To create a mask group, more accurately known as a clipping mask, in Photoshop, use the following steps:
- In the Layers panel, select the layer you want to be clipped (the top layer of the pair). This is the layer that will be visible only through the shape or content of the layer below it.
- Go to the Layer menu and choose Create Clipping Mask (Layer > Create Clipping Mask). Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:
- Windows: Alt + Ctrl + G
- Mac: Option + Command + G
Now, the selected (top) layer is clipped to the layer directly below it. The visibility of the top layer is determined by the transparency or content of the bottom layer. Anything on the top layer that falls outside the boundaries of the bottom layer's content will be hidden.
Understanding Clipping Masks:
- The bottom layer acts as the mask. The opaque areas of this layer reveal the clipped layers above.
- You can clip multiple layers. All layers directly above the base layer will be affected.
- To release a clipping mask, select the clipped layer and go to Layer > Release Clipping Mask (or use the same keyboard shortcut).
Example:
Let's say you have a photo of a texture on one layer (top layer) and a text layer below it (bottom layer). By creating a clipping mask, the texture will only be visible inside the shapes of the text. The text acts as the mask, revealing the texture within its letters.
Troubleshooting:
- Make sure the layer you want to use as the mask is below the layer you want to clip. Clipping masks always work from the top layer down.
- Check the layer order. If the layers aren't in the correct order, the clipping mask won't work as expected.
- Ensure the bottom layer (mask) has actual content or transparency. A completely empty layer won't reveal anything from the clipped layers.
Clipping masks are a powerful and non-destructive way to control the visibility of layers in Photoshop. They are commonly used for applying textures to text, filling shapes with patterns, and creating complex masking effects.
