LAYER MASKS IN PHOTOSHOP

➢ Layer Mask
The most important tool in Photoshop for creatives is Layer Masks.

A layer mask covers areas of your Photoshop CS5 image that

you want to make transparent and exposes pixels that you want
visible. Masks can be based on a selection you’ve created with the
selection tools or by painting on the mask itself.

Layer masks are a better way of cutting out layers and photos than
using the eraser tool. They are non-destructive and provide much
more control.

Before we can use a layer mask though, we first need to add one, since
layers don't automatically come with layer masks. To add a layer mask, Layer Layer Mask
Thumbnail Thumbnail
you first want to make sure that the layer you're adding it to is selected
in the Layers palette (the currently selected layer is highlighted in blue),
Layer Mask
otherwise you'll end up adding it to the wrong layer. icon/button

HOW LAYER MASKS WORK IN PHOTOSHOP

Once you create a layer mask, it is white. White has no effect on

the layer, painting with black will reveal the underlaying layer.

To mask a layer, select it and then click the Layer mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Note: You can’t apply a layer mask to a background. You need to unlock it first by clicking the pad
lock icon on the background in the layers panel.

, and they use these three

colors (white, black and gray) to control the transparency of a layer.

50% gray will give us 50% transparency. The lighter the shade of gray, the closer it is
to white and the less transparent that area of the layer will be. The darker the shade of gray, the closer
it is to black and the more transparent that area will be.
 Layer Mask How to use it
White Layer Mask reveals all and a Black Layer Mask hides all. There are also shades of gray which partially
reveal. In Photoshop CS5 masking has become easier. There are ways that you can tinker with a mask which
you could not do earlier. Let us see how it works and in what way it is different.

The image above is made up of two images blended together with a Layer Mask.

Image 1 ( The Background Layer) Image 2

( The Layer 1 where the layer mask will be applied later )

Step 1 : Open two images and stacked one on top of the other.

Step 2 : Click the Layer 1 to select it.

Step 3 : Then click the Layer Mask button at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
Step 4 : The Layer Mask has been added on Layer 1

Step 5 : Click the Gradient Tool.

Step 6 : In the Gradient Editor in the top panel click on the small black arrow
to reveal the Gradients and click on the first one which is Foreground
to Background. By default the Linear Gradient is selected. Select it if it
is not.

Step 7 : Reverse should be unchecked in the top panel.

Step 8 : Let the Mode remain at Normal and Opacity set to 100%.

Flip the canvas by going to

Image  Image  Rotation  Flip Canvas Horizontal.

This step is used for better blending of the two images. It is not a
necessary step. It is only necessary with these two images. This
has to be done before pasting the image above the sunset layer.
Step 9 : Drag down with the Gradient Tool. Dragged it till just
below the horizon. You may not get it correct at one go.
Press CTRL+Z to undo and drag till you are satisfied.

The image looks like this. Though the two images have
blended together but the face of the woman has faded,
while the tree trunks from the lower image have come
into the second image. This has to be corrected.

Step 10 : Press B on the keyboard for the Brush Tool or click on it from the toolbox.

Step 11 : You can also set the Size and Hardness of the Brush by using the
following shortcut keys:

To make the Brush soft, press SHIFT + [ (left square bracket)

To make the Brush hard, press SHIFT + ] (right square bracket)

To decrease the brush size, press [

To increase the brush size, press ]

Step 12 : In the top panel lower the Opacity to 25%.

We are now ready to paint.

Step 13 : Switch the Foreground Color to White

by pressing X or use the small bent arrow above
the Foreground and Background Colors.

Step 14 : Zoom into the image by pressing CTRL and the Plus sign.
(zoom out by pressing CTRL and minus sign). You are painting
at 25% per cent Opacity therefore you will have to go over the
parts you want to reveal quite a number of times with the
Brush. Go over the dress and arms too.

Step 15 : You can also increase the Opacity of the Brush as you paint.

Look at the Layer Mask as you paint. You can make

out where you have painted on the Mask.

The two images have blended together.

Step 16 : Now lower the Density of the Mask in the Masks panel.

The Layer Mask fades.

And this is the finished image.

