See layer mask overlaid on layer while editing it (Photo 2)?

[lphilpot]

Windows 11

I know I can Alt+click the mask thumbnail to view it alone, but is there a way to see it (transparently) overlaid on it's pixel layer while editing the mask? I'm thinking like a Quick Mask looks, but with the layer mask instead?

I find I'm often toggling Alt+click off and on while editing a mask and seeing it on the pixel layer while editing would be really handy.

Thanks.

[cgidesign]

Short answer - no.

If you search the forum for e.g. for mask overlay or red mask overlay you will get a lot of threads posted over the years about this with some possible workarounds.

[lphilpot]

Thanks. It seems like an solid use case and therefore, a rather obvious omission IMO. IIRC I've seen such a capability in other raster editors over the years.

[jimh12345]

Easiest way (and it's not that easy) I've found is to add a Recolor layer and create a Group with that layer, your adjustment layer and its mask. Then move the mask up to Group level so it affects both adjustments.  Now the color overly matches the mask and you can turn it on and off. 

[lphilpot]

Yeah, I saw that post. If it becomes necessary I'll see if the process of creating it can be macro-ized. Normally you'd assume it could be, but the AP macro facility is pretty limited, so I can't be sure offhand. Even if so, it makes the file more complex than necessary unless you go back and delete all the "support structure".

Thanks.