Using Greyscale Masks

Firstly photoshop masks cannot be added to the background layer. So to start playing with masks you will need to duplicate the background. You can then add a layer mask to the duplicated background layer.

Simple photoshop masking excercise

In this excercise we will make add 50% transparency frame to an image by using a mask.

  1. Open an image
  2. Duplicate the background
  3. Select all of the background and fill it with solid white, we will be revealing some of this white layer through the image.

    4. duplicate background

  4. The simplest way to add a layer mask is to choose the Add Layer Mask Icon from the bottom of the Layers window (highlighted with red above).

    5. If you have no active selection, this choice will produce a mask with a white fill (nothing masked). If you have a portion of your image selected the selection will be set as white (revealed), with the rest of the layer mask filled with black (masked).

  5. Using the rectangular marquee tool draw a rectangle approximately 1cm from the edge of your image and choose SELECT>INVERSE

    6. select the mask layer

  6. Make sure you have the mask (white rectangle to right of image) selected and fill the selected area of mask with 50% grey. Choose EDIT>FILL>50% Grey
  7. You should now be able to see 50% of the image through the mask around the edge.

fill selection

 

Menu

Recent articles

Articles RSS
Comments RSS

Article archives

Search

Photoshop Training

Photoshop Training

This photoshop training course will show you how to use Adobe Photoshop to produce all kinds of graphics by manipulating and composing scanned or drawn images. This photoshop training course teaches you how to use photoshop's powerful layering and masking techniques and a wealth of special effect filters.

Advanced Photoshop Training

This Advanced Adobe Photoshop training course teaches participants the techniques necessary to create, manipulate and edit professional quality images with skill and precision. This Photoshop training course is suitable for designers and photographers who have working experience of Photoshop.

Links