Have to fill to delete in layer mask

I make a layer mask and then make a marque selection and press delete. Nothing happens. I then fill the selected area and it deletes it. How do I reverse this?
I'm sure there is something simple that I missing.
Ian
Version PS CS3

Works. Knew it would be something simple!!
Thanks and Happy Christmas!

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Delete layer mask and not image?

I create a layer mask on a layer and then I duplicate the layer and I want to delete the layer mask on the duplicate layer, though keep the image part. I select the layer mask and hit delete, though it deletes everything on the layer. How can I keep the image portion of the layer?
Thanks.

There are several ways including dragging the layer mask to the trash icon
at the bottom of the layers panel (pick delete in the dialog that pops up)
or right clicking on the layer mask and choosing Delete Layer Mask.
MTSTUNER

Why use layer masks and adjustment layers?

I've been using PSE and CS successfully for years.
One thing I have never understood is: why use layer masks and adjustment layers, instead of simply creating a copy of the subject layer (the one I want to make changes to) and experimenting with that? It's quick (Ctrl-J), I can do it as many times as I want, I'm not affecting my Background layer. If I like the changes, I can keep them. I can switch the copy on and off to compare with the Background layer. I can do any type of blend or combination I desire. I can insert Gradient layer(s), select any part of the copy and (Ctrl-J) create a new layer containing only the selected part. I can adjust size, rotate, do anything.
It almost seems that "layer mask" and "adjustment layer" are mainly another layer of terminology; can anyone explain (preferably in 50 words or less) how they are intrinsically different from or superior to working with copies of the Background layer? What can be done with them that can't be done simply using copies of the Background layer?

Here's a very basic example of the advantage of using a layer mask.
I have this picture of a sunflower and I want to convert the background to black & white, leaving just the flower in color. I duplicated the Background layer, converted it to B&W and proceeded to use the Eraser to uncover the flower color. But I made a mistake and erased outside the flower. There is no way to correct this other than deleting the layer and starting again.
Now let's use a layer mask on the B&W layer. Set the Foreground/Background colors to the defaults black/white. Using the Brush tool paint on the mask with black to reveal the color. Here I painted too far, revealing a green leaf in the background. No need to start over. Simply switch to white and paint the excess to convert back to the B&W.
Tip: while painting you can type "X" to toggle between black and white.
You could also select the flower using the various selection tools and then fill the selection with black. If it turns out the selection was not 100% accurate you can then fine-tune the result by painting on the mask with black or white as necessary.

Can't select layer mask, also some tools not working -- in CS2

Photoshop 9.0.2 on WinXP Pro (3 GB RAM; Used space: 18.4GB; Free space: 214GB; Video card: 256MB ATI Radeon X1300PRO)
Hi, I have a couple image layers (each created by merging several others) that each also have a mask attached. I cannot get the layer mask selected on either one. I have found that I can delete the layer mask, and start with a new one and make edits, but it is a one-time shot: once I de-select it I cannot get back to it to make any further changes. (I have only a standard mouse, not a Wacom tablet/pen mouse, nor does anyone nearby, or perhaps even in the building. See: http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bbfe832 )
Also, when I have the layer selected and try to draw on it (in black) with the Brush tool, it paints red. Then I was able to Erase the red brush strokes just a minute ago without disturbing the integrity of the image. However, I just tried it again and more red was painted onto the image layer (in the currently assigned size of the Eraser).
Incidentally, yesterday and this morning I couldn't get the Eraser tool to do *anything* at all.
Everything I *can* do does show up in the History palette.
I also just happened to notice that when I select any layer in the doc that the small frame appears around the thumbnail to indicate it is selected, but that the entire row itself does not become highlighted as it normally does. And when I check the eye to make the layer disappear, the red brush strokes (both from the Brush and Eraser) still show.
I generally work on a network, but after I started having these problems I moved the file to my desktop and have worked from there since early yesterday with apparently increasingly odd issues. I have a co-worker who experienced the same inability to select the layer mask a couple days ago, but his system has since returned to "normal" (and while continuing to work across the network). Thanks!

>, but obviously need to brush up on the details.
you really should. imo, the quick mask is one of the best and most flexible selection tools available in photoshop! you should either check out the help on it (F1) and/or google for some tutorials.
I set mine (double click the quick mask icon in the tool bar) so that painting black paints a "selection" rather than a "mask" (painting white clears the selection). in that way, the quick mask tool in effect becomes a quick selection tool that can take advantage of all your various brushes and brush effects (opacity, flow etc.) when making or adjusting selections.

Please help with Layer Mask

I have been painting in Photoshop using layer masks. Using the pen tool I would outline my image, control>R-click>select create layer mask, then I would paint as desired. When doing so it would create a grey layer mask background in the layers window and everything would work100%. But now all of a sudden when I do this process the layer mask square turns white and it seems as the mask I have created is inverted. I paint everything but the mask I want. I have no clue how to turn it back to the original grey colour I was using. Please help.

Using the pen tool I would outline my image, control>R-click>select create layer mask,
So are you using a Vector Mask or a Layer Mask?
Could you post a screenshot?
What are the Paths’ Area settings?

