Here’s a quick little tip on duplicating your layer masks.

1.) Here’s what I started off with, a couple of pictures I took the other day:

qt1.jpg

I want to add a cool reflective look to them, but I want to make sure both pictures have the same gradient/reflective look. Here’s where this Photoshop trick comes in handy!

2.) Add a layer mask to your first image and use a Black to White gradient on the layer mask to create the reflective look. I did the first gradient and it looks great, now I want the second picture’s reflection to match. I could always create a new layer mask and keep doing the gradient over and over until it looks close, or I could save lots of time by using this little trick.

qt2.jpg

3.) To duplicate the layer mask onto the other layer, hold the ALT/OPTION key (for Mac) then click on the layer mask you want to copy and drag it up and over the other layer you want the layer mask on. Let go of the mouse button and it’ll duplicate the original layer mask onto that layer! Easy isn’t it?!? If you already have a layer mask (like in my example) it’ll ask if you want to replace it, just click ‘Yes’ and you’re done!

qt3.jpg

4.) Final Image! Both layer masks are now the exact same. This ensures that your reflections all look the same for that real life look.

qt4.jpg

NOTE: Be sure to press ALT/OPTION before clicking and holding the mouse button down. If you click first then hold ALT/OPTION it will not duplicate the layer mask, it will just move it to the layer you drag to (leaving the other layer without it’s layer mask!)

I hope you found this helpful! Thank you for reading!

- Sean Dinner

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