What is the "mask" function in Photoshop?

The program Photoshop has earned worldwide recognition among designers, web developers and just ordinary users. Thanks to the huge arsenal of various tools and settings, Photoshop is able to solve even the most complex graphic task. One of the most useful features of this program is the mask. In Photoshop, this feature stands out from all other features of the graphic editor.

Quick mask

In Photoshop, the mask has two functions: a quick mask and a mask layer. Let us first consider one of them. In Photoshop, the quick mask is activated by pressing the hot key - Q. The main function of this tool is to form the selected area. For example, we need to separate the background from the main part of the image. Turn on the Quick Mask mode and select the Brush tool. We circle the area we need, while the palette should turn black and white. The first color applies a selection, and the second removes. As soon as we have completed this operation, we leave the Quick Mask mode with another press of the Q key. We have a highlighted area. This mask in Photoshop allows you to quickly make changes in the desired part of the image. It is not necessary to work with a brush, for example, you can use a pencil. When we are in Quick Mask mode, the highlighted area turns red.

Layer Mask

Where more extensive functional has a layer-mask. To create it, you need to select in the layers panel a circle icon in the square with the name "add layer mask". After clicking on this icon, an additional blank sheet appears next to the name. In the Photoshop program, the layer mask has been applied in many cases. For example, it is used for accurate selection, when they can not determine a particular area. Especially when you need to change the color of your hair. It is not advisable to separate each hair by itself, and the mask layer allows us to quickly create the necessary area. Also this function allows us to make consistent changes without fear that they will become irreversible. If we are working with a layer mask, the area of the image that will be subjected to any changes will be preserved. For example, we need to remove the eyes from a photograph of the face. To do this, create a layer mask and just paint the area we need with the brush tool. From the main image, the eyes will disappear, and in the mask layer they will appear. Of course, this example can not demonstrate the full functionality of this tool. But the meaning should be clear.

additional information

The layer mask in Photoshop has flexible settings that allow you to get as close to the desired effect as possible. Let's return to the example with the change of hair color. We created a layer mask, where we created a selection using the brush. The result we are not satisfied with, because most often a man's bangs are not always perfectly laid. And it is simply impossible to circle each hair. And here the "edge of the mask" parameter will help us. This is how the mask in Photoshop accelerates the whole process. The above example is dealt with in a separate article. And this functional of this tool is not exhausted.

Conclusion

As already mentioned above, the mask in Photoshop is used in many situations. Using its functions, you can get non-standard interesting images.