Understanding masks and layers in photoshop?

Gruyanidas

Senior Member
It is interesting how guy without camera asks such a question but what is left do be done in period of waiting but to learn something usefull for laser. It is a little bit funy at all, but Im not 100% sure in this since I have recently started with the program. I have learned tools and some of the basics but how I should know when to use new mask and layer? Can some of you provide me some example or link where I can learn it further? Thanks!

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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
It is interesting how guy without camera asks such a question but what is left do be done in period of waiting but to learn something usefull for laser. It is a little bit funy at all, but Im not 100% sure in this since I have recently started with the program. I have learned tools and some of the basics but how I should know when to use new mask and layer? Can some of you provide me some example or link where I can learn it further? Thanks!

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This should get you started...

Understanding Layers in Photoshop

Photoshop Layers Panel Essentials

Understanding Layer Masks in Photoshop


EDIT: Some additional thought's: I would advise you to have a very good understanding of Layers in Photoshop before you start reading about Layer Masks. This is because when using Photoshop you will always be working with Layers... Always. You'll be working with at least one Layer since any file you open in Photoshop will open on its own Layer. Further, since it is not a good idea to make changes on the Background Layer (your "Original") you will most likely be working with at least two Layers every time you edit a file in Photoshop. Layers really are the foundation of Photoshop, learn these first.

As for Layer Masking and Masks in general, that's all done using a Layer Mask and once you understand Layers, Masking them will be easy.

But learn Layers first. Learn them well.
 
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Gruyanidas

Senior Member
This helped me a lot :) So, as far as I understand, mask helps us to "paint" areas on the layer where we dont want to apply the effect? Or Im just confused :S
 

Gruyanidas

Senior Member
Sorry for bothering with this but now I got it all the basics :D Black over the mask means making a hole to the layer below, and whitening it, covers the area and undo the job. Thats it! Hurray! :D
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
This helped me a lot :) So, as far as I understand, mask helps us to "paint" areas on the layer where we dont want to apply the effect? Or Im just confused :S
I would have a hard time explaining what a Layer Mask actually *is*, besides being a tool to do something with; much like I would have a hard time explaining what a hammer actually *is*, besides being a tool to do something with. The best way to understand either of these things, in my opinion, is to jump in and actually start working with them. To that end, follow the steps in the first article I linked you to, "Understanding Layers in Photoshop". Still, I'll do my best to explain how Layer Masks work...

The Layer Mask itself is "transparent". You "Paint" on the Layer Mask using the Photoshop Brush Tool in either black or white. The Layer Mask is what allows you to selectively apply the effects of different Adjustment Layers while using the Brush. The Brush Tool has two functions: painting in Black which conceals (hides) the effect of the Adjustment Layer, and painting in White reveals (shows) the effect.

Layer masks are white by default, which means they automatically allow the adjustment layer to affect the entire image. With a White Layer Mask you would use a Black Brush to conceal those parts of the Adjustment Layer you don't want seen in the final image. Or, you can switch to a Black Layer Mask and use a White Brush to reveal those parts of the Adjustment Layer you want seen in the final image.
 
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Gruyanidas

Senior Member
Yes, exactly, I did good study yesterday and today I will practise ridding that bike ☺

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BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I would have a hard time explaining what a Layer Mask actually *is*, besides being a tool to do something with; much like I would have a hard time explaining what a hammer actually *is*, besides being a tool to do something with. The best way to understand either of these things, in my opinion, is to jump in and actually start working with them. To that end, follow the steps in the first article I linked you to, "Understanding Layers in Photoshop". Still, I'll do my best to explain how Layer Masks work...

The Layer Mask itself is "transparent". You "Paint" on the Layer Mask using the Photoshop Brush Tool in either black or white. The Layer Mask is what allows you to selectively apply the effects of different Adjustment Layers while using the Brush. The Brush Tool has two functions: painting in Black which conceals (hides) the effect of the Adjustment Layer, and painting in White reveals (shows) the effect.

Layer masks are white by default, which means they automatically allow the adjustment layer to affect the entire image. With a White Layer Mask you would use a Black Brush to conceal those parts of the Adjustment Layer you don't want seen in the final image. Or, you can switch to a Black Layer Mask and use a White Brush to reveal those parts of the Adjustment Layer you want seen in the final image.

Nothing wrong here. The one thing I'd add t this is that the real power is that masks aren't just black and white. When painting in (painting white on black) or out (black on white) you can adjust both the opacity and flow of the paint so that you get shades of gray. This, along with your brush selection, is critical in leaving a natural look between affected and unaffected areas.
 

Blade Canyon

Senior Member
There are SO MANY aspects to layers, you just have to play around. I really like Youtube tutorials because they might show you one trick with a layer, then you realize how many other ways that trick can be used.

With a layer mask, you can adjust the parts of the layer you want in the final photo.
With layer opacity/transparency adjustments, you can adjust the amount of effect that layer has.
With layer blending mode (more than a dozen), you can adjust the way the layer affects the look of the photo. (For example, try opening a black-and-white adjustment layer. Make your adjustments to darken/lighten as desired, then change the blending mode to soft light with 50% opacity.)
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Nothing wrong here. The one thing I'd add t this is that the real power is that masks aren't just black and white. When painting in (painting white on black) or out (black on white) you can adjust both the opacity and flow of the paint so that you get shades of gray. This, along with your brush selection, is critical in leaving a natural look between affected and unaffected areas.
You're absolutely correct; I was just trying to limit my response to Layer Masking as a concept; without getting into too many details to quickly.
 

Gruyanidas

Senior Member
After all your kind responses and advices I would feel guilty at least if I do not master this lesons about photoshop 😃

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