Grouping Adjustment Layers
When you work with adjustment layers, the effects of the adjustment are applied to all the layers below the adjustment layer, including any additional adjustment layers. However, there are times when you only want the adjustment applied to a specific layer. For example, you're working on a multi-layered document and you create a Curves Adjustment layer for the purpose of adjusting the color in the next layer down. Unfortunately, the Curves adjustment is applied to all the layers. The answer is simple, group the adjustment layer to the layer you want to correct.
Control Adjustment Layers with the Group Option
Select the Layers palette, and then click the layer you want to adjust.
Move your cursor down until the fingertip of the hand pointer touches the line separating the adjustment layer from the next layer down.
Hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key.The cursor changes from a hand pointer to a double-circle button (the group button).
Click your mouse to group the two layers together.The thumbnail of the adjustment layer indents to indicate the two layers are grouped. The effect of the adjustment layer impacts the grouped layer and no others.
Did You Know?You can group more than one layer together. Hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key, and then click on the line separating the next layer to add a layer to the group. To remove a layer from the group, hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key, and then click on the line separating two grouped items. |