Add & Subtract Mask Brush Not Working

[Miguel Hortiguela]

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.

[TheDigitalDog]

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

[Terrygoan]

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.

[Amber23931974x1ng]

I can't either!!!!

[Naipes]

That makes 3 of us.

[richardplondon]

In the Masks panel, nested under the top level entry and sitting above the initial mask selection that you want to subtract from - do you now see an additional brush-mask appearing?

If not, you have not yet successfully started painting on any subtraction. Unless / until you do so, this subtracting "layer" you have asked for is not implemented.

Analogy: ordering a bag of apples, stating zero apples as your quantity. Placing such an order will not get you a free empty apple bag delivered: it will get you nothing.

[CameraFreak666]

I have the sama problem

[GoldingD]

Screenshot?

[richardplondon]

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.

[juresti]

This worked for me!

[default0lh2jpvcbj8m]

This seemed to work for me.

Thanks

[sandyconnolly]

THIS WORKED FOR ME!! Thank you, Richard!

[Robin25477148fs92]

I was SO frustrated and could not find a good answer to this until I saw your comment. Duh. But THANK YOU! I mask SO much and this was driving me crazy! You rock! 

[debbiew99]

where do you do this?  I've been subtracting/adding from Subject, Sky and Background masks successfully until today!  It just won't subtract or add...what am I doing wrong?  Thanks

[Gail25990505xa2i]

Thank you so much!!  I've been trying to fix the problem for hours and have been getting so frustrated.  And just as you suggested, I checked the Flow and Density, and somehow I must have accidentally changed the Density setting.  I put it back to 100 and that fixed it!

[Sas27540658rohi]

Thanks heaps! This solved the issue

[alexramsay1]

Thanks! - that fixed it

Alex

[Miguel Hortiguela]

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

[JohanElzenga · Accepted solution]

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.

[Miguel Hortiguela]

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

[QOTU]

I am using the cloud version of Lightroom. Not Lightroom Classic. I can not find an option for adjusting flow and density of a brush. I can use raidial subtract but brush does nothing. It sounds like the same problem. Can anyone please help. Screen shot below. Thank you so much. Have been trying to figure out what i am doing wrong for weeks.

[JohanElzenga]

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@QOTU wrote:

I am using the cloud version of Lightroom. Not Lightroom Classic. I can not find an option for adjusting flow and density of a brush. I can use raidial subtract but brush does nothing. It sounds like the same problem. Can anyone please help. Screen shot below. Thank you so much. Have been trying to figure out what i am doing wrong for weeks.

---

Sorry, I missed this message. So in case you still have this problem, and for others who may have the same problem: Click on the triangle in the red circle. That will reveal more brush settings.

[GoldingD]

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

[Terrygoan]

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

[leonardc47848464]

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