Again, major problems creating and manipulating photo selections (or masks)

[David.P]

OK thanks Acorn,

so in order to edit the Mask layer, I still have to use the Pages & Layers Gallery, correct? Or is there an even easier way to edit the Mask layer?

[Acorn]

OK thanks Acorn,
so in order to edit the Mask layer, I still have to use the Pages & Layers Gallery, correct? Or is there an even easier way to edit the Mask layer?

No, though I do.
There is a Shortcut Ctrl+M that toggles into and out of the Mask layer.

If fact, Ctrl+M also creates the Mask layer as well.

Acorn

[David.P]

Thanks Acorn, will try that!

[Acorn]

DP, I finally get your problem.

For a Mask to do its job, it has to be locked. This happens at the Layer level.
To be able to manipulate the Shapes in the Mask layer, you need to be able to select them. They cannot when the Mask layer is locked.

So the answer to your ask about whether you need to use the Page & Layer gallery is, unfortunately, yes.

This is how I get to the shapes on the Mask layer.
I click on the Mask layer in the Page & Layer gallery. This unlocks the layer.
If the layer is collapsed, I click on the small arrowhead on the left.
The first step can be subsumed by the second, if you remember.
I then click on the masking shape and move or edit.

Acorn

[David.P]

For a Mask to do its job, it has to be locked.

Hmm, and why is that so?

[Acorn]

Hmm, and why is that so?

Simply to avoid it being moved in error.

Acorn

[David.P]

OK, thank you.