Did you ever need to copy a layer mask from one layer to another? In Photoshop this is a very easy process, which involves only the mouse and the Ctrl key, but in GIMP things aren't that straightforward (but not much complicated either).
Fortunately, GIMP does have this functionality, but it's somewhat hidden:
- Select the layer from which you want to copy the mask
- [Right Click] on it and select "Mask to Selection". Alternatively, you can go to Layer -> Mask -> Mask to Selection.
- [Right Click] on the layer for which you want to add the mask and select "Add Layer Mask". You can also do this from the menu, Layer -> Mask -> Add Layer Mask (be sure to select it first though).
- A dialogue window will open asking how you want to initialise the new layer mask. Choose "Selection" and you're done.
As you can see, GIMP does not allow you to copy a mask from one layer to another, but it does allow you to convert it to a selection and then convert the section back to a mask.
There is also a script that adds this functionality in GIMP, but I can't remember its name or address. This guide is for GIMP 2.4, but the process should be somewhat similar in other versions as well (it involves only basic layer operations).
Thank you so much for posting this. I have been using gimp for something like three years and this is the only reference I have ever found describing how to copy a layer (which is itself a mask) to a mask within gimp and then move that mask to another layer. I've searched for this information many many times but never found it before today and I'm simply overjoyed that I finally know how. Thank you!
Thanks! I've been trying to figure this one out - exactly what I needed.
Hey, thanks so much for this info. I needed it so badly :)
Have a nice day.