Clarification Needed Please: Range Mask Greyed (Blacked) Out and Not Usable

[D R Smith]

Hi all.  I am using the latest update of Lightroom Classic.  When I try to use the Adjustment Brush (or another of the tools, I assume) do I have to actually click on the image and paint with it in order to activate the Range Mask?  That seems kind of odd, but if that's the way it is, so be it.

I'm using a Windows 10 machine.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[johnrellis · Accepted solution]

"Do I have to actually click on the image and paint with it in order to activate the Range Mask?"

Yup, that's how it works (for better or worse) -- you need to have some brush strokes to use Range Mask.

[D R Smith]

Thanks for taking the time to answer.  Seems like Adobe could easily fix this issue.

[dj_paige]

I'm sure they don't consider it an "issue". I'd bet they think that's the proper design of the tool, and so there's no need to fix anything because it's not broken.

[D R Smith]

Thanks for your input also.  I appreciate it.  As I mentioned below, I guess my response would be, why could we not have it both ways?  I'm not as experienced as many of you obviously, and honestly, I don't think this is a big enough thing to make an issue of, but if we want to best product we can get, I believe we should have as many options as possible.  You may very well be right that Adobe desn't consider it an "issue."  That said, I don't intend to pursue this whole thing any further.  I got my answer.

Again, thanks.

[Rob_Cullen]

Does not need a fix IMO.

Logic would suggest to me that to 'Modify' anything it first has to 'exist'.

To modify with a mask- then a Brush stroke or an applied Gradient has to first exist!

Brushing or Gradients do not exist by just selecting the Tool. The tool has to be applied to a photo before selective 'masking' becomes available.

[D R Smith]

Thanks for your input.  I appreciate it.  I guess my response would be, why could we not have it both ways?  I'm not as experienced as many of you obviously, and honestly, I don't think this is a big enough thing to make an issue of, but if we want to best product we can get, I believe we should have as many options as possible.  That said, I don't intend to pursue this whole thing any further.  I got my answer.

Again, thanks.

[Rob_Cullen]

Or another example- You can apply a gradient filter over the total image and then use the Range mask to select by (color) blue sky.

[D R Smith]

Thanks for your response.  I appreciate it.

[johnrellis]

"Seems like Adobe could easily fix this issue."

You could submit a feature request in the official feedback forum:
https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/categories/photoshop_family_photoshop_lightroom

Product developers read everything posted there, but rarely participate here, which is primarily a user-to-user forum.