Basic techniques for Photoshop layer Masks

Source: Internet
Author: User
Share the basics of layer masks with the users of Photoshop software.
Skill Sharing:
The mask is the tool to control the adjustment
The mask, it sounds like a very professional vocabulary, in fact, it is very simple to understand.
For example, when we minimize the saturation of a picture, the picture becomes black and white.
But we hope that there is still color in the middle of the picture, just the edge of the screen into black and white.
How do you deal with it?
We just need to get our adjustments applied to some of the images on the line.
At this time we need a tool to control which part of the image application adjustment, which part of the image does not apply adjustment, the tool is a mask.
Inside the PS is the use of pure black to not apply the adjustment, pure white to indicate the application of adjustment, gray representation of the application of the adjustment.

So when our masks are in the picture, the effect is this:

The role of The mask
First, local adjustment

Through the mask, we can achieve very fine local adjustment, so that the picture shows a richer picture effect.

For example, in this photo, we use masks to allow saturation adjustments to be applied only to local, and to achieve more special effects.
Second, the synthesis
When synthesizing, we often use masks to adjust edges.

For example, we synthesize a chameleon and a big beak bird:

In the example above we are applying masks to adjust, this picture is applied to the image mask, in fact, the essence is the same.
Apply masks to adjustments that control which part of the image is applied to the adjustment.
Applying masks to pictures is the control of which part of the image appears.
The edges may be stiff when we pull the map, so we need to use the mask to adjust the edges.
Third, the manufacture of special effects

For example, we use masks to allow two images to be fused to create a more cool visual effect.

Different types of masks
There are many types of masks, but they can be roughly divided into the following categories:
A, Shape mask
The so-called shape mask relies on a specific shape to create a mask. For example, we can use the pentagram, triangles, squares, Mickey Mouse and other shapes to create a mask.
For example, the following picture:

This one is not to adjust the application mask, but to another picture application mask, in fact, the essence is the same.
Apply masks to adjustments that control which part of the image is applied to the adjustment.
Applying masks to pictures is the control of which part of the image appears.

For example, in this picture, we apply a mask to the flower image, and the middle black part shows the next image "flow", and the white one shows the image "Flowers".
The advantage of a shape mask is that the shape can be customized, the edges are clear, and the use is simpler.
The disadvantage is not flexible, for some of the higher degree of customization effect, shape masks are difficult to do.
Second, gradient mask
The so-called gradient mask, in fact, is a mask is a gradient. The effect of this is this:

Its layers are like this:

We mentioned in the previous, in PS is the use of pure black to indicate no adjustment, pure white to indicate the application of adjustment, gray expression part of the application adjustment.
So say the upper left corner is black, will fully display the next layer of the image, the middle is a gradient of gray, so there will be two layers are displayed, showing a mixed state, the lower right corner is white, will fully display the image of this layer.
The advantage of the gradient mask is that the blending effect is very good, the transition is natural,
The disadvantage is that the scope of application is limited.
Third, manual mask
The so-called manual mask, in fact, is the mask is manually drawn.

This should be well understood.

The advantages of manual masks are high flexibility, high precision, and the effect can be diversified.
The disadvantage is that time and effort, the subjective requirements of people high.
Four, color mask
The so-called color mask, it is based on similar colors created by the mask.
We know, the tree is green, the sky is blue, the clouds are white, then in fact we choose the color, also in the selection of these things, through the color mask, we can control which part of the image application adjustment, which part of the image does not apply adjustment.
For example, the following picture:

We lower the saturation to the lowest, because our circle is placed in the sky, so that only the sky has become black and white, the building has not changed.
Color Mask The advantage is more convenient, high practicality, simple operation.
The disadvantage is that some pictures, such as Black-and-white photos, cannot be applied.
Five, brightness mask
A brightness mask is a mask that is built from the brightness range.
We know that there are 256 brightness levels in a picture, then we can divide the 256 brightness levels according to a certain standard, and then adjust the different grading levels.

Brightness mask The advantages of a wide range of applications, easy to operate.
The disadvantage is that it cannot be used for certain specific needs.
Okay, the above information is small to give you photoshop this software users of the layer mask based on the use of the basic skills to share the whole content, you see the users of Photoshop software here, small knitting believe you are now very clear skills, Hope to help you.

Contact Us

The content source of this page is from Internet, which doesn't represent Alibaba Cloud's opinion; products and services mentioned on that page don't have any relationship with Alibaba Cloud. If the content of the page makes you feel confusing, please write us an email, we will handle the problem within 5 days after receiving your email.

If you find any instances of plagiarism from the community, please send an email to: info-contact@alibabacloud.com and provide relevant evidence. A staff member will contact you within 5 working days.

A Free Trial That Lets You Build Big!

Start building with 50+ products and up to 12 months usage for Elastic Compute Service

  • Sales Support

    1 on 1 presale consultation

  • After-Sales Support

    24/7 Technical Support 6 Free Tickets per Quarter Faster Response

  • Alibaba Cloud offers highly flexible support services tailored to meet your exact needs.