Written instructions for this tutorial are below the video. Enjoy!



Linda Sattgast

Copy a Layer Mask in Photoshop Elements

By Linda Sattgast

The newer versions of Photoshop Elements make it very easy to duplicate a layer mask to use on another layer, but you can still do it with older versions—it just takes a few more steps.

NOTE: If you don’t know how to create and use a layer mask, please watch my video called Layer Mask Basics first.

Method 1: Photoshop Elements 12 and Later (and all versions of Photoshop)

(See earlier versions below.)

  • You must already have one layer mask created in order to copy it.
  • Press Alt (Mac: Opt) and click and drag a copy of the original layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel to the new layer.
  • If you don’t use the Alt key (Mac: Opt key) Photoshop Elements will simply move the mask to the new layer instead of copying it.)

Invert or Delete a Mask

  • To invert a mask so that the white becomes black and the black becomes white, in the Menu Bar choose Filter > Adjustments > Invert or use the shortcut, Ctrl I (Mac: Cmd I).
  • To delete a mask, in the Layers panel right click on the mask thumbnail and choose Delete Layer Mask

Method 2: Photoshop Elements 9 to 11

NOTE: This method will not work on versions older than Photoshop Elements 9 unless you have a 3rd party method that allows you to create a layer mask on a regular layer.

  • You must already have one layer mask created in order to copy it.
  • In the Layers panel, make sure you’re on the layer that needs a copy of the mask, and click on the Add Layer Mask icon.
  • Alt click (Mac: Opt click) on the layer mask thumbnail you want to copy, which will show you the mask view.
  • In the Menu Bar, choose Select > All or use the shortcut, Ctrl A (Mac: Cmd A).
  • Choose Edit > Copy to copy the mask.
  • Click on the mask thumbnail of the layer that needs the mask.
  • In the Menu Bar, choose Edit > Paste to paste the mask contents.
  • Choose Select > Deselect to get rid of the selection outline.
  • Alt click (Mac: Opt click) on the mask thumbnail to go back to the regular view. The mask will now be be copied to the new layer.

Invert or Delete a Mask

  • To invert a mask so that the white becomes black and the black becomes white, in the Menu Bar choose Filter > Adjustments > Invert or use the shortcut, Ctrl I (Mac: Cmd I).
  • To delete a mask, in the Layers panel right click on the mask thumbnail and choose Delete Layer Mask