Many projects involve drawing or editing something in Photoshop. Objectively, this is the best and most versatile photo editor with almost limitless possibilities.
One of the possible tasks that the user will face is the ability to work with a layer mask.
This tool has a variety of advantages. First of all, in terms of its effectiveness, a layer mask is in no way inferior to a standard eraser. Also, this tool gives an excellent opportunity to turn one or another area of the image into completely invisible in just a few seconds. Well, and most importantly, even a beginner, a small child and an elderly person who is just starting to comprehend the basics of Photoshop can figure out how the mask works.
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What it is
A layer mask is one of the most important and necessary techniques in Photoshop. By learning how to use it correctly, you will be able to work much better with images. Therefore, it is necessary for every user to master the principles of using a layer mask. Dealing with this issue will be useful not only for those who plan to work regularly with Adobe Photoshop, but also for those who only occasionally use it to edit their photos. One way or another, it will be more difficult to work in the program if you do not know this technique. Let’s figure out how to make a mask in Photoshop.
The main task of a layer mask is to mask an area of the picture and create restrictions for any tool, it can also be used instead of an eraser. You can work with any filters and effects. The only condition is that only black and white colors are allowed, although the use of gray is allowed.
The mask is used to mask a part of the picture, as well as to completely or partially stop the current activity of processes in the Photoshop photo editor program.
However, not everyone knows that the mask is a three-color instrument. It combines white, black and gray. Moreover, each color has a certain functionality.
It is the dark color, that is, black, that masks part of the image. Gray directly affects transparency. White is needed to make this or that picture visible.
The colors can be customized based on the task being performed. This makes it possible to make the layer almost invisible, or to mask a certain area in detail.
In fact, it has the same properties as a standard eraser. The images on the layer remain intact, even if you remove the mask or adjust it differently. Moreover, in relation to vector graphics, you cannot use the eraser, but you can use a mask.
How to add a mask to a layer
Especially for working with this tool, Photoshop has provided a separate command called “Add a mask to a layer”.
Let’s start with how to create a mask in Photoshop. It is worth noting that it can be applied to any existing layer or a group of them. Go to Layers Panel. It is usually located on the right side of the window. Then select the layer you need from the list and click on the Add Layer Mask icon. You will not see any changes in the picture itself. There is also another way. Open the Layer menu and go to the Layer Mask section. There you can choose one of two types of masks: white (Reveal All), which develops the image, and black (Hide All), masking the image. In different cases, one or the other type is used.
To fill the mask with black, click on Add Layer Mask and then use the shortcut Ctrl + Backspace. In the corresponding icon, you will see how the white color changed to black.
Masks are divided into 2 categories, depending on their purpose. As stated, it is white and black.
- The black mask can make the necessary part of the edited image invisible. To do this, click on the black brush and use it to select the area of the picture that needs to be hidden. And then it will disappear.
- The white mask has the opposite, that is, the opposite effect. It is recommended to use it when you want the picture to remain visible.
If you are a beginner, then the easiest way to accomplish the task is by clicking on the “Layers” menu, and then select the required layer mask from the list provided. Then you choose a black or white mask.
Features of working with a mask
Having figured out the peculiarities of overlaying a layer mask on an edited image, you should start working with it.
Subsequently, the user needs to decide what effect is required to be obtained on the edited photo or image. The tool used depends on this.
For example, you need to select a mask. In this case, a brush, finger or selection tool will help. Use whichever is more convenient for you.
Apply the tools as if you were working with a regular layer. If you need to add an effect, use a gradient, brush, or other painting tools.
Alas, the layer mask does not allow you to use bright and saturated colors. The functionality is limited to the use of black and white. Let’s say you want to replace the boring gray tone of your photo with a brighter one. To do this, use the Brush tool, with a black color. Click on it, select the photo you want to hide. Now put a bright background in there, and the photo will completely change.
Filters and tools used
A wide variety of filters and tools can be applied to a mask layer. The choice depends only on the required editing result.
At the same time, there are several tools that are used in Photoshop more often than others.
- Gradient. Almost everyone has heard of him. With the help of a gradient, you can play with shadow and light, making the transition between 2 or more photos almost invisible. You can apply a gradient to get a neat transition between a pair of images. This is done very simply. Place one photo above the second and create a mask for the first layer. Then use the Gradient Tool. Choose a black and white color for the gradient. Now click on the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers Panel. Draw a gradient line to fill the picture on the right with black. All this can be done in the other direction. The result is a neat transition between one photo and another. This technique can be useful to you more than once.
- Forms and text. It is also important to print different phrases and words on the mask layer. Just click on the “Text” tool and enter the desired characters. Then the written text should be selected by holding down the Ctrl button and clicking on the “Text Tool” on the panel. Then again you need to develop the layer of the first photo and apply an additional mask on it.
- Brush. It is used to change the background in the image, or change its size. Although the layer mask is also quite an effective tool for similar tasks. Having figured out how to add a layer mask, let’s move on to how and in what cases to use it . If you want to change the background of the object in the photo, create a new layer with the desired background, and then click on the Add Layer Mask icon. Click on the miniature mask icon to start working with it. Select the Brush Tool of black and start gently painting the background around the object until you get the desired result. The black brush makes it easy to deal with replacing the background of a photo.
- Filters. They are used to decorate and make images more varied.
- Selection tools. Any layers can be selected as easily as text layers, you can make layers out of them. To highlight, use any convenient tool. And then a mask is applied to the selected layer.
There are many other tools. The more experience a user has, the more new functions and capabilities he will be able to use.
Which layers are allowed to add a mask
It is important to emphasize here that almost all types of layers allow you to apply masks to them.
Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- rasterized image layer;
- with smart objects;
- with text;
- with forms.
Moreover, you can still add a mask to several layers at once.
Effect of layer styles on mask
The user should take into account that the mask is not always applied.
For example, if you are editing images with styles like Outer Glow or Drop Shadow, then the layer mask will not work here. At the same time, it is possible to convert this layer into a smart object, perform rasterization, or combine the layer with the style that is used on it. Due to this, the problem goes away.
This is how the layer mask is applied in Photoshop. Now you will know how to use this technique when working with images. Write in the comments if this article was useful for you and ask any questions of interest on the topic discussed.