Error floating a mask layer selection

[LeviFiction]

Hello, I've been wanting to find the best method for viewing and editing the greyscale version of the mask for purposes of cleaning it up after I've made it. And since Paint Shop Pro only provides the overlay feature (so far as the help files, and books are concerned anyway) I've tried a number of odd methods.

My latest one was to select the mask layer using CTRL + a and then floating it. Essentially the same method used to simulate pasting in place.

But for some reason if I float the selection then use undo to...well obviously undo my changes and then float the selection again it gives me an error.

131- incorrect parameter passed to function

But this, as of yet has only occurred when selecting the mask layer information.

Does this occur for anyone else? I'd assume it's a problem built into Paint Shop Pro because of the error given but I want to make sure.

[allicorn]

Hiya,

I ran through what you described there in my copy of PSPX2 and haven't been able to reproduce that error.

Floating the mask layer is good way to get that data out but there are other options.

For one - the View Overlay feature - I know you've mentioned it but thought might be worth mentioning that in the Layer Properties you can change the overlay color from red to black or white and the overlay opacity to 100, giving you a much more workable environment. You probably knew that, but hey.

Another method I have for getting the Mask data out, which doesn't involve any floating of masks and so might avoid the odd error message you're getting, is:

* hide all layers except the group with the mask
* create a solid black opaque raster layer below and outside the group
* create a solid white opaque raster layer inside the group, between the mask and the original masked layer
* do Select All, Copy Merged, and Paste As New Image
* delete the temporary black and white layers and unhide any layers you hid

EDIT:

Here's a script to do it automatically. Unzip and pop the PspScript file into Scripts-Restricted then select a Mask layer in PSP, choose "ExtractMask" from the Script bar and run it (or make a button for it).

The script does exactly the steps listed above.

Alli

[LeviFiction]

Actually I'd already made my own script, very similar to yours.

Both methods you described were ones I tried before turning to float/defloat as an option for cleaning things up.

Thanks for the info though, it's an odd bug though and that's why I was asking. Like you said I still have the other two methods I can use. Just add this to the list of things I'd like to see in the next incarnation of Paint Shop Pro. Don't understand why seeing the mask isn't allowed. Oh well.

Thanks again.

[allicorn]

I agree. I'd think that a "Promote Mask to Layer" option would be a nice straightforward way to go for X3.

Alli

[Tim Morrison]

You can see the mask directly by going the properties of the mask layer and changing the overlay from red at 50% opacity to black at 100%. Then activate the overlay and hide the original layer.
You can create a white layer beneath the layer group containing the mask if you want to see the mask without the transparency grid, or you could go to File > Preferences > General Program Preferences > Transparency and Shading, and change the Grid Scheme to solid white.

[LeviFiction]

Thanks Tim, always appreciate the help. But that method was mentioned 4 days before you posted. And I said I already use that method.

Though the hint about changing the transparency grid to white might be useful to someone passing by the topic.

Personally I prefer the grid and changing it is impractical for looking at the Mask layer only. Then again I can see the use. As adding a new raster layer to an already fairly large image is also impractical at times. Especially if it's a major project and you've got a ton of layers already.