[Tip] Masking Layers using AO

[pooby]

Hi,

I'm trying to use the colour values of a layer to mask another layer.

For example, using an ambient occlusion layer so that the dark values cause the layer beneath to be revealed. As far as I understand it, this is not how 'clip mask' works, which seems only to use the alpha instead which is of relatively limited value.

Surely there is a way to do this?  If not, it would be incredibly useful and I would love to see it implemented please. And I wonder if anyone has a workaround?

[Carlosan]

Use as Weight Map is = no ?

Popup Color channel (C) or Quick panel (~) allow to change opacity values to paint mask layer.

Basically where any paint is, regardless of color, is considered a mask.

To get a simple black and white mask to work as a clipping mask as one would expect. i.e. how photoshop operates its not posible atm. It should work that way, but doesn't.

To equate to PS, all paint is white, or clipped. To reveal, use the eraser tool.

 

* This keys are useful too:

Increase transparency of texture (P”)
Decrease transparency of texture (O)

[pooby]

Thanks for the reply, It seems like a glaring omission for texturing. I hope it makes it in asap.

Nevertheless, I figured out a workaround by making a smart material that takes ambient occ as a condition. This effectively converts the smart material layer to an alpha of the crevices (and another for protrusions.) I made ones for curvature etc too. I'll see if I can do one with an arbitrary texture

These layers can now be referenced by other layers as a clip mask.

[Carlosan]

Nice trick !