Copying a mask to a layer

[John Rostron]

I have an image where some parts need sharpening and some parts need denoising or smoothing. The obvious way to do this is to create a mask that divides the image into these two component parts. No problem, I create an edge mask as a new layer and refine it appropriately. I could now duplicate my original image and sharpen one version (using Nik Sharpener) and denoise the other using Nik DFine. The mask should now be able to ensure that what I see is partly sharpened and partly denoised. But I cannot see how I can place the mask I have created to perform this task. I

Because sharpening and denoising are fairly subtle, I have been practicing on an an image and a desaturated version, and a layer comprising several vertical black-and-white stripes so that I should be able to see a fairly obvious mask effect.

I have tried following various videos and on-line guides typically involving moving the stripy mask into a position on one of the layers, but what I see is always either the stripy mask or no effect at all.

The image below shows what I see before trying to place the mask.

 

Any advice gratefully received.

John

[MEB]

Hi John Rostron,

You have to convert the Pixel layer (your "Stripy Mask" layer) to an actual mask. Select it in the Layers panel then go to menu Layer ▸ Rasterise to Mask. It should then work as you'd expect.

[John Rostron]

Thanks @MEB. I thought that 'Rasterize to Mask' came into it somewhere, but I could not see where.

This now works well. I just moved the rasterized mask onto the top layer and Bingo!

If you were wondering, the image is of my wife feeding a Lesser Kestrel chick in a breeding centre for these birds in southern Spain. We were visiting a placement student there.

John

[MEB]

Would love to be there too. So envy. I have an admiration for those who do care and deal with animals/protect species/help them recover. We are hurting the planet way to much...