Layer–Mask Chain Link Toggle: Linked vs. Unlinked Move Behavior

Overview

Every Photoshop layer with a mask has a chain icon between the layer thumbnail and the mask thumbnail, controlling whether the two move together or independently when the layer's content is repositioned (e.g., with the Move tool).

Mechanism

Linked (default): moving the layer content shifts the mask along with it, so the visible region tracks the moved content. In Portrait Slice Effect (Step-and-Repeat Masking + Shift-Move) this produces a "duplicated feature" look — e.g., an eye appears duplicated within the shifted strip.
Unlinked (click the chain icon to break it): the mask stays fixed in place while the layer content moves underneath, so features slide and get occluded by whatever sits on the layer below — a "sliding behind" look instead.

Application

Both settings are treated as valid, photo-dependent artistic choices rather than a right/wrong setting: from an identical underlying file structure, this single toggle produces two structurally different visual outcomes.

Из тем: Photoshop Foundations: Non-Destructive Editing & Selection