How to Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop

Share the joy

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

A layer mask is often used to control the transparency of the layer. Usually, it’s used when you want to reveal or even hide certain portions of the layer. Follow the steps provided in this tutorial to add a layer mask in Photoshop.

Steps to add a layer mask

1. First of all, open Adobe Photoshop. We are using Adobe Photoshop CS5.5 but this also works on earlier or later versions.

2. Next, Open any image where we will add a layer mask. To do that, click on the File >> Open and select the file you want to open. Then click on Open. 3. Next, unlock the layer. To do that, open Layers palette by clicking f7 or choose Window>Layers and then double click on the lock button to unlock it. And click on the OK button. 4. Next, select the Elliptical Marquee Tool or any other selection tool from the toolbox and draw around the portion on the image that you want to show. Before making selection add Feather = 5 px so that the edge of the selection softens. 5. Next, from the menu bar, choose Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection. 6. You have successfully added a layer mask. As you can see the background is transparent, either you can add another background image or background color. Let’s add a background image. To do that, from the menu bar, choose File > Place and select image. Make sure image is larger than the masked image or you can drag the handles to fit the image shown after placing the image. Make sure the image is placed below the masked layer in the layers palette (F7).

This completes our tutorial on how to add a layer mask in Photoshop. If you’ve found this Photoshop tutorial helpful, please leave a comment below.

The post How to Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop appeared first on Web Design Blog | Magazine for Designers.

Share the joy

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

How to Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop