How do I create a layer mask in Photoshop CC?

To create a layer mask in Photoshop CC, you can utilize selections or work directly on a layer mask for detailed control. Here's how to do it:

Creating a Layer Mask Using a Selection:

The quickest way to make a layer mask is from a selection. Here's how:

1. Select the Layer: In the Layers panel, click to select the layer you want to mask. This layer will be the one whose visibility you will be controlling with the mask.

2. Make a Selection: Use any of Photoshop's selection tools (e.g., the Marquee tool, Lasso tool, or Magic Wand tool) to select the area of your layer you want to reveal or hide.

3. Access the Layer Mask Menu: In the top menu, navigate to Layer > Layer Mask.

4. Choose Reveal or Hide Selection:

   • Reveal Selection: This will make the area you selected visible, and the rest of the layer will be hidden.
   • Hide Selection: This will hide the area you selected, making the rest of the layer visible.

   Reference: You can create a layer mask from a selection by selecting the layer you want to mask, then going to 'Layer' 'Layer Mask' 'Reveal Selection' or 'Hide Selection' in the Photoshop menu.12-Dec-2023

Creating a Layer Mask Without a Selection:

You can also add a layer mask without a selection which initially reveals the entire layer:

1. Select the Layer: In the Layers panel, click to select the layer you want to mask.
2. Click the Layer Mask Icon: At the bottom of the Layers panel, there is a rectangular icon with a circle inside. Clicking this icon adds a layer mask to the selected layer. The mask is initially filled with white, meaning the whole layer is revealed.

Working with Layer Masks:

Once you have added a layer mask:

• Painting on the mask: Use the Brush tool with black to hide portions of the layer, white to reveal portions, and shades of gray for varying degrees of transparency.
• Editing the mask directly: Select the mask thumbnail next to the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel to work on the mask. You can use editing tools like the Gradient tool, paint bucket, and even filters directly on the mask.
• Linking and Unlinking: The chain icon between the layer thumbnail and the mask thumbnail allows you to link or unlink them. Linked masks move with their layer. Unlinked masks can be moved and adjusted independently.

Layer Mask Practical Insights:

• Non-Destructive Editing: Layer masks are non-destructive. You can modify the mask at any time without directly altering the original layer.
• Detailed Adjustments: Use masks to precisely control the visibility of different parts of an image. For example, you can apply a mask to blend two images seamlessly or to adjust the color of just a part of a photograph.
• Complex Compositions: Layer masks make it easy to build up complex compositions. Use them to combine and adjust elements of different images.
• Reversibility: If you make a mistake on a layer mask, simply correct it by painting in the opposite color.