Layer Mask Basics Video Tutorial

with 7 Comments

Layer Mask Basics Video Tutorial
by Linda Sattgast

A layer mask is an amazing tool that allows you to edit your photos non-destructively. It is accessed and used in the Layers panel, and its purpose is to hide part of a layer.

When would you want to hide part of a layer? Let me count the ways . . . only it would take me all day. So instead, I’ll show you ONE great example. I’ll add a layer of texture above a photo and change the blend mode to create an artistic effect. Then I’ll use a layer mask to remove some of the texture over our cute little kitty so we can see her better.

LayerMaskBasics-3

Watch the video tutorial—available for both Photoshop Elements and Adobe Photoshop:

LayerMaskBasics-1

LayerMaskBasics-2

 

Interested in digging in deeper?

 

Learn-Digital-Scrapbooking-200

Learn Digital Scrapbooking

Whether you’re just getting started in digital scrapbooking or are self taught and want to fill in the gaps in your education, the Learn Digital Scrapbooking class will help you get up to speed FAST and become the confident, competent digital scrapbooker you deserve to be.

Learn more about the Learn Digital Scrapbooking class!

 

_____________________________________________

Linda SattgastAuthor: Linda Sattgast | Contact Us
All comments are moderated.
Please allow time for your comment to appear.

7 Responses

  1. Su Hall
    | Reply

    I like to use an all black mask, then, with white, set to a low ‘Flow’, click to bring back only parts of an image or texture. You have such complete control! Thank you for the simple, yet, thorough tutorial!

    Su

  2. Linda Sattgast
    | Reply

    Thanks, everyone—I’m glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

  3. Rose Leontini
    | Reply

    Great tutorial, I forgot about using a gray mask, thanks for reminding me because I’ve been using layer masks frequently while editing my photos and a gray mask would be very useful.

  4. Linda
    | Reply

    Super tutorial. Sometimes I forget how to make this happen. You explained it so well. Layer masks really do make such a difference on photos. I just have to use what I’ve learned more often!

  5. Judy Wayment
    | Reply

    What a great summary! Thanks so much.

  6. gin
    | Reply

    Great video! Just getting into layer masks – dabbled in them before – hope to get a handle on them now – this video sure helped!!!

  7. Karen Clinkinbeard
    | Reply

    Great tutorial! Wish I would have seen this years ago as it took me a long time to understand layer masks! This is perfect for new users.

Leave a Reply to Rose Leontini Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.