Photoshop CS5 - 5 Masking Techniques

Masks allow the user to apply non-destructive editing to an image. The primary tool used with masking is the standard brush tool. It is used to either hide or reveal information using white and black coloured brushes. The type of masking technique applied can be edited in the brush presets panel were the user can manipulate information such as shape dynamics, scattering or texture.

1 – Pixel Mask

This is the most common type of masking technique. It is used to hide and reveal pixel information. The mask can be applied in a number of ways. My preferred method is to make a selection with a pixel based selection tool such as the polygonal lasso tool. Next select the pixel mask button in the mask palette. On the resulting mask, black indicates hidden information and white visible information

2 – Vector Mask

Technique used Primarily to create vector shapes by applying a solid colour to a layer and masking all except the path of the shape created. The shape colour can be edited by double clicking the layer thumbnail colour and selecting a replacement in the colour window. To move the generic shape the direct selection tool will be used. To edit individual points of the mask the path selection tool will be used.

3 – Clipping Mask

The is a common technique used to reveal an image through either a vector or a pixel based shape. To apply place an image onto the screen. Type a word, format the word using a thick font. This is necessary as we wish the effect to be visible through the letters. Position the text layer below the image layer. Right click on the image layer and select “create clipping mask”. The resulting image will be revealed through the text. The clipping mask technique can be created using any variety of shapes provided they are positioned on their own unique layer.

4 – Colour Adjustment Layers

Most commonly used technique to apply a non-destructive colour effect to an image. For example apply a colour effect using the levels adjustment layer. The colour effect can be edited using a standard brush using black or white colours to either hide or reveal the resulting effect. The effect can also be clipped to only the layer below similar to the clipping mask.

5 – Mask Editing

To edit use the appropriate brush and colour. Further edits can be applied using the masks palette. Density will control the opacity of the hidden area, feathering will softening the edge of the revealed area. Further more complex edits can be applied using techniques such as “mask edge” and “colour range”. These effects can only be applied to pixel based layers. Detailed edits can be created using the polygonal lasso technique to define an area then painting onto the mask within the defined area. Photoshop will allow only the selection area to be active for editing.

Masks are a complex feature. When the techniques have been mastered they allow the digital artist greater control of the image effects, how these effects can be manipulated and ultimately disregarded if the user desires.