1) Create a regular layer and add rectangle or square or circle with colour
2) make a new layer (name mask)above it and add a word make sure that the word covers the first layer
3) select the mask layer right click(windows) and ctrl click (mac) and select mask
THERE YOU GO YOUR LAYERS ARE LINKED AND REGULAR LAYER IS VISIBLE THROUGH THE MASKED LAYER
Notice from miCRoSCoPiC^eaRthLinG:
Paula, this doesn't qualify as a tutorial anyhow. We've certain criteria for a post to qualify as a tutorial - and they're clearly stated in the forum rules under the tutorials section. Even then, I'll repeat the two most important aspects - a tutorial must be entirely written by you - and at least 500 words long. It has to be written in clear english - no chat-lingo allowed. If it's accompanied by intermittent illustrations and graphics - that counts even more to your advantage in gaining you more points. Moved out of Tutorials to Graphics Design forum.