Convert grayscale to selection?

I have a layer with a grayscale image on it. I want to convert that image into a selection (as in Save Selection), so that the dark pixels

are transparent selections and the lights are opaque, and the grays inbetween are translucent etc etc. How.

Whatever you suggest, try it before you suggest it because it’s not as

easy as it sounds.

I have a layer with a grayscale image on it. I want to convert that image into a selection (as in Save Selection), so that the dark pixels are transparent selections and the lights are opaque, and the grays inbetween are translucent etc etc. How.

I’m starting with a grayscale image, not starting with a selection, so Save Selection doesn’t help. If select the grayscale image and Save Selection on it, I just get a square selection.

I tried making a layer mask and pasting the grayscale image into the layer mask, but when I paste, it just makes a whole new layer for what I’m pasting, rather than pasting into the mask.

Whatever you suggest, try it before you suggest it because it’s not as easy as it sounds. For example if you’re ready to tell me to try "Paste Into", go try it first, see what I mean.
TIA

I have a layer with a grayscale image on it. I want to convert that image into a selection (as in Save Selection),…

I’m starting with a grayscale image, not starting with a selection, so Save Selection doesn’t help. If select the grayscale image and Save Selection on it, I just get a square selection.

You can make a selection of a layer by holding down the command key (Mac) or control key (Pc) and clicking on the icon in the layer

To make a mask of a selection:

With nothing selected, make a mask for a layer (it will be white in layer panel.

Make you selection.

Hold down the Option key (Mac) or Alt key (PC) and click on the mask icon in the layer panel.

This will change image area to blank white. Paste selection.

Click on layer icon to get back to image editing mode.

wrote:

I have a layer with a grayscale image on it. I want to convert

image into a selection (as in Save Selection), so that the dark

are transparent selections and the lights are opaque, and the grays inbetween are translucent etc etc. How.

I’m starting with a grayscale image, not starting with a selection,

Save Selection doesn’t help. If select the grayscale image and

Selection on it, I just get a square selection.

I tried making a layer mask and pasting the grayscale image into

layer mask, but when I paste, it just makes a whole new layer for

I’m pasting, rather than pasting into the mask.

Whatever you suggest, try it before you suggest it because it’s not

easy as it sounds. For example if you’re ready to tell me to try "Paste Into", go try it first, see what I mean.
TIA

I think you mean as in "Load Selection." Save Selection takes a selection you already have, and turns it into a grayscale channel.

Selection takes a grayscale channel, and turns it into a selection.

You need to use Load Selection.

How did you create this grayscale layer? If you have something that

would like to turn into a selection, start by making it into a

rather than a *layer*.

Load Selection, Save Selection- whatever. The point is, I want the to convert the grayscale image to a selection. I want to save it as a selection and then load it as a selection later.

No. This just selects the entire outline of the grayscale image. What I get is just a rectangular selection. That’s not what I want, read the original post.

I think this is what you’re after:

Make a layer mask in the appropriate layer.
Copy the layer with the greyscale (ctrl+A, ctrl+C).
Go to the channels palette, switch off the visibility (eye icon) of

channels, switch on the visibility of Layer n Mask and select it as

active channel.
Paste (ctrl+V).
Switch RGB channels’ visibility back on.
Go back to the Layers palette and you should find your greyscale

the layer mask.

Andrew