Layer masks let you hide (black) or show (white) parts of a layer without deleting or altering the original image, making editing non-destructive.
Start with White or Black Mask
Click the Add Layer Mask icon to get a white mask (everything is visible).
Hold Alt (Option on Mac) while clicking the icon to start with a black mask (everything is invisible).
Move Layer and Mask Separately
Masks and layers are linked by default.
Click the chain icon between the layer and mask thumbnails to unlink them—then move or transform independently.
Convert Any Selection into a Layer Mask
Make a selection (e.g., with Marquee or Lasso tools).
Click on your layer and then click the Layer Mask icon to turn that selection into a mask.
Invert a Layer Mask
If your mask is reversed (black and white swapped), select the mask and press Ctrl/Cmd + I to invert it.
Fill the Mask with Black or White
Press D to reset to default colors (white = foreground, black = background).
With the mask active:
Ctrl/Cmd + Del fills the mask with white.
Alt/Option + Del fills it with black.
Create Keyboard Shortcuts for Masks
Go to Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts, locate Layer Mask commands, and assign your own shortcut (e.g., Reveal All with a custom key combo).
Copy a Mask to Another Layer
Hold Alt (Option on Mac) and drag a layer mask from one layer to another—this duplicates the mask exactly.
Useful Mask Shortcuts
Shift + click the layer mask icon to disable it temporarily (without deleting it).
Alt + click the mask thumbnail to view it in black-and-white mode.
Press \ (backslash) to toggle an orange overlay showing hidden areas from the artwork (on-screen mask preview).
Adjust Mask Density & Feather
In the Properties panel, you can soften the mask edges with Feather, or reduce opacity using Density, for smoother blend and transitions.
Use Layer Styles with Masks
Layer styles (like Stroke) adapt to layer masks.
If masking hides part of the image, styles like strokes will still wrap visible areas.
You can unlink the mask and image to reposition one without affecting the style.
To hide styles along with masked areas, select "Layer Mask Hides Effects" in Blending Options.
Simulate Multiple Masks via Groups:
Create a Group (Ctrl/Cmd + G) around the layer. You can apply a separate mask to the group, giving you layered control—perfect for masking a shape (e.g., ellipse) while preserving the original mask.
Feature --- Purpose
1 Black or White Mask --- Start fully hidden or visible
2 Unlink Mask & Layer --- Move or edit separately
3 Selection → Mask --- Turn any selection into a mask
4 Invert Mask --- Swap visibility (black ⇄ white)
5 Fill Mask --- Quickly conceal or reveal the layer
6 Shortcut Creation --- Speed up masking tasks
7 Copy Mask --- Reuse masks between layers
8 Mask Toggle & Preview --- Enable/disable and inspect masks easily
9 Density & Feather Adjustments --- Control transparency and edge softening
10 Layer Styles with Masks --- Style adapts to masked visibility
Bonus Group Masking --- Simulate multiple masks for complex edits
Show your understanding of layer masking in Photoshop by demonstrating three different masking techniques in a single canvas. You will also include in your composition a screenshot of your Layers panel to show the meaningful layer names and proper organization.
Set Up Your Canvas
Create a new Photoshop document (1920 × 1080 px).
Import at least three different images to work with or copy one image three times.
Choose Three Masking Techniques
From the PHLEARN masking tutorial, pick any three of the techniques and note that you are responsible for understanding all of them.
Build Your Composition
Divide your canva into three sections. Within each section, show your example with a screenshot of your layers.
Name Your Layers Clearly
Rename each layer so it reflects its purpose (e.g., Sky Background, Main Subject Masked, Group Mask Fade).
Do not leave layers with default names like Layer 1 or Background copy.
✅ Three masking techniques are clearly demonstrated in one canvas.
✅ Composition is visually coherent and creative.
✅ Layers have meaningful, descriptive names.
✅ Screenshot of Layers panel is included beside example.
✅ The poster in both PSD and JPG formats.