Scaling after layer mask without losing quality?

Question

Once I create the a layer mask the smart object is locked in at that size. For Example, if the image is 50% of its size and I create a layer mask, the image is now the same size but 100%. The file shrinks down, its 100% maximum is now smaller. Before creating a layer mask I could scale it up and down without the size being changed. After creating the layer mask I can not scale the image without the quality being diminished. What am I supposed to do to keep the smart object from shrinking, when I scale down to work on the image? I haven't even begun to edit my project and I can't even scale it to edit, without losing quality . Please, someone help me.

JJMack · Answer

I do not believe you know what Layer mask are about or how Photoshop layer work.  A layer mask is like and additional channel for a layer.  They do not change a the layers Pixel content at all.   Smart Object layer or any other kind of layer.  A layer Mask is a map for the layer Pixels content pixels opacity  A layers pixels will be fully opaque, partially opaque or invisible opacity 0.  If anything a layer mask increased the data Photoshop has for a layer.  If you save a layered file a mask added increase the data Photoshop has to save. Masking also effect the  composite image the composite may compress  smaller or larger then before.   Layer Mask do not scale anything they do not resize layers or documents.

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