Layer Masks

[lindaw]

Ok small problem, no sleep in 36 hours and counting so please be kind

I have a png file, a layer mask called file1.png. I have another file, file2.gif. I want to add the file1 layer mask to file2 so I don't have to clean this thing up but for the life of me I have lost all brain activity on how to get the mask onto the gif file. I have tried loading the selection of file1 and copy that into file2 but all that does is add a layer and is no help at all.

Is there not a way to bring an external layer mask from another file into a current file and apply it?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Erik]

"I have a png file, a layer mask called file1.png. I have another file, file2.gif. I want to add the file1 layer mask to file2 so I don't have to clean this thing up but for the life of me I have lost all brain activity on how to get the mask onto the gif file. I have tried loading the selection of file1 and copy that into file2 but all that does is add a layer and is no help at all."

Step1:
When you have file 1 active (the layer with the mask), you can:

Method1: Open the Channels Palette, click on the alpha layer (that's your layer mask) and use Ctrl+A, then Ctrl.C to copy it to the clipboard
Method 2: Alt click on the layer mask icon/thumbnail in the Layers palette and use Ctrl+A then Ctrl+V to copy it to the clipboard

Step2:

Then you activate the gif, make it a layer or duplicate the background, add a layer mask by clicking the icon at the bottom of the Layers palette, Alt+click its icon/thumbnail to activate it (will be white) and Ctrl.V paste it.

Step3: Get yourself some sleep. And that's an order! (take care because what you do drains a lot of energy and you become victim to negativity before you realise it.)

 

[lindaw]

Thanks so much Erik!!! I knew there was a way.