• | To create a blank layer mask |
• | To create a layer mask based on transparency |
• | To delete or clear a layer mask |
You can create a new, blank layer mask, or you can create a layer mask based on the layer’s transparency. A layer mask based on transparency is white wherever the layer has content, and black in other areas. Intermediate levels of gray are partially transparent. For more information, see Preserving layer transparency.
A layer mask is similar to an alpha channel. Both are grayscale images that you can create and edit. Although the Channels panel provides access to both channels and layer masks, their characteristics and functions are different:
• | A layer mask is attached to a layer, but an alpha channel is independent. |
• | The canvas can have up to 32 alpha channels; each layer can have only one layer mask. |
• | Channels don’t influence the visibility of the canvas image; a layer mask defines what areas of a layer’s image are visible. |
• | An alpha channel, when loaded, protects designated areas of an image; a layer mask does not provide protection. |
• | A channel is enabled by loading it to a selection. A layer mask can be enabled and disabled at any time, and it can also be loaded to a selection. |
For more information, see Creating and copying channels.
To create a blank layer mask |
1 . | Select a layer. |
2 . | In the Layers panel, click the New Layer Mask button . |
The blank layer mask icon displays next to the layer name in the Layers panel. |
The layer mask icon varies in appearance depending on how you’re viewing the layers. If you are displaying layers as No Thumbnails, the icon is the same as the New Layer Mask button . If you’re viewing layers as any size of thumbnail, a small-scale representation of the mask displays as the icon.
You can also create a layer mask by choosing Layers Create Layer Mask.
To create a layer mask based on transparency |
• | In the Layers panel, right-click a layer, and choose Create Layer Mask From Transparency. |
The layer mask icon displays next to the layer name in the Layers panel. |
You can create layer masks based on transparency for pixel-based layers only. Other layers must first be converted to default layers by right-clicking the layer in the Layers panel, and choosing Convert To Default Layer.
You can also create a layer mask based on transparency by selecting a layer and choosing Layers Create Layer Mask From Transparency.
To delete or clear a layer mask |
• | Perform an action from the following table. |
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In the Channels panel, click the Channel options button , and choose Clear.
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