In the Layers panel, select the link (icon) between the layer thumbnail and the mask thumbnail to unlink them.
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Unlink layers and masks
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to unlink a layer from its layer mask or vector mask
By default, a layer or group is linked to its layer mask or vector mask, as shown by the link icon between the thumbnails in the Layers panel. When linked, the layer and mask move together with the Move tool. You can unlink them to move each independently and relink them when you want them to move together again.
To relink, select the empty space between the layer thumbnail and the mask thumbnail to restore the link icon.
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