Exercise: Layer Mask

This tutorial goes through the basics of using Layer Masks to add transparent areas without affecting the original image.

  1. Copy and paste the image of your choice onto a new canvas.

  2. Adding a layer mask

    To add a layer mask, click the Add a mask Add a mask action on the Layers panel.

    Notice that an additional empty rectangle shows up next to the right. That is your layer mask.

  3. Switching to layer editing

    To edit on the layer itself and not the layer mask, click on the left rectangle to select the layer.

  4. Switching to mask editing

    To edit on the mask, click on the right rectangle to select the mask.

  5. Adding transparency

    Now let's add transparent areas to the image using the layer mask. Make sure the mask is selected, and choose black as your foreground color. Use the Paintbrush Paintbrush to color in areas that you want transparent.

    You are actually not altering the original image in any way. All of this is done on the mask.

  6. Semi-transparency

    Masks only see Grayscale colors. While you are editing the mask, even if you choose a non-grayscale color, it will use its grayscale equivalent. Black is 100% transparent. White is 0%. Anything inbetween is semi-transparent.

    For example, I will use a gray instead of black. When I use the Paintbrush Paintbrush, I create semi-transparent areas instead of fully transparent.

  7. Fading out areas

    By using a Gradient Gradient on the Layer Mask, you can fade out parts of images. Select a black to transparent Linear Gradient.

    Make sure the mask is selected and create a gradient from bottom to top. Now the bottom of the image is faded out.

  8. Linking

    By default, the mask and the layer are linked together. You can tell by this chain-looking icon between them.

    This means that if you move the mask or the layer, they move together and don't get separated.

  9. Unlinking

    To unlink the layer from the mask, click on the chain icon to make it go away.

    Now when you move either the mask or layer, they don't move together. They are separated now.

  10. Deleting masks

    To remove a mask, select it, and then hit the Delete action Delete at the bottom of the Layers panel.

    It will ask if you want to apply the mask to the layer before removing. If you choose Apply, the changes made on the mask get applied to the layer. If you choose Discard, all of those changes get removed and your image still looks as it did originally.

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Image credit: berenika at stock.xchng