Vector mask not crisp

1) Drew a solid green rectangle
2) Chose the shape tool again and set to Path option instead of shape layers
3) Draw out an oval or rectangular path
4) In layers panel, chose add vector mask
Even though Density is at 100% and Feather 0px in the Mask panel, I'm getting fuzzy / faded / or jagged/pixelated borders. Is there some setting I need to adjust to make this a sharp vector mask. I think it looked right before (with crisp borders) - not sure if I accidentally messed something up.
Thanks

Depending on what you're trying to mask, any pixels crossed by the border of the vector mask will certainly be partially masked in the interest of creating a smooth edge.
But upsample the image to a higher pixel count and the edge of the vector mask remains as crisp as it was.
Maybe I'm not understanding what you're expecting to see.
This is normal:
-Noel

Similar Messages

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.

Vector mask icon not appearing properly

http://tinypic.com/r/1zlyj6h/5
If you go there you'll see what I mean. I am following all of these tutorials and I come to this one portion where it says to create a vector mask using the shape tool and as far as I can see, all my settings are the same. But I cannot get that little icon to appear at the bottom of the shape vector mask. The icon I'm talking about looks like a slider.
Any ideas?

This may be off, but sometimes you only get a slider when the image is large enough so you can't see all of it at once. Could this be the case here?
Looking at the shape with the slider it is a lot bigger than your shape.

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.

Problem creating vector mask with Pen Tool

Using Photoshop CS5, Mac OS 10.6.8
I'm trying to create a simple vector mask using the pen tool to create a curved line at the top and bottom of a photo. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Create a new layer and select it.
2. Select Pen tool.
3. Choose "work path" by selecting button at top menu.
4. I draw my shape with the pen tool.
5. Now comes the problem... I can not select this shape, or assign it a color. When I create a clipping mask, it does not recognize my path. When I throw away the layer, the shape is still there in outline only. What am I missing here? I'm familiar with doing this in Illustrator, but I don't understand how it works in PSD.
I need some help, please.
Thanks.

The main thing i use paths for in photoshop is extracting objects from photos.
Other uses include stroking paths with the paint tools. For example, if you had
a powerline to remove, one could trace the line with the pen tool and then stroke
the path with spot healing brush set to content aware fill.
more info on photoshop paths:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-73ada.h tml
MTSTUNER

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?

Replacing subPathItems in a vector mask

It seems one can fairly easily replace a Layer’s Vector Mask with another one’s, but I fail to see if I can simply replace the Vector Mask’s subPathItems with a new array.
A pathItem’s subPathItems being read only this seems improbable, but still …
And on a related note: Do any of you know if one can create a Vector Mask without first creating a pathItem proper?
Because currently I have the Scripts create Paths, create Solid Color Layers with the Paths selected and then delete the Paths again, which seems to be a longish route.
Thanks for any input.

You can create a empty vector mask with a script.
    var desc13 = new ActionDescriptor();
        var ref10 = new ActionReference();
        ref10.putClass( charIDToTypeID('Path') );
    desc13.putReference( charIDToTypeID('null'), ref10 );
        var ref11 = new ActionReference();
        ref11.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID('Path'), charIDToTypeID('Path'), stringIDToTypeID('vectorMask') );
    desc13.putReference( charIDToTypeID('At '), ref11 );
    desc13.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID('Usng'), stringIDToTypeID('vectorMaskEnabled'), charIDToTypeID('RvlA') );
    executeAction( charIDToTypeID('Mk '), desc13, DialogModes.NO );
But as you pointed out pathItems are read only so it doesn't do much good unless you want the script to create a blank vector mask for the user to edit after the script is done.
Because you can't edit an existing path, the way you are creating vector masks is the only way I know. New path, mask from path, remove path.
The only way I know to 'edit' an existing path with scripting is to read the existing path converting into SubPathInfo and PathPointInfo which can be edited. Then delete the old path and create a new one from the edited data.
For a vector mask you add the extra steps. i.e. you read/convert the vector mask's path data, delete the mask, create a new path with the edited points, make a mask from that new path, then delete the new path.

Can anybody say why In the layer menu the background color is white when opening a layer mask, and why does it automatically turns black by simply opening the layer mask properties menu? The vector mask is white anyway.

Can anybody say why In the layer menu, the background color is white when opening a layer mask, and why does it automatically turns black by simply opening the layer mask properties menu? The vector mask is white anyway.

