Layer Masks, when used, make up a part of a layer that is shown and partially hidden. The advantage of using layer masks is they can be changed at any time because they are “non-destructive,” meaning they don’t destroy image pixels.
Reasons for Layer Masks in Photoshop
For example, you erase a part of a layer to be removed, with the Eraser Tool, it destroys the image. If you save and close the file, you won’t be able to undo those changes the next time you open the image in Photoshop.
Instead, layer masks allow you to make changes at any time by simply hiding them. As seen below, I have the orange sunset on top of the hidden blue sky oceanview. I can turn the ‘eye’ off, and see the hidden layer, which is still there.
Layer masks control the visibility of a layer, group, or adjustment layer. When a layer mask is white, the layer is shown. When a layer mask is black, the layer is hiding. In our example above, the sunset layer mask is white, and you can see the sunset. The remaining part of the orange sunset is hidden behind the layer mask, which is black.
How to Create and Use Layer Masks:
There are a few ways to create a Layer Mask, such as the one above. Another method is by copying and pasting into a selection.
Other methods:
- Add a layer mask to a layer. Select the layer mask icon at the bottom of the layers panel
- To use the menu, go to the ‘Layer – Layer Mask – Reveal All’ to make a white layer mask
- Adjustment layers do come pre-loaded with layer masks. Select the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the layers panel
- If the layer mask is white, the layer mask is visible, and if black, it is hidden. I choose Levels Adjustment Layer, and the layer mask comes in as white