Changing mode of one layer

[graphixgal76]

I have two layers in Photoshop. I want to change one layer to grayscale and leave the other layer in color. However, when I change one, both of them change to grayscale. I've done this in the past but forgot how it's done. Help!

Thanks!!!

[Paul C]

There's a few ways - this is pretty easy:

Put a Hue/Saturation layer in front of the one you want grayscale and turn down Saturation all the way.

Of course at this point it's not true grayscale, the color info is just gone…

peace

[The Repro Kid]

The image you intend to have as a grayscale layer needs to be pasted into the Black Channel of the "Gray Layer" only. Select the gray layer, then select the black channel, and then paste. Make sure the CMY channels are not selected when you paste.

This will give you the image made up of only black ink.

But if you have all the other colors present, you might as well do something like what paulc suggested, because the grayscale image you make with 4 colors can have a lot more tone variation.

[graphixgal76]

Thanks for the tip, but this wasn't how I used to do it. I'm still stumped as to what I did. I'm attempting to have one colored layer with the grayscale layer on top. Then I want to use the eraser tool to erase some areas of the grayscale layer to show the color layer beneath. Anymore input would be appreciated.

[Paul C]

We have no idea how you used to do it - this is how we do it.

Maybe you copied the layer into a new file - changed the mode to grayscale and then copied it back…

There's a million ways to skin a…

peace

[The Repro Kid]

Doh!

I wasn't going to say it -- this time ;)

Hmm, I was thinking maybe she opened a gray scale file, turned it to RGB, then copied an RGB file into the first Grayscale file that has now been turned to RGB...

or something like that :D