Layer Masks Using Layer masks (not available with Elements) allows separate parts of layers to be hidden to show the layer underneath. as ...
Layer Masks
Using Layer masks (not available with Elements) allows separate parts of layers to be hidden to show the layer underneath. as this is done with a mask, the original layer remains untouched, so mistakes can be easily rectified or changes made to the mask later.
Keeping the resolution size
Whenever you import a new layer, it must be the same resolution as the other layers. It does not matter if the document size is smaller, or if just part of a shot is used with a mask applied to the rest.
Making a selection for the mask
To make a selection for a mask, first make a rough selection around the relevant area. It does not have to be exact at this stage, or applied with a feather, as a more precise shape will be achieved later by directly manipulating the mask. Remember, when the selection is made. It is the area inside that will be preserved. This selection can be inverted by selecting Inverse from the Select menu.
Making the mask
When the selection is finished, click on the Mask icon in the Layers palette. The mask is made. Whatever was outside of the selection will disappear, showing the layer underneath. In the palette, to the right of the layer icon, you will see another icon showing a black-and-white representation of the mask.
Refining the mask
If the mask needs improving, apply brushes directly to it. Click on the relevant layer, then on the Mask icon to make it active. Set the Color Picker (in the toolbox) to black and white, and the brush to the Normal mode, with 100 percent Opacity and Flow. The size and style of your brush depends on how intricate you want the mask to be. To add to it, brush on black. To remove parts, brush on white.
Rubylith
To easily differentiate between masked and unmasked layers, apply a Rubylith to the mask. Hold down the Shift and Alt keys and click on the Mask icon within the open layer (repeating this action removes the Rubylith). This gives the masked area a red transparent overlay so that changes with the brush are easier to see. To change its color and strength, double-click on the mask and alter the available options.
Selections and brushes
This is another task where a graphics tablet will prove invaluable. It will give you complete control in smoothing edges together.
Adjusting percentage and flow
To refine a mask, set the brush to full Opacity and Flow. However, there are occasions, such as when masking around moving objects, when setting the brush lower will give only a slight overlay.
Using gradients
If you want two layers to flow into each other smoothly, use a gradient rather than a selection to make the mask. Open a new empty Layer Mask and apply the gradient tool directly to it(again, with the tones set to black and white).
Flattening the images
Be careful to keep all your layers intact while working on different layers. If saving temporarily, save as Photoshop document. then finally flatten the image.
Using Layer masks (not available with Elements) allows separate parts of layers to be hidden to show the layer underneath. as this is done with a mask, the original layer remains untouched, so mistakes can be easily rectified or changes made to the mask later.
Keeping the resolution size
Whenever you import a new layer, it must be the same resolution as the other layers. It does not matter if the document size is smaller, or if just part of a shot is used with a mask applied to the rest.
Making a selection for the mask
To make a selection for a mask, first make a rough selection around the relevant area. It does not have to be exact at this stage, or applied with a feather, as a more precise shape will be achieved later by directly manipulating the mask. Remember, when the selection is made. It is the area inside that will be preserved. This selection can be inverted by selecting Inverse from the Select menu.
Making the mask
When the selection is finished, click on the Mask icon in the Layers palette. The mask is made. Whatever was outside of the selection will disappear, showing the layer underneath. In the palette, to the right of the layer icon, you will see another icon showing a black-and-white representation of the mask.
Refining the mask
If the mask needs improving, apply brushes directly to it. Click on the relevant layer, then on the Mask icon to make it active. Set the Color Picker (in the toolbox) to black and white, and the brush to the Normal mode, with 100 percent Opacity and Flow. The size and style of your brush depends on how intricate you want the mask to be. To add to it, brush on black. To remove parts, brush on white.
Rubylith
To easily differentiate between masked and unmasked layers, apply a Rubylith to the mask. Hold down the Shift and Alt keys and click on the Mask icon within the open layer (repeating this action removes the Rubylith). This gives the masked area a red transparent overlay so that changes with the brush are easier to see. To change its color and strength, double-click on the mask and alter the available options.
Selections and brushes
This is another task where a graphics tablet will prove invaluable. It will give you complete control in smoothing edges together.
Adjusting percentage and flow
To refine a mask, set the brush to full Opacity and Flow. However, there are occasions, such as when masking around moving objects, when setting the brush lower will give only a slight overlay.
Using gradients
If you want two layers to flow into each other smoothly, use a gradient rather than a selection to make the mask. Open a new empty Layer Mask and apply the gradient tool directly to it(again, with the tones set to black and white).
Flattening the images
Be careful to keep all your layers intact while working on different layers. If saving temporarily, save as Photoshop document. then finally flatten the image.