Gradient as a mask

[PhilM]

I often use gradients as a layer or adjustment layer mask.
When I draw the gradient, it is inserted as a new layer in the stack.
If I try to drag the gradient onto a layer I want to mask, it is not possible to drop it on the layer ; only in between the existing layers.

There is a work-around.
If I create an empty mask for the layer I want, then I can drag my gradient to become a mask.
The empty mask can then be deleted.

The same happens with the "Mesh gradient".
And I suspect with any vector layer.

Why not allowing vectors as mask by drag and drop ?

Hope my explanation is understandable ...

Best regards

Phil

[Martin Huber]

I often use gradients as a layer or adjustment layer mask.
When I draw the gradient, it is inserted as a new layer in the stack.
If I try to drag the gradient onto a layer I want to mask, it is not possible to drop it on the layer ; only in between the existing layers.

You are talking about dragging layers in the Layer List panel?

There is a work-around.
If I create an empty mask for the layer I want, then I can drag my gradient to become a mask.
The empty mask can then be deleted.

This way you can drag a layer onto another one, but you will have to make it a clipping layer/layer mask afterwards.

Instead, if you make it a clipping layer before dragging it, you can drag it directly onto the layer you want to mask. The clipping layer then automatically becomes a layer mask.

Martin

[PhilM]

Here is an example with a black gradient on the grey mixer adjustment layer.

2021-08-18 12_03_50-PhotoLine 22.52 (64) - [_7090039.JPG_ (Vector, 3456x4608, 6%) ].jpg

2021-08-18 12_09_56-.jpg

I did not need to change the gradient to clipping layer
At this point, I can also delete the empty mask.


Phil

[PhilM]

I often use gradients as a layer or adjustment layer mask.
When I draw the gradient, it is inserted as a new layer in the stack.
If I try to drag the gradient onto a layer I want to mask, it is not possible to drop it on the layer ; only in between the existing layers.

You are talking about dragging layers in the Layer List panel?

Yes

[shijan]

[Martin Huber]

Here is an example with a black gradient on the grey mixer adjustment layer.

Oh, I see.

I will change that, so that adjustment layers will accept dragging.

Martin

[PhilM]

Excellent !

Thanks