Answered

Mask in Ps

Forum|Forum|9 months ago
June 28, 2025
4 replies
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Mask meaning in Cambridge dictionary is FACE COVER. But in Ps mask means everything is hiden outside the masking region. Why is that difference? I know the meaning in Ae.

Windows

Correct answer jane-e

@MahaB82A

See the more thorough definitions of "mask" in the Merriam Webster dictionary:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mask

"something that conceals from view"

Jane

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

There are both Reveal All (fully white) and Hide All (fully black) default layer masks.

Also keep in mind that terms are often based on traditional analogue processes from photographic or graphic arts industries, rather than general dictionary definitions.

Ever wonder why the Quick Mask mode overlay for protected/masked areas is red?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubylith

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

I'm old enough to remember spotting medium and large format B&W negatives with red dye. Is that kind of relevant?

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

I'm old enough to remember spotting medium and large format B&W negatives with red dye. Is that kind of relevant?

By @Trevor.Dennis

Haha, not an old school professional photographer, but it was the same in graphic arts for negatives with opaque paint or those special red texter pens which I haven't thought of in years, that red tape from 3M, Rubylith, Goldebrod paper etc.

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

You could still apply your definition, but you'd be masking the background, unless you invert the mask, in which case you are masking the foreground, but that would be pointless because this is Photoshop, after all, so if you want to mask a foreground element you'd simply remove it.

The bottom line here is being a pedent in Photoshop is rather like pixel peeping. It will send you mad for no good reason.