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stephenc84364103
Known Participant
July 27, 2021
Question

Inverting Layers in Photoshop

  • July 27, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 1463 views

I'm just learning layers in Photoshop. So far so good. However, I cannot understand the purpose of inverting the layer whilst using the brush tool. What does it do? I just don't get it!

A simplified explanation will be much appreciated!

 

Thank you. 

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

KShinabery212
Community Expert
KShinabery212Community Expert
Community Expert
July 28, 2021

I saw your post and read the responses.

 

I do not think people were getting offended. I think you are misreading them as they are trying to help.

 

So, I figured out that you are working on a tutorial.  Maybe if you share the link to the tutorial we might be able to understand what you are trying to accomplish.  And then we as a community can come together and offer advice.

 

See, the most important thing when asking questions is to provide information.  This could be screenshots, it could be video (screen recording) or it could be links to a tutorial.  This allows us to figure things out and to get on the same page with you.  Otherwise it is like guessing.

 

Also another tip:  If you ever run into errors or big issues.  Also share the following:

Type of computer.

What version the operating software is.

How much memory you are using.

And which version of the application you are using.

Now these are irrelevant to the question you asked at the moment.  But let's say you are trying to render video and you are getting error messages... having this info could also be helpful.

 

So the more you tell us in your question... the more we can understand and give the appropriate answer.

 

Honestly, I do not think anyone was offended... they just wanted additional info so they could better help you. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Let's connect on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshinabery/
    S
    stephenc84364103Author
    Known Participant
    July 29, 2021

    I think some may have understandably become frustrated with my vague question. I really had no idea how layers worked and what inverting a layer does. I now understand that inverting a layer allows you to selectively lighten or darken parts of the image. My initial thoughts were back to front. I thought why lighten or darken if it has an opposite effect.  Once I  understood  how layers work and the concept of  ‘reveal and conceal,’ it all falls into place. Thank you for your understanding.

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2021

    Seems like you are referring to a Layer Mask and not the actual Layer?

     

    A Layer can have a Layer Mask which is a grayscale Channel that will hide or show areas of the Layer without actually removing the Layer’s pixels. You target the Layer Mask by clicking on it in the Layers panel—clicking on the Layer icon targets the actual layer:

     

     

     

    The Layer Mask targeted

     

     

     

    If I paint on the Layer Mask with black (inverting the white areas of the mask) it hides the image where I paint:

     

     

    Painting with white (inverting the black areas) reveals the layer image:

     

      S
      stephenc84364103Author
      Known Participant
      July 29, 2021

      Thank you. It all makes sense now. I appreciate your help.

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 27, 2021

      Please post meaningful screenshots including all pertinent Panels. 

       

      What did you set the Brush Tool’s Blend Mode to (as indicated in the Options Bar)? 

      S
      stephenc84364103Author
      Known Participant
      July 27, 2021
      I have asked a dimple question. I don’t understand the purpose of inverting
      the layer mask. Not sure how I can explain this any simpler.

      You have gone off in a a strange direction. Not sure why you can’t answer a
      simple question. Nevertheless, thank you for responding.
      S
      stephenc84364103Author
      Known Participant
      July 28, 2021

      »I’m following a tutorial of a photo with multiple curves layers.«

      So after several posts you finally say what kind of Layer you are working on – if only one could have known that earlier … for example based on the screenshot you refused to post. 

       

      Inverting an Adjustment Layer’s Layer Mask means that it then affects the areas that it previously did not affect and vice versa. 

      50% gray areas in the Layer Mask would not show a change. 


      My apologies I wasn’t trying to be difficult. I was oversimplifying things
      by just asking the purpose of inverting a mask. Obviously you need some
      background information to assess.

      In the tutorial his workflow is to add the adjustment, invert the mask and
      paint in with a white brush. I still don’t understand the point of
      inverting the mask. I think you are saying it needs to be inverted to apply
      either a white or black brush? I thought by hiding the layer and then
      painting with the brush, the changes are not evident until you invert the
      mask again. Maybe I’m making it more complicated than it needs to be.
      Again, my apologies for being difficult.
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