To add a layer mask to a layer in Photoshop, simply select the layer and click the "Add Layer Mask" button at the bottom of the Layers panel.
Layer masks are a non-destructive way to control the visibility of a layer, allowing you to selectively hide or reveal portions of it without permanently deleting pixels. They are incredibly useful for blending images, creating vignettes, or making precise adjustments to specific areas.
Adding a layer mask in Photoshop is a straightforward process.
Steps to Add a Layer Mask
Follow these steps to quickly add a layer mask to your desired layer:
- Select the Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer to which you want to add a mask. Ensure the layer is highlighted to show it's selected.
- Click the "Add Layer Mask" Button: At the very bottom of the Layers panel, locate and click the "Add Layer Mask" button. It looks like a rectangle with a circle inside.
Once clicked, a white thumbnail will appear next to the layer's preview thumbnail in the Layers panel. This white thumbnail represents the newly added layer mask. By default, a white mask reveals the entire layer.
Using the Layer Mask: Painting to Reveal or Hide
After adding the layer mask, you can modify it by painting on the mask thumbnail using the Brush tool. The colors you use determine what parts of the layer are visible:
- Painting with black on the layer mask hides the corresponding parts of the layer.
- Painting with white on the layer mask reveals the corresponding parts of the layer.
- Painting with shades of gray creates semi-transparent areas.
According to the reference, "To use layer masks in Photoshop, simply select the layer, click the 'Add Layer Mask' button at the bottom of the Layers panel, and then paint on the mask with black to hide or white to reveal parts of the layer." This highlights the essential painting technique.
Quick Guide to Mask Painting:
- Black: Hides
- White: Reveals
- Gray: Semi-transparent
Always ensure the mask thumbnail (the white/black box next to the layer) is selected in the Layers panel before you start painting, not the layer thumbnail itself. A white outline around the mask thumbnail indicates it's selected.
Using layer masks offers flexibility, allowing you to refine your edits by simply painting back and forth with black and white on the mask, rather than permanently erasing pixels from the layer itself.
