Sharing a vector mask that shapes effects

I want to have multiple effects on a shape defined by a vector mask: two strokes--with different blend modes--and a bevel. Because I need different blend modes, I cannot use the trick of using a two-color gradient for the stroke. Because of the order in which effects are applied, I cannot use inner glow, stroke, and bevel. (I can't get the inner glow to apply correctly.)
I can get the result I want by duplicating my shape layer and applying different effects to each layer, using 0% fill. However, changes to the shape of the vector mask on one layer must then be propagated to the other layers. (Tip: this isn't as bad as it sounds if you alt-drag the vector mask from one to another, replacing the destination with the updated shape.)
I could almost get the result I want by putting the vector mask on a group for multiple layers, except that the opacity of the group doesn't shape the layers within it.
Is there any way you can think of to use a single vector mask that shapes the effects for multiple layers?

Kind of hard to recreate the unseen, but maybe this example will help.
Right clicking on the elayer effect will give you the option to create layers. This will put the effects onto their own layer. Duplicating the stroke layer and changing the blending mode should then be possible like the attached image.

Similar Messages

How to make a vector into a shaper of transparency on a layer rather than shape of layer?

I'm working on a drawing that somehow I've created a layer on -- all blue, that has what looks like a vector mask
over it, but the vector mask, instead of shaping the layer, creates a transparancy in the layer.
And I don't know how to reproduce this effect!
Every time I create a vector mask, it shapes the layer.
If I take that vector looking mask on that layer, and try to copy it to another layer -- it shapes the layer!
If I copy it back to the original layer -- it shapes the original layer...
So there's something about the vector mask that says the shape of the layer is everything on the 'outside' of the vector.
How in the heck!? The 'invert' button is not available when you go into 'masks' and look at the vector masks.
So how might I recreate this type of transparency mask? It's driving me crazy, cuz there it is -- just like I want it, but I can't
reproduce it! I've tried dup'ing the blend settings on the layer-- but they don't seem to have an effect.
Ideas?

Thanks!
I looked through the reference docs and couldn't find anything on how to do this. Is it in the reference docs anywhere, do you know? Or is just another one of those things that people learn, but Adobe doesn't document.
I can see if someone has 'grown up w/photoshop' and realizes what tools are "orthogonal" to other tools of those, which can have their settings altered to do something meaninful with the primary tool, it could be a powerful tool (and is touted as being so), but if you don't know the interconnects, it doesn't seem like they are well documented in the reference manual.
I wonder if Adobe might consider having someone like Grinder and Bandler** write a manual to bring people 'into' the photoshop world -- to
give people an awareness of which tools were orthogonal and retrain someone's mind to think in terms of building up an effect by combining different aspects of orthogonal tools. I wonder if it would even be possible to write such a book...(just some late sunday musings).
**-authors of Neurolinguistic programing books that try to impart or give others new ways of thinking about things (vs. imparting 'how to or factual knowledge)...

Vector Mask is Grayed Out?

I have been reading about Vector Mask here: http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/masking-layers-vector-masks.htm lhttp://
but i am still having trouble getting things to work ... i get it that i am still having trouble w/the concept but at least i'm not giving up ... right?
so, i have a BG layer > New Layer on which i have drawn a Circle and applied some Layer Styles
next, i would like to apply a Vector Mask and then Duplicate the layer and select the Vector Mask Thumb Nail in the Duplicated layer so that i can use the Pen tool set to Intersect Shape Area so that i can draw a shape w/the Pen that'll create a "Glossy Effect"
this is what i'm trying to follow to learn more about Vector Mask: http://http://www.mintyferret.com/photoshop/photoshop-rss-icon-tutoria l/1/
here's the section where i am stuck due to a lack of complete instructions and my knowledge/understanding
see how the lesson shows a Vector Mask on the Shape 1 layer and the Duplicate/Copy layer? well, no matter what i try i cannot get a Vector Mask applied in the same way.
when i go to Layer > Vector Mask it is grayed out. ??
since i've posted this i have read a few more articles on how to use/make a Vector Mask but nothing i've read has worked out. please help meeeeee i'm so frustrated
i read on an other site w/info about Vector Mask that if it is grayed out that i just need to Duplicate the layer but when i do this it is still unavailable.
i've tried using a Layer Mask too to no avail
what am i missing? how do i make the Vector Mask available?
Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. thank you!!
http://www.apkoyunlar.com

What version of photoshop are you using?

