add a mask to an adjustment layer

[jimh12345]

Sort of embarassing to admit that in 10 minutes of Googling I couldn't find the answer to this simple question. 😞

When create an adjustment layer, like Curves, I usually want to mask it, so I add a mask layer to it (I don't like using the "built-in" mask).  To do that I click the Mask icon at the bottom of the layers panel, then "Mask" - duh.  But even though my new adjustment layer is selected, the new mask isn't created as a child layer - I have to explicitly drag it down onto the adjustment layer.   A small annoyance but it becomes one of those "every single time" things.

Is there a way to create a mask as a child of an adjustment layer? 

[lepr]

1 hour ago, jimh12345 said:

Is there a way to create a mask as a child of an adjustment layer? 

No, Affinity insists on adding the Mask above a selected Adjustment. The mask placement options in the Assistant make no difference when the selected object is a Mask or Live Filter.

[firstdefence]

As far as Im aware, it's not possible without having to handle the mask layer and drag it onto the adjustment layers icon. You can create a keyboard shortcut to create a mask, which will appear as a same level layer that you click and drag onto the adjustemnt layers icon. but if you could keyboard shortcut Mask to below you could do it in two keystrokes.

[Old Bruce]

1 hour ago, jimh12345 said:

(I don't like using the "built-in" mask)

Myself, I love using the builtin masks. It means I don't have to add a Mask then group the Mask and Adjustment/Filter layer.

[jimh12345]

Ouch.

I keep right-clicking on adjustments, expecting to find "Add Mask", and it's not there.

There are several drawbacks to the built-in masks.  For example, you can't copy them to use with other adjustments, and you can never get rid of them once they're created.  They're just not as useful. 

[firstdefence]

Ok you can make a macro to get a mask in an adjust layer. Try this very simple macro: Add Mask to Adjustment Layer.afmacro

All you need to do is select the adjustment layer and run the macro.

Yet another workaround: No 4598

[Ash]

Hi - in the latest 2.1 beta we have changed this behaviour so in the case of adjustments and live filters the mask is added as a child when you have the relevant assistant option set. There are more details in the post below and it would be great if you wanted to try it out in the beta and let us know what you think - you can sign up to the beta program here.