Skip to main content
dribble97
dribble97
Inspiring
May 19, 2023
Answered

Require a mask to fill all unmasked space

  • May 19, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 503 views

I already have two complex masks covering different parts of my image. These two masks are used to make very different adjustments. I now want to create a third mask covering everything except the two existing masks.

I had thought that this would be simple because the third masking shape is fully defined by the two existing masks. I am really looking for a mask menu option called "Duplicate All and Invert", but, of course, there is no such menu option.

"Duplicate and invert" works perfectly for single masks, but I do not see how to fill the space between two masks to create a new background mask.

Am I missing something obvious? Any suggestions?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer richardplondon

Fair enough: it was just a thought! So far as combining two complex masks into a third: the only workaround I can see might involve using "duplicate and invert mask" on each mask, then dragging all the mask components from one of those duplicates into the other, then addressing their interactions with each other. Might be OK if the way these mask components combined together was reasonably simple.

1 reply

R
Community Expert
richardplondonCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 19, 2023

It occurs to me that looking at this from a different conceptual viewpoint and considering a different working order, the mask you are describing might be in effect "Global adjustments"?

 

That means accepting that your local adjustments will operate cumulatively with global adjustments - which I personally find the more organic and coherent approach - as opposed to, conceiving a whole image in terms of a "patchwork" of  (in adjustment terms) independent areas.

    dribble97
    dribble97Author
    Inspiring
    May 19, 2023

    Depending on the image, I am comfortable working with global adjustment and local adjustments as needed. in the current situation, there may be global adjustments at the start, but by-far the biggest adjustments are local. Any initial global adjustments may be undone by the local adjustments. As an example, the first mask may require mainly tonal greyscale contrast adjustments, the second requires colour contrast adjustments, and the third is a very dark grey-scale background (near black). Just to be clear, the final result is very far from the realistic original image.

     

    R
    Community Expert
    richardplondonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 19, 2023

    Fair enough: it was just a thought! So far as combining two complex masks into a third: the only workaround I can see might involve using "duplicate and invert mask" on each mask, then dragging all the mask components from one of those duplicates into the other, then addressing their interactions with each other. Might be OK if the way these mask components combined together was reasonably simple.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices