What is a layer mask in photoshop?

Hi,

When I was initially delving through the many features of photoshop, the most useful and simple one I came across is the layer mask. This is a very useful feature that allows us to control the visibility of certain sections in a layer.

Below are the steps to try out a very simple demonstration of how to use a layer mask and understand the different applications of it.

Step 1 : Open an image in photoshop.

Step 2 : Convert the background to layer (right click on background in the Layers pallete and select Layer from background).

Step 3 : Open another image in photoshop.

Step 4 : Using the Move tool (Keyboard press V), drag the new image opened on top the old image.

Step 5 : Add a Hide All layer mask. (Menu Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All).

After step 5, we will be able to see only the first image we opened, but we notice a black rectangular box in the layers pallete corresponding to the new layer which was created for the new image we dragged on top of the old image.

Step 6 : Select the brush tool (Keyboard press B).

Step 7 : Set the foreground color to white (Keyboard press D).

Step 8 : Draw over the picture, now we see the new image partially through the path we are drawing.

From the above steps we can understand the use of a layer mask. Now use your imagination to mix and blend any number of images of your choice and make those dreamy images.

Thanks,
Manoj