To apply a layer mask to a selection, ensure your selection is active and click the "Add layer mask" button located in the Layers panel. This immediately creates a layer mask based on your selection.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Make Your Selection: Use your preferred selection tool (e.g., Lasso Tool, Magic Wand Tool, Quick Selection Tool) to create the selection you want to use as the basis for your mask. Make sure the correct layer is selected in the layers panel before making your selection.
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Locate the Layers Panel: This panel is typically found on the right-hand side of your screen in most image editing software like Adobe Photoshop. If you can't see it, look under the "Window" menu in the menu bar and select "Layers".
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Click the "Add Layer Mask" Button: This button often looks like a rectangle with a circle inside it. Clicking this button will instantly create a layer mask associated with the selected layer.
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Understanding the Mask: The layer mask itself is a grayscale image.
- White areas on the mask represent areas of the layer that are fully visible. These correspond to the area you selected.
- Black areas on the mask represent areas of the layer that are completely hidden. These correspond to the area outside of your selection.
- Gray areas represent partially transparent areas, with the shade of gray determining the level of transparency.
Example:
Imagine you've selected a person in a photograph. By clicking the "Add Layer Mask" button, the layer mask will make the person visible (white area on the mask) and the background hidden (black area on the mask), effectively isolating the person.
Tips & Considerations:
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You can edit the layer mask directly using paint tools (e.g., Brush Tool, Gradient Tool). Painting with black will hide more of the layer, while painting with white will reveal more. Using shades of gray will create transparency.
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Make sure the layer mask thumbnail is selected in the Layers panel when you want to edit the mask itself, rather than the layer's content.
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You can disable the layer mask by right-clicking on the layer mask thumbnail and choosing "Disable Layer Mask." This allows you to temporarily see the entire layer without the mask applied.
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You can delete the layer mask by right-clicking on the layer mask thumbnail and choosing "Delete Layer Mask". You'll typically be given the option to apply the mask before deleting it, which permanently modifies the layer.
