PS Layer Masks Lesson

​A Self-Guided Study on Layer Masks

• Create a mask to remove a subject from the background.

• Refine a mask to remove a subject from the background.

• Create a quick mask to make changes to a selected area.

• Edit a mask using the properties panel.

• Explain the difference between destructive and non-destructive editing.

Criteria for Mastery

SWBAT USE and APPLY layer masks to create non-destructive editing techniques in Photoshop.

Learning Target

Photoshop Layer Masks

​We all get used to using the erasers to remove parts of an image we don’t want; the magic eraser is especially fun to use. In many situations the eraser cannot be used.

Using the eraser is a destructive process with Photoshop which means we are getting rid of the pixels in our image we are erasing.

​Using the eraser is a destructive process with Photoshop which means we are getting rid of the pixels in our image we are erasing. 

​Using layer masks is a non- destructive process because the pixels we are trying to remove are not being destroyed, as you will see the pixels are still there even if we can’t see them and we can bring them back if we want to! You

This video will cover the following basic key points:

• What is a layer mask

• How to add a layer mask

• How to set the color of a layer mask.

• How to hide the mask

• How to bring back content.

• Benefits of layer masks

• Viewing and deleting layer masks

What are Layer Masks in Photoshop

Multiple Choice

When using a mask, things painted white will be ___________

• Hidden

• Visable

• Erased

• White

Multiple Choice

When using a mask, things painted black will be _________

• Hidden

• Visible

• Erased

• Black

Open Ended

When you have a selection created by a quick mask, what happens when you deselect?

Multiple Choice

What do "Layer Masks" do?

• refine the edge of a selection

• allow for adjustment layers

• erase portions of a layer

• hide/show portions of a layer

Open Ended

What is the benefit of using a quick mask?

​Upload you completed activity in Google Classroom under the Layer Mask Practice Activity for feedback.

Multiple Choice

The 2 headed arrow in the top right of this image will ___________

• Undo your last command

• Switch the foreground and background colours

• Turn your image 90 degrees

• Create a new mask

Multiple Choice

If you do not see a specific panel, where do you go to find it?

• Select Menu

• Edit Menu

• Window Menu

• Workspace

Multiple Choice

______________ panel in Photoshop displays all the layers in an image.( This preserves the original state of an image while manipulating another version of it through another layer.)

• Photoshop stuff

• Drawings

• Layers

• Pictures

Multiple Choice

A raster image is made of pixels.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

Which of the buttons at the bottom of your layers panel creates a new mask?

Multiple Choice

What does "place embedded" do?

• puts a file into your current file as it's own layer

• pulls a file out of your current file

• autosaves your file

Multiple Choice

What part of a document do the black portions of a mask represent?

• Hidden areas

• Transparent areas

• Protected areas

• Selected areas

Multiple Choice

When using a mask, things painted white will be ___________

• Hidden

• Visable

• Erased

• White

Multiple Choice

When using a mask, things painted black will be _________

• Hidden

• Visible

• Erased

• Black

Multiple Choice

The 2 headed arrow in the top right of this image will ___________

• Undo your last command

• Switch the foreground and background colours

• Turn your image 90 degrees

• Create a new mask

Multiple Choice

Painting a shade of grey on your mask will affect the masks ___________

• Brightness

• Clarity

• Opacity

• Hugh

Multiple Choice

What do "Layer Masks" do?

• refine the edge of a selection

• allow for adjustment layers

• erase portions of a layer

• hide/show portions of a layer

Multiple Choice

If you do not see a specific panel, where do you go to find it?

• Select Menu

• Edit Menu

• Window Menu

• Workspace

Multiple Choice

Select the BEST option to hide all other layers.

• Click on the Layer Visibility Toggle Icon one by one.

• Alt+Layer Visibility Toggle Icon

• CTRL + ,

• Layer Menu>Hide Layers

Multiple Choice

______________ panel in Photoshop displays all the layers in an image.( This preserves the original state of an image while manipulating another version of it through another layer.)

• Photoshop stuff

• Drawings

• Layers

• Pictures

Multiple Choice

Which Image has the highest resolution?

Multiple Choice

A raster image is made of pixels.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

What do you edit a layer mask with?

• paint or selection tools

• pen or shape tools

Multiple Choice

What does "place embedded" do?

• puts a file into your current file as it's own layer

• pulls a file out of your current file

• autosaves your file

Multiple Choice

When you create a new, blank layer, where does it appear in the Layers panel?

• Above one of the following: A selected layer, a selected collapsed group, or a selected layer in an expanded group

• