How do I Overlay a transparency over other layers?

[AV_Editor9000]

How do I overlay a shape that has a transparent background, over all below layers, so that the below layers have the area of that shape replaced with a transparency.

I am looking to have multiple layers in an image.

1.) Top Layer with a Square Transparency
2.) Background image

I want any transparency layers I created in layer 1 to also appear in all of the below layers.
I DO NOT want to have to switch to layer 2 and edit it in any way.

For example, if I create a transparent square in layer 1, I want that same transparent square to appear after I add a background image.

This way if I switch between different backgrounds that same transparent square will appear in the same spot, in the final image, regardless of which background I use in layer 2.

I need to create large numbers of backgrounds with areas of transparency and was hoping there an easy way of doing so.

Transparent Square on Layer 1



Layer 2 (black background) - example 1







Layer 2 (blue background) - example 2







Outcome I am looking for when using a black background




Outcome I am looking for when using a blue background




Any and all guidance is appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[IamSam]

It should go without stating that you can't overlay a transparent layer over a filled layer. The end result would be a filled canvas............hence the nature of transparency............it allows THE underlying layer to show through.

You can however mask..........or make a hole in a filled layer that would allow the underlying transparent (empty) layer to be seen.

Blue layer with layer mask, transparent square.



Black layer with layer mask, transparent square.

 

[IamSam]

 

[AV_Editor9000]

Thank you both.
This is perfect, and is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[IamSam]

You're very welcome from me both!

 

[AV_Editor9000]

You're very welcome from me both!

Woops X)
I misread and didn't realize you made both posts.

 

[polarwoc]

You're very welcome from me both!

So, is your profile changing to "WeAreSams"?

 

[thebestcpu]

I thought it would casue the start of quite a discussion between the two:
"IamSam, no IamSam........"

 

[thebestcpu]

Hi @AV_Editor9000

Here is another way to do the same thing with a single Layer Mask.
You just group the Layers that you want to have transparency in the middle and apply the Layer Mask to the group as a whole.
In this first case, the background is not in the group so all Layers are bypassed to the background for the middle transparency:



If you just eliminate the background Layer the middle square stays transparent through the entire Layer Stack



Just another approach to consider
John Wheeler

 

[IamSam]

So, is your profile changing to "WeAreSams"?

I considered changing our profile, but IamSam decided against it!

I thought it would casue the start of quite a discussion between the two:
"IamSam, no IamSam........"

LOL! I never know which of me will assert himself! But IamSam!!!