PhotoShop Layer Mask Tutorial

[PoweredMinecart]

Great tutorial, but when I try to edit my layer mask it just edits the actual picture, please help!

[devvynmurphy]

@PoweredMinecart You should be able to select either the image part of the layer or the mask by clicking on either thumbnail in the layer palette (see 0:36 in video). (Photoshop only indicates this with a thin, extra outline around the thumbnail of the part you're editing.) Depending on which one is selected, your brush or other tool will act on either the image itself or the mask (alpha channel).

[JEISON99]

amazing in all it's simplicity. The mark of a true 'teacher'. Thanks a lot. keep it up

[devvynmurphy]

@JEISON99 Thanks! Simplicity and brevity were on my mind as I rehearsed before recording this version.

[amigotube]

Very good tutorial. For all of you who want another explanation about masks visit my channel or this link- youtube.com/watch?v=eaQlO6l1do­s

[runningXfree]

I finally understand layer masks! I have been trying to figure it out on my own for a good year now!!! You my friend are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!

[devvynmurphy]

@runningXfree Ha ha, thanks. Right time and place, I guess.

[teddymv]

what happens if you use other colors besides black and white on the mask?

[devvynmurphy]

@teddymv Good question. The mask is only shaded to represent the opacity/transparency in terms of brightness/darkness. It's technically just an extra channel, which you can even view in the channels palette if you want, along with the usual RGB channels (or whatever colour mode your image is in).

[Higir159]

Great Tutorial!

[eareys23]

thnx

[henry3509]

This is simple and useful, thanks a lot :)

[zleepyjan]

Thanks a lot :)

[erikafung]

ooohhh...

Thank you! :)

nice and simple tutorial.

[faspxina]

thank you

[media336]

I needed this information on blending images thanx.:)

[Keanu212]

Very good and easily understood tutorial unlike many others.

[PsychoticDreams0]

@Keanu212 SERIOUSLY....all the other ones are too fucking long! and explain why its there and other bull shit!

[Hughdapu]

awesome tutorial.

awesome. nice one

[puddlepower]

This has been haunting me for years. Thank you so much!

[Gunngirl]

Oh, that was so simple and straight forward. THANK YOU! I have been confused with that gradient tool for years, lol. PLEASE when you have time do one with two pics or three. I'm trying to figure out how to make a desktop wallpaper with at least 2 images and I have yet to find anyone to explain it sensibly. I feel like the layers and masking too is the key to great blends. PLEASE keep these up!

[devvynmurphy]

If you're into podcasts I recommend checking out PhotoShop Killer Tips and maybe PhotoShop User TV. These are where I got most of my beginner to intermediate skills with PS.

[Str8Artist]

Thanks, U gave us the K.I.S.S example... keep it simple stupid!!! the best one I have found.

[devvynmurphy]

It was tempting to go more in depth but there were already plenty of tutorial several minutes long with too much chatter. I'm glad the approach I took in appreciated. I'll keep it in mind for the future.

[esplanade123]

@devvynmurphy omg ur video is literally a breath of fresh sweet air!

[devvynmurphy]

@esplanade123 Haha, thanks. That's what I was hoping to achieve.

[Dreddnought]

Thanks a very clear and easy to understand intro to layer masks.

[prokid585]

which version of photoshop u use?

[devvynmurphy]

CS4

[Aruseus6]

Thanks!  That's pretty cool!

[neoscottie]

Very helpful! Thanks for making this - I'd never had any real idea of what a mask did before this. <3

[lonelyq8y]

nice one it's really helpful, if you can add more Tutorial about layers specially for edit portraits of people we will appreciate that.

thanks for this Tutorial.

[devvynmurphy]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking forward to posting more when I have some extra time.

[wilco1991]

thx man;), u kept it nice and easy =) so even i could make sense of it:) keep up the great work!^^

[devvynmurphy]

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. I tried to stay focussed on just one idea. Thank you very much for the feedback.

[yougogirlhaveahappy]

thank you so much!

love ya! you just saved my life.

no joke. hahah.

much lourrve and support! ^^

[devvynmurphy]

I'm glad to hear life saving was accomplished! That's more than I could have hoped for. Thanks for the feedback and the support. :-)