Skip to main content
pingpsb
pingpsb
Participant
February 7, 2023
Answered

Learning to use layer masks

  • February 7, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 526 views

Hello,

I'm doing a very beginner photoshop tutorial learning to using layer masks. After using black and white to paint on layer masks, the tutorial prompts to paint grey onto the layer mask to make areas semi-transparent, but does not explain how to do that. Adjusting the black to grey did not work, just applied grey paint to the image.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Kevin Stohlmeyer

Hi @pingpsb make sure you are selected on the layer mask on the right, not the image layer.

2 replies

Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
February 7, 2023

Hi @pingpsb make sure you are selected on the layer mask on the right, not the image layer.

    pingpsb
    pingpsbAuthor
    Participant
    February 8, 2023

    Thanks Kevin! Appreciate it, and that was the problem. 🤦🏼‍♀️

    Abambo
    Community Expert
    AbamboCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 7, 2023

    You need to select the mask to paint on the mask. When you paint grey on your image, you have selected the image in the layers palette.

     

    The mask is a greyscale image, besides the main image, that just controls the transparency of the main image. Use the + icon on the layers palette to create that mask. If you have an active selection, it creates a maske following the selection. Else it creates a full opaque mask (all white).

    ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
      pingpsb
      pingpsbAuthor
      Participant
      February 8, 2023

      Thanks Abambo, appreciate your very helpful response!

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