Inspiring

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Add & Subtract Mask Brush Not Working

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Hi:

I selected the sky using the new Masking feature. I noticed that it selected some areas beyond the sky that I wanted to remove from the selection. So, I selected the Subtract option and the Brush Tool to clean up the selection, but it didn't produce the expected result ie. remove areas from the selection.

I'm on a PC desktop with Windows 10 & Lr v 11.0.1

Thanks for your time.

Windows

JohanElzengaCorrect answer

Community Expert

One definitely can subtract by using a brush! If you can't, then post that screenshot and maybe we can see what you are doing wrong. One possibility is that you have selected the 'Erase' option for the brush, thinking you need to use that. You don't, however. You have to click subtract, choose the brush and then use that brush the normal way. You are creating a submask with the brush, and that submask is already subtracted. Erase is only for if you brushed a bit over an edge and want to undo that.

-- Johan W. Elzenga

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IgnacioSottano

Participant

In my case it was that when i made the substract mask brush to remove an existing mask the default density and flow for that brush was insanely low. Increasing its values did the trick, hope it helps!

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degibox

Known Participant

Yeah. When using the "select subject" and "select sky" masking tools, sometimes the "subtract from mask" feature works, and sometimes it doesn't. Won't even let me click on it. It's a real head scratcher.

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leonardc47848464

Participant

I dont know whether this thread is still active. I have grappled with this problem for months. I watched every video to no avail. The key is very simple: one has to increase the density of the brush. Then the +and - works like a dream. I think someone did mention this before. The problem with videos is they sometimes gloss over the most basic essential assuming everyone knows the basics

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Stefano25453139jsrx

Participant

I confirm, I had the same problem. For some reason the "density" of the brush was reduced to zero. Increasing it starts to make the "subtract" action effective. Using low values (i.e. 20-30) makes the process more robust (i.e. you actually remove areas you paint a few times) and gives the possibility to "feather" the subtraction.

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GoldingD

Legend

The Brush, are you perhaps clicking on the Erase button, or holding down ALT, Wrong

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Terrygoan

Participant

Thanks everybody, I did get it to worki. I had the density slider all the way to the left.

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Miguel HortiguelaAuthor

Inspiring

Hi Everyone:

Thanks to everyone that piped in on my head scratcher. I've watched the suggested video and it did shed some light on how the tools work. It appears that, for now, one can't subtract by using the Brush but I was able to do so with the Radial Gradient.

It's a work in progress and a wonderful new tool to help us cut down on some of our post production time. However, for anyone out there that does this for a living. Don't kid yourselves, we still need to know what tools to use and how to wield them which takes time regardless. So don't short change your fees for Post Production work.

Owning a hammer doesn't make one a skilled carpenter.

Miguel

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JohanElzenga

Correct answer

Community Expert

One definitely can subtract by using a brush! If you can't, then post that screenshot and maybe we can see what you are doing wrong. One possibility is that you have selected the 'Erase' option for the brush, thinking you need to use that. You don't, however. You have to click subtract, choose the brush and then use that brush the normal way. You are creating a submask with the brush, and that submask is already subtracted. Erase is only for if you brushed a bit over an edge and want to undo that.

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-- Johan W. Elzenga

Miguel HortiguelaAuthor

Inspiring

It must've been me, because I've repeated what I was attempting to do the first time around and I can attest to the fact that the Brush can definitely be used to add subtract to a mask.

Thanks everyone,

Miguel

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richardplondon

Community Expert

I suggest you check the settings on your Brush - Flow, and Density. It is easy to accidentally change this e.g. by pressing a number key, and then using the brush can have little to no effect so far as altering the mask - whether adding, or subtracting.

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juresti

Known Participant

This worked for me!

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GoldingD

Legend

Screenshot?

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TheDigitalDog

Inspiring

In terms of adding/subtracting/inverting and such, here's a great video to watch:

https://scottdavenportphoto.com/blog/how-to-invert-simple-and-complex-masks-in-lightroom

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Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"

Terrygoan

Participant

I am using a Mac. I have created several differnt mask on several different photos. I can not subtract from the mask using the brush tool. I have watched all the videos you recomended but nothing works.

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Amber23931974x1ng

Participant

I can't either!!!!

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