Learning to use layer masks

[pingpsb]

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.

[Abambo]

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).

[pingpsb]

Thanks Abambo, appreciate your very helpful response!

[kevin stohlmeyer · Accepted solution]

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

[pingpsb]

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