#Perfect layers copy mask how to#

What happens if we replace the layer mask’s white pixels with black pixels? Simply click the layer mask thumbnail, then click Edit > Fill. This means the areas of a layer mask that hold white pixels allow the same pixel area of their corresponding layer to show through. That’s right, layer masks hold pixel data too! In fact, they can be thought of as layers in their own right, existing in a parallel universe.Ĭurrently, the layer mask in our example holds entirely white pixels, as seen in the layer mask thumbnail. The reason for this has to do with the contents of the layer mask. As seen in the example above, a white rectangle appears to the right of the image thumbnail.ĭespite the fact that we’ve added a layer mask, nothing has visibly changed on the canvas. Alternatively, you can navigate to Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All (we’ll get to the other options later). Let’s start by adding a layer mask to a layer.įirst, select the layer you want to mask (in this example Layer 1), then click the layer mask button as highlighted above. Photoshop provides a complete set of functions for handling layer masks. With that said let’s jump in! Layer mask tutorial. This means you can play with the transparency in a multitude of ways without harming the layer content or creating an irreversible mess. Layer masks, on the other hand, leave the original layer pixel data untouched. That method resides in what we consider a destructive workflow. I mean… can’t I just use the eraser tool to remove parts of an image? The answer is yes! However, if you do those parts of the image will be lost forever. Similarly, Photoshop layer masks can be used to hide and reveal sections of a layer. These masks hide some areas of a persons face and reveal others-often the eyes, nose and mouth. To use a simple analogy, Photoshop layer masks work similar to masquerade ball masks. In other words, the areas of a layer that are hidden by a layer mask actually become transparent, allowing image information from lower layers to show through. Photoshop layer masks control the transparency of the layer they are “worn” by. They open huge doors to creative possibilities and help Photoshop users knock out simple tasks as well! What is a Photoshop layer mask?

#Perfect layers copy mask how to#

Because of their fundamental nature, every Photoshop user should have a working understanding of layer masks and how to use them. Photoshop layer masks offer advanced control over image transparency, one of the most basic functionalities of Photoshop.