Layer mask suddenly not working, how to fix this?

Please help!
I have been using the layer mask before and it has worked fine until now. Suddenly it only paints black and white colors, not revealing or hiding as it should. I have the mask layer selected properly. I have reset the brush tool and all the tools. I have the brush mode set to normal.
I tried also the eraser, it paints black too.
I'm using Photoshop CC.

Riina K wrote:
I have been using the layer mask before and it has worked fine until now. Suddenly it only paints black and white colors, not revealing or hiding as it should. I have the mask layer selected properly. I have reset the brush tool and all the tools. I have the brush mode set to normal.
If you hold the Alt|option key when you click on the Layer Mask icon in the layers palette to target the layer mask Photoshop will display the layer mask in the images window not the composite image. Layer Mask are gray scale channels. All you can see is the mask Black, White and Gray. Could you have Displayed the layer mask by accident. Are you sure you have the layer mask targeted to show the composite image or could you have targeted its to show the Layer Mask instead of the composite image.

Non-destructive layer mask editing?

I just finished sweetening a mult-layered texture I was creating and suddenly had a thought - I create my texture in overlaid layers so that I can endlessly tweak, and my process is non destructive, but when I create layer masks for each layer, those have to be edited destructively... so I dupe layers in case I decide I want to go back. This makes for lots of extra backup layers.
So - is there some clever way of non-destructively editing a layer mask? It sounds kinda crazy, but would be super cool if there was a feature to have nested layers just for my layer mask.

Well, you could save as alphas, but then you are still doing destructive edits and archiving them. Only now, they are removed from the layers palette, and it would be easier to forget what goes where. If I leave the copies in the layers palette and turn them off, at least I can group in folders or something - I have a clearer picture of what goes with what.

How resize layer with a big image on size of layer mask ?

Hi all
How to resize the image on the layer mask?
* document - doc.width, doc.height
* mask - activeLayer.bounds
* and how to take the coordinates in the image with the mask if the image is larger than the size of the document?

//For deleting the Layer Mask I recommend recording Action Manager code with ScriptingListener.plugin
I'm write script on delete LM in ScriptListener, but it not worked !
var idsetd = charIDToTypeID( "setd" );
var desc162 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
var ref125 = new ActionReference();
var idLyr = charIDToTypeID( "Lyr " );
var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
ref125.putEnumerated( idLyr, idOrdn, idTrgt );
desc162.putReference( idnull, ref125 );
var idT = charIDToTypeID( "T " );
var desc163 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idUsrs = charIDToTypeID( "Usrs" );
desc163.putBoolean( idUsrs, false );
var idLyr = charIDToTypeID( "Lyr " );
desc162.putObject( idT, idLyr, desc163 );
executeAction( idsetd, desc162, DialogModes.NO );
Resizing it should be possible in DOM by selecting it (as the sole content of an Array for activeDocument.activeChannels).
Please, help me to defined 4 variables (left, top, right and bottom)!
row 33, 36 - indent Hor and Vert
row 41, 44 ??? This is %% !!!
// =======================================================
var idslct = charIDToTypeID( "slct" );
var desc164 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
var ref126 = new ActionReference();
var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
ref126.putEnumerated( idChnl, idOrdn, idTrgt );
desc164.putReference( idnull, ref126 );
var idMkVs = charIDToTypeID( "MkVs" );
desc164.putBoolean( idMkVs, false );
executeAction( idslct, desc164, DialogModes.NO );
// =======================================================
var idTrnf = charIDToTypeID( "Trnf" );
var desc165 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
var ref127 = new ActionReference();
var idLyr = charIDToTypeID( "Lyr " );
var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
ref127.putEnumerated( idLyr, idOrdn, idTrgt );
desc165.putReference( idnull, ref127 );
var idFTcs = charIDToTypeID( "FTcs" );
var idQCSt = charIDToTypeID( "QCSt" );
var idQcsa = charIDToTypeID( "Qcsa" );
desc165.putEnumerated( idFTcs, idQCSt, idQcsa );
var idOfst = charIDToTypeID( "Ofst" );
var desc166 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idHrzn = charIDToTypeID( "Hrzn" );
var idPxl = charIDToTypeID( "#Pxl" );
desc166.putUnitDouble( idHrzn, idPxl, 13.500000 );
var idVrtc = charIDToTypeID( "Vrtc" );
var idPxl = charIDToTypeID( "#Pxl" );
desc166.putUnitDouble( idVrtc, idPxl, -6.500000 );
var idOfst = charIDToTypeID( "Ofst" );
desc165.putObject( idOfst, idOfst, desc166 );
var idWdth = charIDToTypeID( "Wdth" );
var idPrc = charIDToTypeID( "#Prc" );
desc165.putUnitDouble( idWdth, idPrc, 125.064267 );
var idHght = charIDToTypeID( "Hght" ); What is this ?&&&&
var idPrc = charIDToTypeID( "#Prc" );
desc165.putUnitDouble( idHght, idPrc, 135.227273 );
var idIntr = charIDToTypeID( "Intr" );
var idIntp = charIDToTypeID( "Intp" );
var idBcbc = charIDToTypeID( "Bcbc" );
desc165.putEnumerated( idIntr, idIntp, idBcbc );
executeAction( idTrnf, desc165, DialogModes.NO );

