How to apply adjustment layers to multiple (not one, not all) layers?

Question

I am looking to apply an adjustment layer to just three layers like so:

ADJ_LAYER_1
-  IMAGE_1
-  IMAGE_2
-  IMAGE_3
ADJ_LAYER_2
-  BG

All I can manage is to apply ADJ_LAYER_1 to either only LAYER_1 or ALL layers below.

I have tried ALT clicking on the layer-dividers but that creates clipping masks between for example IMAGE_1 AND IMAGE_2 and screws things up.

So, is it possible to clip an adjustment layer to SOME layers?

Answer 1

• Put the top three layers in a layer group
• Add your adjustment layer above the group
• Alt-click to set the adustment layer as a clipping mask

Answer 2

If the IMAGE layers have transparency, i.e. you have erased or masked part of them, you can affect only those layers by Ctrl+Shift clicking their layer icons to select their transparency, then making your adjustment layer. This will automatically mask the adjustment layer to only affect those selected.

Answer 3

You can definitely do what you're after using Clipping Groups. You'll need to ensure the bottom layer is large enough to cover the area required for all the layers above it, because that's what will be used to mask all the layers.

Another option is to create Groups, with a bitmap or vector masks that clips all the layers within the group. This will also keep any adjustment layers to the layers in the group.

Or, as others have suggested, you could just create a mask for the adjustment layer itself. It really depends where you need the flexibility. I don't believe you can limit the adjustment layer's effect to a group without a mask of some kind.