect isn't editable as the original.

      petrk27901450
      petrk27901450Author
      Inspiring
      June 4, 2017

      This is a great idea although it only solves part of my issue. Is there a way to do this but be able to still change the layer style parameters? It appears that the above method "rasterizes" the layer style so it can no longer be modified.

      Chuck Uebele
      Community Expert
      Chuck UebeleCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      June 4, 2017

      If you want it editable, you need to duplicate the layer and set the FILL opacity to 0.

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