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OVERVIEW:
This lesson will introduce the students to Photoshop basic image manipulation using layers.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
• Identify the different terminologies used in working with Photoshop Layers.
• Identify the different parts of the Layers Panel and their functions.
• Identify the different layer effects used in Photoshop.
• Identify the types of Layers used in Photoshop.
• Hide, view and rearrange layers.
• Identify the different shortcut keys in working with Photoshop Layers.
• Create a layered Photoshop document from a starting image.

Working with Photoshop Layers

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Layers:
Photoshop Layers are like sheet of stacked paper. Layers organize work into distinct levels that can be
edited and viewed as individual units. Every Photoshop CS document contains at least one layer. Layers are
used to perform such as tasks as compositing multiple images, adding text to an image, and adding vector
graphic shapes. You can also change the opacity of a layer to make content partially transparent.

Moving a layer to position its content is like sliding a sheet of paper in a stack. Behind all the layers is the
background. THE BACKGROUND is the protected layer. Many filters and effects cannot be applied to
background layers. To add a special effect such as a drop shadow or glow, apply a layer style.

A layer is the term used to describe the different levels at which you can place an object or image file.

Organizing Photoshop layers

A new image has a single layer. The number of additional layers, layer effects and layer sets that can be added
to an image is limited only by the computer’s memory and your imagination.

You work with layers in the Layers panel. Layer groups help you organize and manage layers. You can use
groups to arrange your layers in a logical order and to reduce clutter in the Layers panel. You can nest groups
within other groups. You can also use groups to apply attributes and masks to multiple layers simultaneously.

Parts of the Layers Panel:

Photoshop’s layers Panel is a powerful tool that allows you do many special things to your layered
compositions. Next, we will look at the Photoshop layers pallet.
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• Layer Filter: This enables you to hide layers based on different things. Makes it easier to find the layers that
you want to work with.

• Opacity: 0 = transparent; 100 = fully opaque. Press number keys on keyboard to instantly set to multiples of
10, or adjust the slider for an exact amount of transparency on each layer.

• Blend Modes: Change these to change the way that the selected layer blends with the layers underneath it.
Great for compositing and special effects. (With the move tool selected, press Shift + or Shift - to cycle
through blending modes.

• Fill opacity: Adjusts the amount of opacity of the pixels only, but any layer styles are unaffected and remain
100% opaque.

• Visibility: If the eye is showing that layer is visible. Click on the eye and the layer will still be there but
invisible until you click on the eye again.

• Locked: The padlock means that something is locked in the layer. (Also click in the 4 icons in the “lock” next
to fill opacity to make certain things editable of locked). Here are the different things that can be
locked/unlocked.

• Lock all: If the box is checked the layer is totally protected from any editing.

Lock Position: You can make any changes except for moving the image.
Lock Image pixels: You cannot draw on this layer if checked.
Lock transparent: You can paint on this layer but not where it is transparent.

Useful tools at the bottom of the panel:

• Link: Enabled you to link layers. These will all move together unless unlinked.
• Layer Effects (Styles): Special effects applied to your image layer. Noted by the little f. Each effect will be
listed. Multiple effects may be used at once.
The following are the different Layer Effects used in Photoshop:
o Drop Shadow → Adds a shadow that falls behind the contents on the layer.
o Inner Shadow → Adds a shadow that falls just inside the edges of the layer’s content, giving
the layer a recessed appearance.
o Outer Glow and Inner Glow → Add glows that emanate from the outside or inside edges of
the layer’s content.
o Bevel and Emboss → Add various combinations of highlights and shadows to a layer.
o Satin → Applies interior shading that creates a satiny finish.
o Color, Gradient, and Pattern Overlay → Fills the layer’s content with a color, gradient, or
pattern.
o Stroke → Outlines the object on the current layer using color, a gradient, or a pattern. It is
particularly useful on hard-edged shapes such as type.
• Add Layer Mask: This is the button to press to add a layer mask to the currently selected layer. Allows you to
paint away parts of your layer without damaging your original image.
• Add Adjustment Layer: The best way to apply image adjustments. These can change the color or tone of an
image. All layers are affected underneath an adjustment layer (Unless clipped). This is a good option
to using ImageAdjustments because adjustment layers are non-destructive and re editable.
• Layer Groups: A good organizational tool. This puts layers into a folder. You can choose multiple layers and
press Ctrl+G to put them in a group, or create a group by clicking this icon. Layers can be dragged in
or out of groups in the Layers panel.
• Create New Layer: Press this icon to create a new layer. Drag an existing layer into this icon to create a
duplicate of that layer,
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• Delete Layer: Drag a layer into this icon to remove it. Or select the layer and then press this icon to get the
same result.
• Panel Options: This will open a drop down menu that provides a number of options, many that aren’t listed
anywhere else.