Remove vector mask from fill layer Photoshop CC

I'm using Photoshop CC and I can't remove, disable or rasterize a vector mask that is applied to a fill or gradient layer.
Am I missing something?

One way to delete the vector mask is to hold down the Alt+Ctrl (Option+Cmd) keys and
drag down from the fill/gradient/pattern layer icon in the layers panel to the trash can at the bottom of the layers panel.
You can disable the "vector mask" by shift clicking on the Shape Path icon in the Properties panel.
One way to replicate rasterizing a vector mask is to Ctrl (Cmd) click on the shape layer icon in the layers panel, add a
layer mask and then delete the vector mask as described above.

How can I feather the vector mask (path) of a shape layer in CS6?

How can I feather the vector mask, i.e. path of a shape layer in CS6?
The corresponding slider in the properties pallette is alway grayed out and unmovable for me when dealing with shape layers. Is there a trick to it, or ist it really not possible at all? (In CS5 you can feather any vector mask via the mask pallette, although the mask's behavior is most of the times quiet buggy after doing so.)
Or is there any other way to non-destructably blur a shape in CS6? (I know I can create a smart object and use a blur filter on it, but that's not really what i'm after.)
Thanks in advance for any help on this.
Reiz

Start from the beginning
- Select the Rectangle Tool - go to Options Bar, ensure 'Shape' options is on from the the Pick a Tool Mode drop down list.
- Draw Rect. This should create a vector Shape Layer.
- Select it in the Layers Panel: The Properties Panel then should highlight the Density and Feather options.
What happens here when you drag the Feather slider? On my end it feathers the vector shape as a whole.
If you need further masking capabilities, then apply a Layer Mask to the Shape and proceed with the Properties Panel Density/Feather options.
h

How do I turn a shape layer into a mask in After Effects?

How do I turn a shape layer into a mask in After Effects?

I should also mention that if you create the shape with any of the shape tools (rectangle, Polly star, eclipse) instead of the pen tool you will have to convert the shape to a bezier path before you can copy the path and paste it to a mask. Easy to do if you have the recent version of AE, not so easy if you're using an older version.
when you have trouble figuring things out simply type something like track matte in the Search After Effects help field at the top right corner of the AE application frame. You will get these resources: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/search/index.cfm?cat=support&term=Track%20matte&loc=en_US&sel f=1&lr=en_US&site=aftereffects…

Unlink shapes from vector mask in PS CS 6

Hi guys,
Do you know how I can unlink the shape from vector mask like in Photoshop cs 4?
cs6:
cs4:
This is especially interessting for if I want to move pattern overlay or something else. I hope you can help me.
thx
http://xd-artist.de

It is relatively easy to create Collage PSD Template for Photoshop. There are several ways to design them. One way is to create image place holder layer with layer mask that you insert images into when you populate a copy of a template. Photoshop support thousands of layers.
The way I do it is to user Alpha channels to map where images go. Photoshop only supports 53 Alpha channels so my collage templates are limited to 53 images. I populate my template using Photoshop scripts. The Alpha channels are use to resize placed image files to fit the alpha channel sizes. Also to position the resized image and to virtually crop the resize images by adding the alpha channels to the image smart object layers. I have scripts that batch populate templates, Populate one and remain open in Photoshop for further tweaking. And a interactive script the allows you to select image as the template is being populated and tweak their placement and sizing. The script also have options for adding text layer with filename over the images in one of 9 locations. Layer styles can also be optionally added to image and text layers. Animated Templates are even possible.
Photo Collage Toolkit: http://www.mouseprints.net/old/dpr/PhotoCollageToolkit.html
One I populated today click on image for a Video Demo:

Hello. I appreciate your help. I am in FCP7 and trying to do Boris Vector Shape effect. When I try to pull the vector shape square from the view window to the Superimpose, I get the message: insufficient content for edit. Why?

Hello. I appreciate your help. I am in FCP7 and trying to do Boris Vector Shape effect. When I try to pull the vector shape square from the view window to the Superimpose, I get the message: insufficient content for edit. Why? I did this effect before and everything worked well. Thank you for your help.

Make sure that you have no active I/O markers on the Timeline (use Option X keys to clear them).

