Photoshop Layer Mask Basics For Beginners
Image masking services use to cover up any layer to perform the selective adjustment. You can simply define it as an option to select any portion of the photo with the help of photoshop or other programs. Masking has a wide range of implementations in different types of images editing. The editors use this method to achieve 100% accuracy in the photos.
Also, it allows performing operations on the selected portion while leaving the other positions untouched. You may find several types of masking services. But, layer masks are the most used method of photoshop. The layer mask is a convenient method for a beginner to step into this realm. In the later part of this article, I will try to provide step-by-step guidelines on how to start photoshop layer masking as a beginner.
What are the image masking services in photoshop?
Photoshop masking is the method of isolating any portion of the image without affecting the resolution. Masking is very effective in grabbing the edges of complex images like hair, fabrics, or dolls. Image masking is the best method for the selective adjustments of subjects with complex and soft edges. Also, where the clipping path is not enough to generate flawless photos, photoshop masking service is the only way to select those portions. You won't find any other techniques that are as beneficial as this to bring accuracy to the images. The best image photo masking services are given below:
Layer Masking Service,
Alpha Masking Service, and
Transparent Masking
What is layer masking?
Layer masking is a way to hide any part of a layer. Masking provides more flexibility on selective adjustments than permanently deleting any portion of the layer. The editors can perform any retouching adjustments or cutting out that portion to use later. Also, you may add black, white, and gray colors to a layer mask. Let's look into the procedures of how to start a layer mask in photoshop.
Introducing a layer mask
Photoshop offers a set of operations to control the layer mask on the image. Both in print and photoshop, the layer on the top is the thing that will be visible. Let's create a layer mask. First, you have to select a layer from the layer panel where you want to put the mask. Then click the add layer mask button at the bottom of the layer panel. Also, you can operate Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All.
A white rectangle of layer mask thumbnail will appear on the selected layer. Which will reveal every part of the selected layer. Did you notice that after adding a layer mask nothing has visibly changed? The reason is that we haven't changed anything with the content of the layer mask. So, we can say that the layer mask contains pixel data too.
Adding black and white to a layer mask
You can add black to a layer mask by navigating Edit > Fill. Then choose black. You will see that the layer mask thumbnail turns black. And, the layer will disappear from the canvas. A black mask is equivalent to 0% opacity in terms of a transparent layer. Thus you can hide the layer that contains the mask.
Meanwhile, Adding a white to the mask reveals the content of the layer. You can paint with white to the previously concealed contents. Also, you can switch the foreground and background color by pressing X. By painting white over the concealed areas, you can bring back those hidden areas of the layer.
Fine-tuning the layer mask
You can switch between black and white to fine-tune the edge of the mask. The soft brush allowing adding gray shades by partially hiding that part with the mask. The layer mask has a wide range of implications rather than confining only with the black and white. Also, layer masks can contain the information of grayscale pixels. You can adjust the brightness and contrast by navigating the layer mask thumbnail and choosing Image > Adjustments > Brightness & Contrast.
Conclusion
Layer masking is a very effective Photoshop operation to separate complex images. Also, You can bring this method into your workflow to increase the opportunity in the creative field. A layer mask gives a lot of scopes to adjust any portion without affecting the image. This article only provides a brief understanding of the image masking services and layer masking. You need to practice those points by yourself to be an expert in this sector.
FAQ
Why is my layer mask white?
The photoshop layer masks are filled with white by default. The reason behind this is that first you need to see everything on the layer. Also, it means that the layer is fully visible.
What is a layer mask used for?
Photoshop image masking is the method to hide or reveal any portion of the image. Image masking gives the editor more facilities to change that layer according to the requirement.
Image link:
https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/understanding-photoshop-layer-masks/ ( Introducing a layer mask & Adding black and white to a layer mask)
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/fine-tune-layer-masks.html (Fine-tuning the layer mask)
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