What is Layer Mask in Photoshop
A layer mask in Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows you to hide or reveal parts of a layer without permanently altering the underlying pixels. This can be especially useful when working with images that have complex backgrounds or when making adjustments to a specific area of a photo.
To create a layer mask, first select the layer you want to work with. Then, click on the “Layer” menu and select “Layer Mask” and “Reveal All”. A white rectangle will appear next to the layer thumbnail, indicating that a mask has been added.
When you paint on the mask with a black brush, the corresponding areas of the layer will be hidden. When you paint with a white brush, the corresponding areas of the layer will be revealed. You can also use shades of gray to partially hide or reveal an area.
One of the advantages of using a layer mask is that you can easily make adjustments to the mask later on. For example, if you accidentally hide an area of the image that you want to reveal, you can simply paint over that area with a white brush to reveal it again.
Another advantage of using a layer mask is that it allows you to make non-destructive edits to your image. Since the original pixels are not being altered, you can always go back and adjust the mask as needed without losing any information.
There are many ways to use layer masks in Photoshop, from simple color adjustments to more advanced compositing techniques. With a little practice, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this powerful tool to enhance your photos and create stunning images.
All about the layer mask is explained in the video below.
