Inverting a mask in image editing software like Photoshop or other programs like After Effects or Affinity Photo is a common operation for working with selections and masks. You can invert a mask to quickly reverse the masked area and work with the unmasked portion instead.
Here's how you can invert a mask:
- Using keyboard shortcuts: The most straightforward way is to use the keyboard shortcut Command+I (Mac) or Ctrl+I (Windows). This will instantly invert your mask, switching the masked and unmasked areas.
- Using menu options: Alternatively, you can go to Image > Adjustments > Invert in your image editing software. This will achieve the same result as the keyboard shortcut.
Note: The specific method for inverting a mask may differ slightly depending on the software you are using. However, the general concept remains the same.
Example: Imagine you have a mask applied to an image, masking out a person's face. Inverting the mask would then reveal the face while masking out the rest of the image. This would allow you to easily edit or manipulate the face separately from the background.
Other methods for inverting masks:
- In After Effects: You can invert a mask in After Effects by setting the "Mode" of the Path options to "Negative" within the Pan & Crop window.
- In Nomad Sculpt: While working with the mask brush, click the brush settings (brush icon in the top-right corner) and invert the mask from within the panel.
- In Affinity Photo: You can invert a mask by selecting the mask layer and using the "Invert" function in the Layer menu.
Inverting a mask is a quick and efficient way to switch your focus from the masked area to the unmasked area, enabling you to make specific changes within the inverted selection.
