askvity

How do I reverse a selection mask in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Selections 3 mins read

To reverse, or invert, a selection mask in Photoshop, you can use a few different methods, each achieving the same result of selecting the opposite of your current selection. Here's how:

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

  • The quickest way to invert a selection is by using the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) or Command + Shift + I (Mac). This immediately reverses your current selection.

Method 2: Through the Select Menu

  1. Make your initial selection using any of Photoshop's selection tools (e.g., Lasso Tool, Marquee Tool, Magic Wand, or by selecting a subject as demonstrated in the YouTube video reference.)
  2. Go to the Select menu in the top menu bar.
  3. Click on Inverse. This action will reverse your current selection.

Method 3: Inverting a Layer Mask

If you have already applied a selection as a layer mask, you can invert the mask to reverse its effect by following these steps:

  1. Select the layer mask thumbnail on your layer panel.

  2. Press Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac). This action will invert the layer mask.

    • For example, If you originally made a selection of a person using the Select Subject option, as described in the reference video, and then turned that selection into a mask, the mask would only show the person in the image. Inverting the mask will hide the person and show everything else.

Practical Insights

  • Inverting a selection is a common task in Photoshop, allowing for quick adjustments and edits.
  • Understanding these methods provides flexibility when working with complex images.
  • Inverting masks is useful when you want to isolate and manipulate specific areas within your work.
Method Action Shortcut
Keyboard Shortcut Press Ctrl+Shift+I (Win) or Command+Shift+I (Mac) Ctrl+Shift+I / Command+Shift+I
Select Menu Select > Inverse None
Layer Mask Inversion Select the layer mask and press Ctrl+I (Win) or Command+I (Mac) Ctrl+I / Command+I

By utilizing any of the methods described above, you can effectively reverse any selection mask in Photoshop, whether it's a direct selection or an existing layer mask. This ensures that you can isolate and modify parts of your image in exactly the way that you intend.

Related Articles