Question on Vector Mask Functionality

Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to Photoshop CS 5 so I apologize if I am asking the wrong type of questions, here goes:
When working with Vector Masks can you:
1) "Link" or "share" one image's vector mask with other images? (ex. If I made "Building A" then duplicated it, but then wanted to change what Building A looked like, I would only have to change the source mask and the copies would be updated.
2) Move the image independent of the vector mask (it seems like I can only move the vector mask, not the image itself). Or in other words: can I move the image and have the mask follow it, instead of only being able to move the vector mask inside of the image boundaries?
My application of the question:
I'm making a 2D top down layout of a "city block" type area. To fill in the buildings, I've made Building A,B,C etc, and use multiple copies of each building. Ideally, I would like to be able to "link" or share say Building A's vector mask with all the other instances of Building A (so that when I change the master, they all change to the new mask shape). The second behavior I'm trying to find is the ability to move the layer without moving where the Vector Mask is on that layer (since it seems that you can only move where the mask is, meaning that even if I could share masks, they would all end up in the same place meaning I would have to re-position each one by hand again.
Any ideas are appreciated, thank you for reading.

When working with Vector Masks can you:
1) "Link" or "share" one image's vector mask with other images? (ex. If I made "Building A" then duplicated it, but then wanted to change what Building A looked like, I would only have to change the source mask and the copies would be updated.
Yes, this is possible, but not with the classic layer vector mask system in Photoshop. Layer masks are part of a layer, and not individual layers themselves, so they cannot be converted into a reusable object.
The solution is to avoid vector layer masks, and use a clipping mask/layer instead. A clipping mask/layer CAN be converted to a reusable smart object, and when you change one, all the other instances change as well.
The second part of the solution is to convert both the content layer(s) and the clipping mask/layer to a smart object. Then group the lot. Incidentally, if your buildings are made up of several elements you merely have to include those additional elements in the clipping group. Another advantage is that each elements can still have its own regular layer mask. Win win situation. And layer effects can be applied to clipping layers/masks, which is again impossible for layer masks. It also opens up the gates to a far less destructive workflow.
2) Move the image independent of the vector mask (it seems like I can only move the vector mask, not the image itself). Or in other words: can I move the image and have the mask follow it, instead of only being able to move the vector mask inside of the image boundaries?
This is also solved when using clipping masks/layers - both the content and the mask can be moved independently as regular layers. Another advantage is that both can also be transformed individually.
My application of the question:
I'm making a 2D top down layout of a "city block" type area. To fill in the buildings, I've made Building A,B,C etc, and use multiple copies of each building. Ideally, I would like to be able to "link" or share say Building A's vector mask with all the other instances of Building A (so that when I change the master, they all change to the new mask shape). The second behavior I'm trying to find is the ability to move the layer without moving where the Vector Mask is on that layer (since it seems that you can only move where the mask is, meaning that even if I could share masks, they would all end up in the same place meaning I would have to re-position each one by hand again.
Any ideas are appreciated, thank you for reading.
So here is my solution. I made a sample with two top view buildings that should be reused the way you want:
1) FIrst create groups for each building, and put the content in those. Then trace vector layer shapes over the content. Set the transparency for the mask layers to a sensible opacity setting for easier masking.
2) Put the vector shape below the content layer for each building. Then for (1) and (2), <ALT> click on the border between the content and the shape layer. (<OPTION> for Mac) This will mask the building content. (3) Do not forget to reset the layer opacity for the shape layers back to 100%!
3) Next, let's convert these building into recyclable objects. Convert each content and clipping mask layer to a smart object. Then rename those smart object layers to something sensible (honestly, I forgot to label the layers properly earlier, but you catch my meaning here ;-)
Done! To clone each building, duplicate the layer groups. For each instance you can move the content (handy if you are sharing multiple building graphics in the same bitmap or illustrator file), or you can decide to move the mask instead. Or both. Same holds true for transforming. Your choice. To move or transform a building, select the layer group.
To change or amend the masks or content, double-click on the smart object of your choice, and make some changes.
Also, don't forget that you can insert additional elements in a clipping group by placing it above the first clipped layer, and then <ALT> clicking again on the border between them. So in theory you could start constructing different looking buildings by adding in other smart objects in the clipping groups. The sky is the limit! This way you can create several building blocks to construct various buildings with different looks. And still limit the number of blocks - and all update-able.
Unfortunately, this is where the workflow breaks down a tad: due to the smart object's implementation in Photoshop you CANNOT edit the mask or building's content in context - instead it opens up in its own file window. This can be somewhat mitigated by placing both windows side by side (window->Arrange-->Two-up Vertical).
This brings us to the second caveat: when you do make a change, the edits are not updated in realtime in the master document. You must first save. Again a bit of a workflow breaker, but still... At least you now have a non-destructive instanced workflow.
The smart object content can be replaced easily with a right-mouse click on the smart object layer itself. Or use a externally referenced smart object instead if you prefer to generate your buildings in an external application.
Btw, Photoline's layer system is far more logical and easier to use for this type of work. Layer masks behave like regular layers. Layers, groups, masks, external file layers, and so on can be virtually cloned and instanced like smart objects, but the master object is editable in context, and all the other instances update in realtime. So it is more convenient. At least, that is my experience.
Hope this was helpful! Now go build your cities. :-)
PS: I was thinking: isn't Illustrator or InDesign is far more logical choice for this type of work where you need access to reusable blocks of content? It would also be a more efficient and speedier workflow - Photoshop isn't really meant for this type of work. And Illustrator and InDesign potentially provide better output quality. You can also divide your work in pages, and so on. Then again, you would probably lose the flexibility of smart objects.

