Inverting a mask in Lightroom is a straightforward process, varying slightly depending on the type of mask and the Lightroom version you are using. This allows you to quickly target the opposite area of your initial selection.
Inverting Masks in Lightroom on the Web
According to Adobe's help documentation (https://helpx.adobe.com/content/help/en/lightroom-cc/web/edit-photos/apply-masks/invert-masks.html), inverting a mask in Lightroom on the web involves these steps:
- Open your image: Navigate to your image in the Lightroom web interface.
- Access the Masks panel: Select the image to open it in detail view and then choose the Masking option.
- Select the mask: Locate the mask you wish to invert in the Masks panel.
- Invert the mask: Click the three-dot icon next to the mask. Select Invert Mask. This will reverse the selection, affecting the previously unselected area.
Inverting Masks in Lightroom Classic and Mobile
Other versions of Lightroom (Classic and Mobile) offer slightly different methods but achieve the same result. In Lightroom Classic, you might find an "Invert" checkbox directly within the mask settings, or a right-click option to invert the mask. Lightroom Mobile often uses a long-press on the mask followed by selecting "Invert Mask" from the menu. Consult the respective Lightroom help documentation for your specific version for detailed instructions.
Many tutorials online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-wdH_4Us2Y, https://scottdavenportphoto.com/blog/how-to-invert-simple-and-complex-masks-in-lightroom) demonstrate the process visually, offering a practical understanding of inverting both simple and complex masks.
Example: If you've masked a subject, inverting the mask will then allow you to edit only the background.