Types of Layers:

In Photoshop there are a number of different types of layers. They are usually indicated by icons:

Thumbnail: A small picture of the layer’s contents.

• Layer Group: This puts layers into a folder. Layers can be dragged in or out of groups in the Layers panel.

• Type Layer: The same as an image layer, except this layer contains type that can be edited; (Change
character, color, font or size)

• Adjustment Layer: An adjustment layer is changing the color or tone of all the layers underneath it. To only
affect th layer directly underneath it (an ignore the other underlying layers): Move your pointer on the line
between the adjustment layer and the layer directly beneath it, hold down Alt/Option. You will see a symbol
appear. Click to limit the adjustment. (clip to layer) do the same thing again to toggle this option off.

• Layer Style: An effect has been applied. Click the eye to turn it on or off. Double click “effects” to open the
Layer Styles options.

• Layer Mask: Allows you to paint on the mask to show and reveal portions of the image.

• Smart Object: A special type of layer that is actually a container that can hold; multiple (or 1) layers, vectors
for illustrator, raw files, video, 3D or many other types of objects. To learn about Smart Objects in depth,
check out this video,

• Art Layer: a regular layer

• Background: Always locked, cannot be moved or have layer effects applied to it. The little icon of the
padlock on the right, indicates it is locked. Can be changed into a regular layer by simply double
clicking on the thumbnail.
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APPLY A LAYER STYLE IN PHOTOSHOP CS5

You can apply Photoshop Creative Suite 5 layer styles to layers to create drop shadows and bevel and emboss
effects and to apply color overlays, gradients, patterns and strokes, and more.

❖ To apply a layer style ( for example, the drop shadow style, one of the most popular effects) to
an image, follow these steps:
1. Create a layer on any image. For example, you can create a text layer to see the effects of the layer
styles.
2. With the layer selected, click and hold the Add a layer Style button at the bottom of the Layers panel;
from the menu options, choose Drop Shadow.
In the Layer Style dialog box that appears, you can choose to change the blending mode, color,
distance spread, and size of a drop shadow. You should see that the style has already applied to your
text. Position the cursor on the image area and drag to visually adjust the position of the drop shadow.
3. When you’re happy with the drop shadow, click OK to apply it.

❖ To apply another effect and change its options:

1. Click and hold the Layer Style button in the Layers panel and choose the name of the layer style from
the menu that appears.
2. In the dialog box that appears, change the settings to customize the layer style and click OK to apply it
to your image.
For example, if you choose Bevel and Emboss from the Layer Styles menu, you can choose from several
emboss styles and adjust the depth, size, and softness.

Here are some consistent items you see in the Layer Style dialog box, no matter which effect you
choose:
• Contour: Use contours to control the shape and appearance of an effect. Click the arrow to open the
Contour fly-out menu to choose a contour preset or click the contour preview to open the
Contour Editor and create your own edge.
• Angle: Drag the cross hair in the angle circle or enter a value in the Angle text field to control where the
light source comes from.
• Global light: If you aren’t smart about lighting effects on multiple objects, global light makes it seem as
though you are. Select the Use Global Light check box to keep the angle consistent from
one layer style to another.
• Color: Whenever you see a color box, you can click it to select a color. This color can be for the drop
shadow, highlight, or shadow of an emboss, or for a color overlay.

Layer Tips:
Here are some useful tips for working with Photoshop Layers:

COMMAND STEP / SHORTCUT KEY

Select a layer Click the layer

Select multiple layers Ctrl + click the layer(s)

To turn the visibility on or off on multiple layers Click through the eye icon or drag the cursor through
the eye icons
Copy a layer CTRL + J

Move a selection to a new layer CTRL + SHIFT + J

Convert a background to a regular layer Click the padlock icon on the background
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Move all the selected layers into a new group CTRL + G

Create a new merged layer above all the other layers Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E

Create an inverted layer mask Hold ALT key while adding a layer mask

• You can drag elements from the layers panel into other documents