Topic or subject titles should be clear, pertinent and concise so that individual users can tell at a glance if they can help or not.
That field is not for attempting to fit your entire question in there.
Please keep this in mind next time you post. Thank you.
A lot more information about your hardware and software is needed.
BOILERPLATE TEXT:
If you give complete and detailed information about your setup and the issue at hand,
such as your platform (Mac or Win),
exact versions of your OS, of Photoshop (not just "CC", but something like CC2014.v.2.2) and of Bridge,
your settings in Photoshop > Preference > Performance
the type of file you were working on,
machine specs, such as total installed RAM, scratch file HDs, total available HD space, video card specs, including total VRAM installed,
what troubleshooting steps you have taken so far,
what error message(s) you receive,
if having issues opening raw files also the exact camera make and model that generated them,
if you're having printing issues, indicate the exact make and model of your printer, paper size, image dimensions in pixels (so many pixels wide by so many pixels high). if going through a RIP, specify that too.
a screen shot of your settings or of the image could be very helpful too,
etc.,
someone may be able to help you (not necessarily this poster, who is not a Windows user).
Please read this FAQ for advice on how to ask your questions correctly for quicker and better answers:
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/419981?tstart=0
Thanks!

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.

Pen Tool + Vector Mask behaviors

I've discovered some inconsistancies with the Pen Tool and Vector Mask behaviors on the Mac, using Snow Leopard 10.6.8 on a Mac Pro Tower.
1. When a completed Path is converted to a Vector Layer Mask, the Path Layer remains active, The new Vector Layer Mask should be the active Path. This does not happen in CS5.1.
2. When making adjustments using the Path Selection Tool, selecting the path segment between two anchor points adjusts both direction lines(adjusting both the inside and the outside of the selected path), making it impossible to make a local adjustment between the two points. In CS 5.1 and earlier, this adjusts the inside direction lines only and the path between those two points.

both direction lines
Usually referred to as »bezier handles« as far as I can tell.
Complaining without doing a Forum search can have its drawbacks …
Check out R_Kelly’s post:
http://forums.adobe.com/message/4307188#4307188

Photoshop CC - Why does pasting a path always create a vector mask?

Used to be you could just paste a path and path it would be. Now however, under CC and CC 2014, it always seems to create a vector mask on whichever layer I'm on when I paste and select Path.
Is there some way I could stop it from doing this? I have to go to Paths, duplicate the vector mask to become a work path, then delete the vector mask. 2 unnecessary steps I don't really need when I specify Path, not Smart Object, Pixels or Shape Layer.

Crashing and not responding are very different behaviors.
What version of Photoshop CC are you using? Have you installed the updates to 14.2.1.?
What OS version are you using? Have you installed all the updates?
Are you running any third party plugins? Have you tried disabling them?

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

Vector mask targeting issue

With a standard pixel based layer, when you hit the 'add layer mask' button at the bottom of the layers panel, the layer mask thumbnail is highlighted and targetted - as expected.
If you hold Ctrl (PC) and hit the same button to 'add a vector mask', the vector mask thumbnail is not highlighted/targetted*
I believe it should be - my next action would be to create a vector mask.
* It is highlighted/targetted in CS5.

You are correct, this is working differently than CS5. I will check to see if this was intentional.
Thanks,
Pattie

Image Masks Not Downsampled

Hi,
We have a PDF that we want to reduce the file size. When we select reduce file size, we get a window that reads "document contained image masks that were not downsampled". What does this mean? The 20 page document contains a lot of cut and paste images of maps and site plans that were built in PowerPoint and InDesign. Using Acrobat 9.
What steps do we have to take to correct this so we can reduce the file size?
Thanks
Barb

It means that the images have a vector mask controlling which areas are visible (acting as a crop). These aren't affected by a RFS action as the vector data is as small as it can be, but the warning is shown because if the underlying bitmap image is resampled, there may be some issues around the edges of the mask (e.g. if the mask very accurately cuts out a shape from a background, some pixels of the background may appear if the image PPI is reduced).

Weird issue with Bridge CC and vector masked TIFF files

For some reason in Bridge CC my vector masked transparent backgrounds in my tiff files are showing. I didnt have this issue with CS6. only way to fix it is for me to flatten my image and resave it as a tiff without the mask. Any option i need to click on?

We don't even know what platform (Mac or Win) or version of the OS you are running.
Also: Are you aware that the latest version of Photoshop is not "CC" but CC2014v14.2.2 ?
BOILERPLATE TEXT:
Note that this is boilerplate text.
If you give complete and detailed information about your setup and the issue at hand,
such as your platform (Mac or Win),
exact versions of your OS, of Photoshop (not just "CS6", but something like CS6v.13.0.6) and of Bridge,
your settings in Photoshop > Preference > Performance
the type of file you were working on,
machine specs, such as total installed RAM, scratch file HDs, total available HD space, video card specs, including total VRAM installed,
what troubleshooting steps you have taken so far,
what error message(s) you receive,
if having issues opening raw files also the exact camera make and model that generated them,
if you're having printing issues, indicate the exact make and model of your printer, paper size, image dimensions in pixels (so many pixels wide by so many pixels high). if going through a RIP, specify that too.
A screen shot of your settings or of the image could be very helpful too,
etc.,
someone may be able to help you (not necessarily this poster, who is not a Windows user).
Please read this FAQ for advice on how to ask your questions correctly for quicker and better answers:
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/419981?tstart=0
Thanks!

Vector mask not crisp

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