Photoshop CS2 does not allow Smart Objects to be linked with a layer mask but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Learn this quick and easy trick to link Smart Objects with a layer mask.

1		Here is the image I will be working with.
2		In my image, there's a photo as the background and a smart object as the top layer. However, when I add a layer mask to the smart object, I cannot link it. The link button is grayed out and when I try to click between the layer thumbnail and the layer mask thumbnail, it does nothing. Without being able to link the smart object with the layer mask, I would have to move both layers seperatly to move the smart object around with its layer mask.
3		Here's a way around this: Create a new folder in the layers window (Window> Layers) and add a layer mask to the folder.
4		Select the smart object layer and drag it to the layer above to move the smart object inside the folder.
5		To edit the layer mask of the smart object, edit the folder's layer mask instead.

6		You may also move and transform the smart object using the folder instead.