What is the purpose of the chain (lock symbol) between a solid color layer and its vector mask?

What is the purpose of the chain (lock symbol) between a solid color layer and its vector mask in the layer panel when creating shape layers with a shape tool? I'm just curious when locking or unlocking the solid color layer and its vector mask can make a difference.

I don't understand what you said and your shape layer looks different then mine using CS5.
When the chain is deselected, I can't do anything with the move tool on the shape layer. This is the only difference I can find. Making the solid color uniform or not doesn't change anything.
Your example shows that you moved the position of the solid color, how did you do that? I can create a solid color layer and change its uniform look by applying an effect like gradient but I can't move the solid color itself around. How is this possible?

Vector Mask - Arrgh! (Bug or Feature?)

I'm frustrated by some behaviors of Vector Masks. I'm asking the forum about this because I'm curious how many others have experienced these issues
• When I'm working on a layer that has a VM, (i.e. when that layer is active), it is IMPOSSIBLE to load any other path as a selection.
For example: I've made a layer that has both a Layer Mask and a VM. I need to load some other paths as selections in order to further modify the Layer Mask. With the LM active, I Cmnd Click on another path in the Path Palette, but it is the VM of that layer that gets loaded as a selection. The VM seems to override all other paths. The only work around is to click to another layer, load a path as a selection, and then click back to the LM of the layer with the VM.
• If I click on a layer with a Vector Mask the Vector Mask then becomes active (lines around it). This occurs even when clicking the layer, NOT the Layer Mask or the Vector Mask (VM). Even with the VM inactive, mousing over it in the layer palette makes the VM path appear, briefly. Having the path pop into visibility is distracting when I'm trying to look at something else.
Everyone in our studio experiences this behavior.
What makes VM paths so dominant? Is there a pref somewhere that controls this? Is this an Open GL glitch? Is this a feature that I am using incorrectly? Or is this a documented bug?
(Because someone will ask, "Why have both layer mask and vector mask on one layer?"
I have both LM and VM because it gives me flexibility in editing, for instance I can have the LM hard edged, and the VM feather 10 pxl so it is easy to create a mask effect that has different qualities of edge blur within it).
Thanks in advance for anyone's input.
Craig
Photoshop CS4 Extended (vers. 11)
OS X 10.5.5
2x2.66 Dual Cor Intel Xeon
8GB memory

Ginger,
Using paths is an extremely powerful function in Photoshop and Illustrator. If you intend to do high-end work in either program learning the path tool is fundamental. It gives you the ability to create very smooth and graceful shapes. Often I find that I can create a path on an area of a photo that is much cleaner than the shape captured in the photograph of a product. Manufacturing runs, especially preliminary runs, have defects in the mold/process that when photographed at high resolution appear objectionable. Using the Pen Tool I will draw a better shape, the shape intended by the product designer, and use that mask to clean up manufacturing errors. Since these images are used in high-end display images, the cleaned-up image is acceptable to the client whent the straight photo would not be.
The Lasso tool is defintitely a "go to" option, but there is no substitute for the Pen Tool in making perfect selections. They can be converted into layer masks. They can have feathering applied. I often have layers with BOTH Layer Masks and Vector Masks because of the variable feathering that gives me. I can only suggest that the Pen Tool is a must-have in any Photoshop artist's tool-kit.
Craig

How do i remove transparent corners left by a vector mask?

