How to make a clipping mask?

[qwer1]

In Photoshop one could create a new layer which used the previous layer as clipping mask (New Layer> New Layer window> select "Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask").
Can I obtain the same effect in PSP?

Thanks.

[Forriner]

Hi,
I use PSP X4, YMMV with lower versions. And I'm not even sure that I know what you're talking about, but it sounds to me like you could use a new 'threshold' layer. (Layers/New adjustment layer/Threshold...).

In the adjustment tab you enter a value from 1 to 255 (brightness value), and any pixel below that value turns black, pixels above that value (clipping?) turn white.

You can do this directly in the image (no layer): Adjust/Brightness and contrast/Threshold...

If this isn't what you meant, just disregard

[LeviFiction]

A clipping mask, masks the top layer to the visible areas of the layer beneath it.

The quick answer is yes you can replicate the effect, but no PSP does not have a clipping mask option.

To simulate the effect you have to use a regular mask on the top layer. What we will do is we will create a selection based on the transparency of the bottom layer. We will then use that selection to create a mask on the top layer. The result is the top layer will match the bottom layer in shape perfectly.

One very fast way to do this is to:

1) Select the bottom layer

2) Hit Ctrl + A

3) Hit Ctrl + F to float

4) Hit Ctrl + Shift + F to defloat

5) Select top layer or mask layer if one already exists

6) Either create a new layer, showing the selection. Or edit the current mask to match the new selection.

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Now the obvious weakness here is that the mask doesn't auto-adjust to any changes you make to the bottom layer. So each time you change the shape or move the shape you need to edit the mask, by recreating the selection and filling that selection with white on the mask, inverting the mask and filling the rest with black.

I'm sure there are many different ways to handle this, but this is the method I've been using.

It takes more work than a clipping mask, but does work.

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This topic inspired me to make a quick tutorial on how I personally approach the clipping mask problem....and then that turned into 9 and a half minutes.

But if you're interested - http://youtu.be/NTFuSV2AijQ

[qwer1]

@Forriner and LeviFiction: Thanks.

[Cassel]

In case you want a fast way to emulate the Clipping Mask from PS and PSE, I created a script:
http://creationcassel.com/store/index.p ... cts_id=253

Once bound, it becomes a one click process.