I am having an issue in PS CS6 (on a Mac) where in the middle of working on a file, it gets corrupted by filling in a grid of squares in my layer masks as well as deleting out those same sections of misc layers throughout the file. I have reset the prefer

I am having an issue in PS CS6 (on a Mac) where in the middle of working on a file, it gets corrupted by filling in a grid of squares in my layer masks as well as deleting out those same sections of misc layers throughout the file. I have reset the preferences, cleaned up the file. Renamed it to another file and 2 weeks later it is doing the same thing. Luckily I had my main subjects as smart objects and it saved them. This second time I just closed it out and opened it again and it is fine. Anybody else have an issue with this? Also it runs really slow these days on my MacBook Pro Retina 2.6 Core i7 with 16gb Ram.

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Can't delete Layer Mask content in PS CS4.

I am completely baffled with this and am thinking that it's something obvious I am just missing.
I have a photo open and click on the "Create new fill or adjustments layer" button at the bottom of the Layers panel.
In CS3 I able to create a layer (say Levels) and apply it, then select the eraser tool and delete sections of that adjustment layer that I did not want revealing an unaltered section of the original photo behind it.
I can not seem to do this in CS4. I can add the layer and select the eraser tool but it will not delete anything.
:s Help??
Thanks.

>You have to make sure and explicitly target the Layer mask in order to affect it. good point. make sure the mask is selected first. :) >CS3 has buggy targeting behavior really? i don't think i've ever noticed it. <shrug>

Why is my Layer Mask filling with Grey

I'm working in a multi layered CS5.1 Photoshop project (I did not create it). One of the adjustment layers in the project needs a layer masks, and when I create one it is not working properly. I make my selection that I want to mask off and create the layer mask it creates it with White and a 50% gray insted of black. Likewise when I alt click to create a layer mask it fills it in with black and 50% gray. The layer did have a 87% opacity to it so I thought this was causing the gray to happen, but when I turned the Opacity to 100% the mask was still being created with gray.
I use the fill tool to fill the gray with Black or White (Fill settings are opacity 100 and fill 100) it fills the mask more like my fill opacity is set to 50%. Likewise it does this for the pant brush as well. I have messed with every layer setting I can find including the layer mask panel and the adjustment layer panel, and nothing seem to work. Please help.
P.S. I'm doing this for work and so I cant take any screen shots to show what is going on.

Gsmith98 wrote:
JJMack: I control click the layer mask to select everything in it. The original layer does have some fethering to the file but i cant see why it would fill everythign the same shade of gray, and then not let me paint over it with black. This normally works for me and this issue is quite new.
Ctl+Clicking on the layer's layer mask icon in the layers palette should work and load the layer mask as a selection. Have you tried resetting your Photoshop preferences. Also ALT+Clicking on the layer's layer mask icon in the layers palette should display the grayscale of the selection in the image window.

Layer mask option delete not working

hi, new to forum. Looked up everything before posting now lost!
usually I can create an adjustment layer make changes, then option+delete and erase where I want the changes to take effect. but now I can not, option delete doesn't work and brings back the following error:
"Invalid numeric entry. An integer between -180 and 180 is required. Previous value inserted." I've tried resetting everything, uninstalling, etc. nothing seems to work. anyone know how to fix this?
thanks
belinda

I used to be able to add a layer mask by option delete
I think you are mistaken, option-delete fills with the foreground color, it does not add Layer Masks.
Is "Add Mask by Default" checked in the Adjustments Panel’s fly-out menu?

Recently I have to right click the layer mask to enable it.

I never had to to that before. If I don't right click the layer mask and choose enable mask, The history brush tool is disabled. Did I do something wrong?

You'll have to do a process of elimination to isolate the cause.
1: Use a two buttom mouse and/or other ones
2: Check your settings in System Preferences, it's possible you switch the buttons for left handed people.
3: Check the double click speed
4: Check your third party mouse software for updates

Hello. Layer masks aren't working with Photoshop CC... The brushes gave out, and now the gradients too. Anyone else have this problem?

Hello. Layer masks aren't working with Photoshop CC... The brushes gave out, and now the gradients too. Anyone else have this problem?
Will someone from Adobe please answer if this is a bug.. as I've seen other users post the same issue.
thanks!

I'm experiencing the same issue too. I can't see to use the brush in my clipping mask the same way. It works for a moment, then several minutes in to production it ends up crashing.
I hope this issue is resolved soon. It's definitely frustrating and delaying my production time.

Layer mask occasionally does not have link when created

when addidng a layer mask sometimes it does not have link when created which can get annoying when you dont realize it and you start moving groups.
its happened a few times already.

hi, most of my psds have tons of layers and i create the masks in a variety of ways, such as clciking on the mask icon or alt clicking when i have a selection going, i didnt notice anything until i started moving groups and things started getting messed up. today im going to pay attention every time i make a mask to see if there was a specific task tthat is causing it.

Have to fill to delete in layer mask

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