How can I use a fill layer as a mask?

[ProducerBoy]

Hi,

 

I have two pictures. I want to create a mask that lets creates a split effect where part of one picture shows through part of the image, and the other picture shows through the other. I have different gradients that control which picture shows up where.

 

Create two layers with image 1 and image 2.

 

The easy way to do this is: create a gradient fill layer that uses a black/white/gray gradient, put it on top of image 1, do Layer > Rasterize to Mask, and voila, image 2 shows through, and all is good.

 

But at this point, I can't change the gradient parameters.

 

Earlier today I did ... something ... that let me get exactly this effect, only I never had to rasterize the fill layer. It ended up being used as a mask, with the white portions of the mask being treated as transparent, and allowing image 2 to shown through. I could then tweak the gradient to my heart's content on the fill layer and instantly see the blended image.

 

Unfortunately, I did UNDO to fix another problem and now can't re-create the blending without rasterizing my fill layer, which I'd rather not do.

Does anyone know how to use a black & white & gray fill layer as a mask to control transparency of a higher layer on the stack, *without* rasterizing?

[toltec]

I am not really sure what you mean. Could you post an approximate example of what you want to achieve ? or do you mean something like this ?

 

 

[lepr]

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[ProducerBoy]

OwenR, I think you're right!  Is there any way to turn white to transparent in a non-pixel layer? (In a pixel layer, I can just use the "Erase white paper" filter, but it seems like I often want to use a black & white image as a mask, rather than a black & transparent)

[lepr]

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