9: CLIPPING MASKS & Layer Masks

Clipping Masks VS Layer Masks

Make a Clipping Mask

A clipping mask is a group of layers to which a mask is applied. The bottommost layer, or base layer, defines the visible boundaries of the entire group. For example, suppose you have a shape in the base layer, a photograph in the layer above it, and text in the topmost layer. If the photograph and text appear only through the shape outline in the base layer, they also take on the opacity of the base layer.

You can group only successive layers. The name of the base layer in the group is underlined, and the thumbnails for the overlying layers are indented. Additionally, the overlying layers display the clipping mask icon.

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Hold down Alt (Option in Mac OS), position the pointer over the line dividing two layers in the Layers panel (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles), and then click.
    • In the Layers panel, select the top layer of a pair of layers you want to group, and choose Layer > Create Clipping Mask.
  2. When making a clipping mask from an existing layer and one you are about to create, first select the existing layer in the Layers panel. Then choose New Layer from the Layer menu or the Layers panel More menu. In the New Layer dialog box, select Use Previous Layer To Create Clipping Mask, and click OK.

    The layers in the clipping mask have the opacity and mode attributes of the bottommost base layer in the group.

    Remove a layer from a clipping mask

    Ungrouping the base layer from the layer above it ungroups all layers in the clipping mask.

    1. Do one of the following:
      • Hold down Alt (Option in Mac OS), position the pointer over the line separating two grouped layers in the Layers panel (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles), and click.
      • In the Layers panel, select a layer in the clipping mask, and choose Layer > Release Clipping Mask. This command removes the selected layer and any layers above it from the clipping mask.
      • In the Layers panel, select any layer in the group except the base layer. Either drag the layer below the base layer, or drag it between two ungrouped layers in the image.

    Release clipping mask

    1. In the Layers panel, select any layer other than the base layer in the clipping mask.
    2. Choose Layer > Release Clipping Mask.

What is a layer masking?

Layer masking is a reversible way to hide part of a layer. This gives you more editing flexibility than permanently erasing or deleting part of a layer. Layer masking is useful for making image composites, cutting out objects for use in other documents, and limiting edits to part of a layer.

You can add black, white, or gray color to a layer mask. One way to do that is by painting on the layer mask. Black on a layer mask hides the layer that contains the mask, so you can see what is underneath that layer. Gray on a layer mask partially hides the layer that contains the mask. White on a layer mask shows the layer that contains the mask.

Create a layer mask

  1. Select a layer in the Layers panel.
  2. Click the Add layer mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel. A white layer mask thumbnail appears on the selected layer, revealing everything on the selected layer.

Add black to a layer mask to conceal

Adding black to a layer mask hides the layer that contains the mask.

  1. In the Layers panel, make sure there is a white border around the layer mask thumbnail. If there is not a white border, click the layer mask thumbnail.
  2. Select the Brush tool in the Toolbar. In the Options bar, open the Brush Picker and choose the size and hardness of the brush.
  3. Press D to set the default colors of white and black in the Toolbar. Then press X to switch the colors, so black becomes the foreground color.
  4. Paint over the image, which adds black to the layer mask. Black on the layer mask hides the layer with the mask, so you can see the layer below or the checkerboard pattern that represents transparency.

White/Black/1/0 = Visibility of mask

Add white to a layer mask to reveal

Adding white to a layer mask shows the layer that contains the mask. You can paint with white on a layer mask to reveal content you had previously concealed with black on the layer mask.

  1. Press X to switch the foreground and background colors in the Toolbar, so white becomes the foreground color.
  2. Paint over hidden areas of the image. This adds white to the layer mask, bringing back into view corresponding areas of the masked layer.

Fine-tune the layer mask with black, white, and gray

Switching between black and white as you paint on a layer mask is a flexible way to fine-tune the mask edge. If you use a soft brush, the edges of the brush will apply shades of gray, partially hiding that part of the layer with the mask.

Save your work with layers

  • Save the image in .PSD or .TIFF format to retain the layers and layer masks for future editing.

Also see: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/layer-mask.html  &  https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/masking-layers.html