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How to get rid of everything under a layer, but not in same space as layer?


Sytheii

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Hello!

Second question on here. I know that this is very elementary stuff, but it is confusing the heck out of me.

Let's say I have 2 layers. Bottom layer is all white. Top layer is image, where only image is visible, everything else is transparent pixels.

How do I get rid of all color(pixels) NOT UNDER the top layer?

I know this is a layer mask function, but it's hard to get the hang of without a little help and practice.
 
Don't understand what you want to achieve? See only that transparent image layer? Then just go to Layer Panel (F7) and click on eye before layer you don't want to see. In that case, layer under image.
 
Yes, I know this is a bit confusing. It just so happens that I already accomplished what I wanted using a different method...but I know it must be possible to do what I am thinking.

Let me rephrase the situation:

I have a PSD, on that PSD I have 2 layers.

The bottom Layer is say...a patern that I have, or a photo with a certain quality that I want to make a cut-out of.

The cut-out I want to actually CUT OUT of that bottom layer, is the shape of another image that i have....the top layer.

This image is like a icon PNG, in that (for an example) its actual size in pixels is 512x512, but the actual content of the image only occupies the center of those 512x512 pixels, lets say (as a square, which the image obviously is NOT) of a size around 215x215.

All around the outside of that image are completely transparent pixels for the remaining real-estate of that 512x512 image.

I want to cut out an exact replica of that image, just using the borders of transparent pixels next to colored pixels as "the edges" of that image, FROM THE BOTTOM LAYER.

In the end, I want to have the bottom layer look exactly like (its shape) the top layer, transparent pixels all around the cut-out.

Does this make more sense?
 
Move your "shape" layer not on top but under layer you need to cut out.
Then make active layer with image (top one).
Then Layer/Create Cliping Mask.
 
Aha! I had it backwards :) After I create that clipping mask....how do I then make that new image into a "normal" layer?

I know this might sound dumb, because all I want to do is then move that new image I have made with the clipping mask back underneath the original top layer "cutout" image from before.

I want to do this so that I can create a template for future use...Is the easiest method just to copy that selection and then create a whole new image?
 
Sorry, i'm slow today. I don't quite follow exactly what you need?
What template you need - shape to cutout? And why copy cutouted image under uncutouted?
 
I think, though I am having trouble understanding (which I usually do so it may not be you), but I think what you need to do is "apply mask." Right click on mask itself (box on the right on selected layer) and select apply mask.
 
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If I understand this right, what you really want is to have a shape outline that you can use to cut out a certain form from any background or pattern? I think then you need to trace around the image you have on the transparent background with the pen tool, then go to the paths palette and right click to select path. The go to Edit-define shape. Then name it and save it, and then you can use this to cut out that shape from whatever pattern or background you want. Is this what you mean? :)
 
Save selection also works. Make your selection with any tools, go to menu, Select>save selection, give it a name. It will not disappear after you close the document. I'm not a fan of paths.

But I would like to say this, SeniorS, you are not alone in problems of comprehension. Some people cannot write what they see or think. I'm not criticizing; it's hard for most of us who are learn visually. My point is . . . Let's see what it is you want to do. Show us the doc you have so far, upload the psd. That is, if you're still having problems. And if you've got them solved, upload the finished product so we can see your work. It's nice to know what we're helping with and if we are!
 
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Ahoi! Forgot about the thread in my exitement of working on that project and a few others. I have listened to what everyone is saying, and to tell you the truth, I have used each of the methods and they all work great. Yes, I really just wanted the basic border outline of the shape in question, so I tried out a couple different methods, and the select path worked quite well. Adding this thread to my bookmarks so i dont forget!

Thanks again everyone!

Oh, I also found this great plugin, mask pro, makes getting rid of colors you dont want super easy :) Anyone else use it?
 
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Lets just say that with one the other becomes kind of irrelivant- though this is coming from someone who hasnt touched mask pro in several years & even then never really took the time to understand it much..
 

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