Please Click here for a printable versionThe purpose of this tutorial/topic is to provide the basic elements of layer masking.
A layer mask in Photoshop allows me to either hide or reveal as much of that layer that I want. The mask itself is either black or white. A black mask conceals (hides) and a white mask reveals. So when it comes to Layer Masking just remember “Black conceals but White reveals.”
There are two basic methods of creating a Layer Mask.
First select the layer you wish to apply the Layer Mask to and then either:
1. Click the Layer Mask Icon [Image #1]
2. Or go to the Menu Bar and select “Layer” then select “Layer Mask” then select “Reveal All.” [Image #2]
A white square (Layer Mask Thumbnail) should appear next to your image thumbnail in the Layers Palette with a link between the two. This method produces a Layer Mask that reveals everything on that layer.
To create a Hide All Layer Mask.
Select the layer you wish to apply the Layer Mask to and then either:
1. ALT + Click the Layer Mask Icon
2. Or go to the Menu Bar and select “Layer” then select “Layer Mask” then select “Hide All.”
This will produce a Layer Mask that conceals everything on that layer.
For our example we will use an image of a bird with some distracting branches. Our goal is to eliminate the branches using a layer mask. [Images #3 & #4]
The Hide All Mask Method: [Images #4, & #6]
1. In this example I brought the image into Photoshop and created a blue fill layer by using the Eyedropper Tool, selecting the blue sky then going to the Menu Bar and selected “Layer” then “New Fill Layer” and then “Solid Color” and finally “OK.” The purpose of the blue fill layer is to cover all the distracting branches.
2. Next I selected my base image and created a copy using the command CTRL + J. (I could have also duplicated the layer by right clicking on the layer and choosing “Duplicate Layer,” drug the layer Icon down to the “Duplicate Layer” Icon, or accessed the Menu Bar and chosen “Layer” then “Duplicate Layer.”)
3. I arranged my layers by dragging them to the order where the Blue Fill layer was below my duplicated base layer.
4. Next I add a “Hide All” mask to conceal everything except the bird and the branch it was sitting on.
5. To reveal the bird I selected a white Brush and simply painted the bird in by painting white on the black mask. Remember “Black conceals but White reveals.”
The Reveal All Mask Method: [Images #7, #8, & #9]
1. Using this method I brought the image into Photoshop and then created a blue fill layer as described above.
2. And then I arranged my layers such that the Blue Fill layer was above my base layer.
3. I then added a “Reveal All” mask to reveal everything except the bird and the branch it was sitting on.
4. To reveal the bird I selected a black Brush and simply painted the bird in by painting black on the white mask. Remember “Black conceals but White reveals.” Black in this case concealed the color blue thereby revealing the bird.
Additional Notes:
1. To Move a Mask CTRL + Drag the Mask Icon to the desired layer.
2. To Copy a Mask ALT + Drag the Mask Icon to the desired layer.
3. CTRL + Z for undo
4. SHIFT + CTRL + Z reverses Undo
5. To convert a mask for reveal to hide; or hide to reveal use CTRL + I , or use the Menu Bar and select “Image” then select “Adjustments” and then select “Invert.”
6. Right Click on Mask Icon for additional actions.
7. Double Click the Mask Icon to access Mask Properties.
8. ALT + Click on the Mask Icon to display Mask on the main window, repeat ALT + Click to return to the image.
9. Selections are beyond the scope of this tutorial.
If you are new to Layer Masking I would suggest playing with them to start off. The key to any skill is practice, practice, practice.
For example you could create a new blank document in Photoshop or Elements, and then take the paint brush and change it to a color. Any color except black or white. Next paint squiggly lines or dots, or whatever you want on the blank page. Then go to the Layer Menu and create a New Fill Layer. Then add either a Reveal or Hide All Mask, and then paint either black or white on the mask just to see what it does. After that, delete that mask and add the other type of mask you did not use and paint on it just like before. Experiment, play, have fun!
For additional information on Masking follow these links:
http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/masking-layers.htmlhttp://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/layer-mask.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5yW5hHjQrEhttp://blog.udemy.com/masking-in-photoshop/Thanks for looking!!!
I wish you nothing but the very best on your journey!