Hi i'm new to photoshop but i've managed to create a logo that i'm quite pleased with. Mainly by fluke i think. I have created a vector mask for the background that has a gradient fill in it. The vector mask is a rectangle with curved corners. When i did image>trim most of the transparent stuff was trimmed leaving only the corners around the curved corners of the vector mask. ie i have a curved corner rectangle that has extra, square corners of transparent stuff. Hope that makes sense!
I have been advised to export the logo as a tif file but when i do the transparent corners show up white, ruining the effect of the curved edged border. Hope someone can help.
Zac

My Crafting Action Package has a sample action that can add Watermarks to any size image with layers containing transparent areas the actions uses three types of layers. A vector shape later, a text layer and a custom logo layer is place on to the image. The custom Logo layer is a file that contains transparency could be a gif file, Png file or PSD file. I used a PSD file . If you use a PSD file the Custom color logo layer itself can be edited by opening the smart object layer in Photoshop to make changes to it.
http://www.mouseprints.net/old/dpr/JJMacksCraftingActions.zip
Contains:
Action Actions Palette Tips.txt
Action Creation Guidelines.txt
Action Dealing with Image Size.txt
Action Enhanced via Scripted Photoshop Functions.txt
CraftedActions.atn (Sample Action set includes an example Watermarking action)
Sample Actions.txt (Photoshop CraftedActions set saved as a text file. This file has some additional comments I inserted describing how the actions work.)
12 Scripts for actions
Example of the Watermarks layers

How do I move a pattern layer independent of its vector mask?

I've created a pattern fill layer and assigned a vector mask to it. How do I move the pattern around without affecting the mask? I realize if I want to rotate the pattern I'd need to convert it to a smart object, but if I only need to adjust the pattern location there must be some way to do that without moving the vector mask along with it. A traditional layer shows the vector and raster mask layer with a lock icon, but fill pattern layers are different for some reason. Can someone "fill" me in?

rcraighead wrote:
Yes, I understand that. I am working with pattern layers, not layers filled with a bitmap pattern.
That is not what your showing above in red above your showing a shape layer in CS6 a pattern fill layer with a vector mask is a cs6 shape layer. Even the icon on the layer's content in the layers palette shows its a shape layer. You can edit the vector mask you can not unlink it. For its a cs6 shape layer. As you noted you can first convert pattern fill layer into a smart object layer. It then acts like a normal pixel layer with an associated transform to the canvas size. Your no longer dealing with a pattern fill layer. When you rotate it you will have the same problem with the layers corners areas. CS6 changed shape layers design they have more options then prior versions of Photoshop and prior versions of Photoshop can not handle CS6 shape layers that used cs6 shape options like stroke, line type, and pattern fills.

How do you apply a vector mask to a folder in Photoshop CS6?

The ways you apply vector masks in CS6 is different than in CS5.
I knew how to apply a vector mask to a folder of layers in CS5.
I cannot figure out how to do it in CS6.
So my question is:
How do you apply a vector mask to a folder in Photoshop CS6?
And while we're at it, what are the best methods for applying vector masks to regular layers?
Thanks.

thomasbricker wrote:
Im back...
The thing is, Im not usiing the pen tool to create the vector shape. Im using the vector box tool to create a rectangle [...]
Yes and that's why I wrote the words "vector tool" and never mentioned a pen. (Although the instructions would be exactly the same for using the Pen Tool because the Pen Tool is a vector tool.)
which I then want to turn into a layer group mask.
And yes, this does not work the same way as it did in CS5.
I wish it did. : |
Adding a vector mask to a layer or group is exactly the same in CS5.1 and CS6 on my Mac. Maybe that's done differently in CS5 than in CS5.1, but it seems unlikely.
You have the layer or group targeted. Now draw a rectangular path after making sure the Rectangle Tool is in Path mode, and not Shape mode and not Pixel mode. Then Cmd/Ctrl-click the Add Mask button at bottom of Layers panel.

Quick tip help. How to add to vector layers using shape tool

This is something that's bugged me for a few versions and I'm sure someone has a tip for this.
When I use Shape Layer tool, I get a solid color with a vector mask. The tool always makes a new layer every time I use the tool. So to get around that, I draw my shapes (one per layer) and then use the Path Selection Tool and cut and paste between Shape Layer layers.
How can I draw another shape on a currently selected Vector Mask? (I want to build compound Pathfinder-like shapes)

Yes, press the shift key to add to the current shape layer (vector mask).
MTSTUNER

Sharing a vector mask that shapes effects

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