This document will define the two types of layer masks available in Photoshop CS3, detail the necessary steps to add a mask to a selected area of a layer, and explain how to hide and reveal portions of a layer within another layer.
In Photoshop CS3 there are two types of masks available, the layer mask and the vector mask. Both of these masks are greyscale images; meaning, you should paint areas that you would wish to hide in black, and anything you would want to be partially visible, you should paint using various shades of gray. The lighter the gray, the more transparent the selected area is; white is fully visible. Once you hide part of an image using a mask, you can modify or fully restore it at any time because the mask has just covered up, not deleted, that part of the image.
This is one of the distinct advantages of masking. Layer masks are the most common types of masks used. Layer masks are created by using the Painting Tools , primarily the Brush Tool. The layer masking method will cover a large area of an image quickly. While this method may save time, your masked area is more likely to be imprecise and have uneven edges that are not present with the vector masking method. Vector masks give a much cleaner and more defined image than a layer mask.
While the edges of the mask are more precise, it takes a little more time and precision to create this mask than is necessary with a layer mask. These steps will explain how to add a mask to your image. NOTE: Layer masks and vector masks can be applied to the same layer. Create the number of appropriate layers for your document.
Place the image s you wish to add masking properties to in their respective layers. NOTE: Name each individual layer with a meaningful name. This will allow you to identify the contents of the layer more quickly. If layer masks can hold any grayscale information, why not try to mask a layer with something photographic? Now, the canvas displays the contents of the layer mask.
Cool, huh? What we love about this technique is that it lets the layer below, in the case a warm orange color fill, show through the textural variance. You may also be wondering what that chain-link is doing between the layer thumbnail and layer mask thumbnail? Quite simply, this chain-link means that if you move the layer image on the canvas, the layer mask will move around with it.
This can be incredibly useful. In this case you would want to disable the chain-link. Just click it. Now you should feel like you have a better understanding of layer masks! Bringing this tool into your workflow will make you a better Photoshop user based on your increased facility to enter into new creative possibilities! Our newsletter is for everyone who loves design!
Let us know if you're a freelance designer or not so we can share the most relevant content for you. By completing this form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Designers, check out these contests so you can start building your career. Get a design. What is a Photoshop layer mask? Why use layer masks? Layer mask tutorial — Photoshop provides a complete set of functions for handling layer masks. The chain-link You may also be wondering what that chain-link is doing between the layer thumbnail and layer mask thumbnail?
Conclusion — Now you should feel like you have a better understanding of layer masks! In the Layers panel, select the layer or group. Do one of the following:. Add a layer mask that hides part of a layer. Select the area in the image, and do one of the following:. Click the New Layer Mask button in the Layers panel to create a mask that reveals the selection. To directly edit layer transparency, do the following and create a mask:.
In the Layers panel, select the layer. Apply a layer mask from another layer. Do one of the following: To move the mask to another layer, drag the mask to the other layer. To duplicate the mask, Alt-drag Win or Option-drag Mac the mask to the other layer.
Unlink layers and masks. To unlink a layer from its mask, click the link icon in the Layers panel. Disable or enable a layer mask. Shift-click the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel. Apply or delete a layer mask. In the Layers panel, select the layer containing the layer mask. To remove the layer mask after applying it permanently to the layer, click the Apply Mask icon at the bottom of the Properties panel. To remove the layer mask without applying it to the layer, click the Delete button at the bottom of the Properties panel, and then click Delete.
You can also apply or delete layer masks using the Layer menu. You cannot apply a layer mask permanently to a Smart Object layer when deleting the layer mask. Select and display the layer mask channel.
In the Layers panel, do one of the following:. Alt-click Win or Option-click Mac the layer mask thumbnail to view only the grayscale mask. To redisplay the layers, Alt-click or Option-click the layer mask thumbnail.
Alternatively, click the eye icon in the Properties panel. Change the layer mask color or opacity. Double-click the layer mask channel in the Channels panel. To choose a new mask color, in the Layer Mask Display Options dialog box, click the color swatch and choose a new color.
Click OK.
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