Tips for using masks in Photoshop

Masks are one of the most important skills in PS learning. This tutorial will share with you 10 tips for using masks to help you better use the mask to make interesting and exciting effects. Let's study together!

1. Gradient Masks for soft transitions

Use the gradient tool on a layer mask to create a soft transition for a picture covered by a mask and the layers underneath it. The biggest advantage of a gradient mask is that you can use the gradient tool to quickly and easily modify the mask.

2. Clipping masks and text

A clipping mask enables you to use the contents of one layer as a mask for another layer. This approach is especially important when you need to display pictures in text. Just create a text layer and put the picture on top of the text layer, and then hold down the Alt/option key and click between two layers in the layer panel. If you've created a clipping mask, you can also edit the text, arbitrarily move the picture or text without breaking the relationship between the two elements in the mask.

3. Multiple masks for better control

A layer can have both a pixel mask and a vector mask, but what is it used for? For example, you might want to pull a picture, and the edges of it are very complex, while the other part is very clean and sharp. In this case, you use both masks at the same time in the same layer. Pixel masks are primarily used for complex detail processing, while vector masks are more useful for sharp, clean picture edges.

4. Vector Masks for accurate edge processing

As we mentioned above, vector masks are best suited for clean, sharp edges. Keep the following points in mind when building the outline of a vector mask with the pen tool:

Use less anchor points as much as possible

Preview the next path with a rubber band

When creating a new anchor point, hold down the spacebar to move freely

Hold down the Alt/option key and click the anchor point to convert the anchor point to a corner or smooth point

Press and hold the Command/ctrl key to activate the direct selection tool and move the anchor point

5. Pixel Masks and custom brushes

Another advantage of pixel masks is that you can use custom brushes and special brush tip shapes in masks. There are thousands of kinds of free PS brush Tools on the Web, you can use them to import PS.

6. Mask concentration and feathering

After you create a pixel mask or a vector mask, you can adjust the visibility of the picture through the consistency slider on its property panel, as well as add feathering to the edges completely and without prejudice.

7. Masking Edges for edge optimization

For more complex parts, you can use the Mask edge option to optimize edge quality. The most effective setting in the Mask Edge dialog box is the smart radius, the move edge, and the purge color options when handling hair.

8. Quick Mask

A quick mask is the initial stage of creating a mask. Press the Q key to enter the quick mask status. In a quick mask state, you can use a brush or gradient tool to create a selection. By default, the selection is displayed as the initial color, and no region is displayed as 50% red. When the selection is determined, press the Q key again to convert the selection to a pixel mask and use it on the selected layer.

9, Lock the transparency

Locking transparency is similar to using a clipping mask. When a layer has transparency, you can lock the transparency, but be sure to keep the layer contour consistent.

10. Shortcut keys

Some of the shortcut keys used in the PS mask:

ALT + click: Click the Mask thumbnail to enter or exit the Mask view

shift+ Click: Click the mask thumbnail to make it available or unavailable

shift+alt+ Click: Under the Mask, click the Mask thumbnail to enter or exit the Quick mask mode

CTRL + click: Click the mask thumbnail to create a selection on the mask edge

ctrl+alt+ Click: Click the mask thumbnail to subtract some selections from the Mask Edge

ctrl+shift+alt+ Click: Click the mask thumbnail to create a cross section between the initial selection and a new selection on the edge of the mask

Category:

• PS Getting Started Tutorial
• PS Mask Tutorial