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How do I Overlay a transparency over other layers?


AV_Editor9000

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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

true?v=v2&px1=400.png

Layer 2 (black background) - example 1

true?v=v2&px2=400.png





Layer 2 (blue background) - example 2

true?v=v2&px3=400.png





Outcome I am looking for when using a black background

true?v=v2&px4=400.png


Outcome I am looking for when using a blue background

true?v=v2&px5=400.png


Any and all guidance is appreciated.
Thank you.
 
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.
Screen Shot 2023-02-04 at 8.22.46 PM.png
Screen Shot 2023-02-04 at 8.22.57 PM.png

Black layer with layer mask, transparent square.
Screen Shot 2023-02-04 at 8.23.08 PM.png
Screen Shot 2023-02-04 at 8.23.17 PM.png
 
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:

Screen Shot 2023-02-05 at 8.55.56 PM.jpg

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

Screen Shot 2023-02-05 at 8.56.32 PM.jpg

Just another approach to consider
John Wheeler
 

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