: How to use opaque Smart Object as transparency mask? I have two opaque Smart Objects. Object A is black-and-white and I want to use it as a transparency mask for object B. In other words,

@Reiling762

As Scott stated, this seems to be impossible (or, was, in CS5). The fastest way I know (which involves rasterization though) is:


Select Layer A (the one with an X).
Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C, Q, Ctrl+V, Q (copy the contents of Layer A, switch to quick mask mode, paste, switch back).
Apply current selection as a mask to Layer B and hide Layer A.


These steps have to be repeated every time Layer A is changed. Compared to Scott's answer, this will work with any kind of layers (not just plain red).

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@Turnbaugh909

This is not possible.

Smart objects can only be used as clipping masks (Option/Alt-clicking between layers). Smart objects can not be used as any other form of mask. Masks must consist of pixels or paths and nothing more complex than that.

However.. if some raster content is okay.....

Assumptions:


The X layer Smart Object can not be edited in any way.
raster masks are okay
Image is RGB


Move the red layer above the X.
Set blend mode of red layer to "Lighten"
Highlight the X layer
Layer > Adjustment Layer > Invert..
Highlight the X layer and the Adjustment layer
Right/control-click on highlighted layers > Convert to Smart Object
Option/alt click between the two layers you now have.
Highlight the X layer
Command/Ctrl-click the Blue Channel
Layer > Layer Mask > Hide Selection



Final image:


Zoomed to show edges:


Steps 3 through 6 could be replaced by simply editing the X smart object so it's inverted.

Conversely, you could simply highlight the X layer, Command/Ctrl-click the Blue Channel. Inverse the selection and apply a mask to the red layer. Then turn off the X Smart Object visibility. This provides a much easier file to work with.

I'm not clear as to why you need to use the smart object to mask anything. If you need a red X why not simply create a red x?

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