How to create a mask with a shape layer for multiple layers

Let’s say you want to create a mask, in this case, a rectangle-shaped one, and you want all the layers underneath to be visible inside that mask but not outside of it.

One easy way of doing this, is by changing the “Mode” on this shape/mask to “Stencil Alpha”. This way it will hide everything outside of the mask, including this white background.

But what if you don’t want it to affect ALL layers underneath your mask?
Maybe you still want the background to be visible even outside of the mask?

You can do this by changing the Shape Layer back to “Normal”, change “Opacity” on this Shape Layer to 100% and then hide it.

Now, go to the “Effects & Presets” window, search for “Set Matte” and drag and drop that effect onto one of the layers.

Go the properties of that effect and next to “Take Matte From Layer”, select your mask in the dropdown menu.

Now, simply click on the word “Effects”, click “Cmd + C” to copy the effect and then select all the layers where you want to apply this effect and click “Cmd + V”.

Now you have masked out ALL the shapes and the first row of text, but not the background.

How to create one mask for multiple layers

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