This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Creating Layer Masks
A Layer Mask is a way to mask areas of a layer so that only certain areas of the layer’s image display. This layer works only with bitmap images, so vector images cannot be used to create a masking area. You learn about vector image shapes in Chapter 10. You use the Brush and the Eraser tools to define your mask areas. You do this based on colors:
- Paint white on all areas you want to be visible.
- Paint black on all areas you want to be hidden.
- Use shades of gray for areas to apply a transparency.
A quick way to choose white is to use the Web hexadecimal equivalent of #FFFFFF or the black hexadecimal equivalent of #000000.
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- Open a photo that has multiple layers in the Photo Editor.
- Click the Expert mode.
- Click to select the layer that you want to attach a mask.
Click the Add a Mask button.
A layer mask is created for the selected layer. To define the mask area, make sure the Mask thumbnail is selected.
Click the Color Picker foreground color.
- Click a color of black, white, or a shade of gray. You can click in the Hexadecimal box and type a hexadecimal equivalent.
Click OK to close the Color Picker.
- Click the Brush tool from the toolbox.
- Set your Brush settings. (This topic is covered in Chapter 10.)
- Click and drag to paint your mask area.
- Repeat steps 5–11 to continue to develop your mask.
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>>>Go Further: Modifying a Layer Mask
After you have a layer mask created, you can adjust its scale, position, orientation, and add other bitmap images or shapes to it. A layer mask is made up of two thumbnails that represent the image on the layer and the masking area. By default, these two thumbnails are linked. You can work between the two thumbnails to adjust and modify your mask. Click the Mask thumbnail and modify the mask using the Brush and/or Eraser tools. Use the Color Picker to establish the mask area—black, white, and gray. If you click the link between them, this unlinks the two thumbnails, and any edits you make apply to just that thumbnail’s content, the mask or the image. Click the link again to link the layer image with the mask.
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You can also use the Selection tools to transform, scale, and reposition the mask or the layer content in the layer. The Selection tools are covered in Chapter 9. The Brush and Eraser tools are covered in Chapter 10.