layer mask question

[wvjlg1]

I'm new to layer masks. I want to change a backround on a picture. I have 2 pictures in my photo bin, but only 1 of them is showing in the layers column. How do I get both pictures to show up in the layers column?

[Greg_S.]

The technique may be slightly different depending on which version you are using.  However, one way to perform the task is to click and drag the second image from the Photo Bin to the editing window.

[wvjlg1]

Thanks. I’m using elements 18. I’ve watched a lot of video’s on this, it just seems like they all already have both pictures already up in the layer column.

[hatstead]

Please tell us exactly what you are trying to do. Are you trying to copy a background from one picture file to another?

What is your expectation for using a layer mask??

[Medha_Sharma]

Hello,

You can also try exploring the Replace Background guided edit. It is located with the Special Edits category within the Guided tab.

Thanks,

Medha

[wvjlg1]

I bought some digital beckrounds I want to use, to replace with pictures I have.

[hatstead · Accepted solution]

wvjlg1  wrote

I bought some digital backgrounds I want to use, to replace with pictures I have.

ok.

1. Open one of the picture files, and go to Select>all, then Edit>copy to put it on the clipboard
2. Open the file with the new (replacement) background. This will be the Background layer.
3. Then, go to Edit>paste. This will come in as Layer 1 in the Layers palette.
4. Apply the mask to Layer 1, and mask out the old background. This will allow the replacement to become visible.

[wvjlg1]

Thank you.

[hatstead]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[wvjlg1]

Thanks. I’ve tried using the guided program, but I think I can do better if I learn how to use layer masks.

[99jon]

Try copy & paste.

Go to your second image in the photo bin so that it appears in the main edit window. Press Ctrl+A to select all followed by Ctrl+C to copy.

Return to your first image and use Ctrl+V to past. Both will be in the layers pallets and you can drag up and down the layers stack as required.

[wvjlg1]

Thanks

[Mark_Sand]

Here I use a layer mask to replace the background with a new lawn, using a variation of the method described in the previous post.

1. Open the lawn picture, select it, and copy to the clipboard.

2. Open the dog picture and paste from the clipboard, creating Layer 1.

3. Add a  layers mask.

4. Select the dog.

5. Activate the mask in Layer 1 and fill with black.

The lawn picture was actually much larger than the dog picture (note the bounding box on the lawn layer), but that doesn't matter.

Depending on the particular case, in step 4 it might be easier to select the original background and invert the selection.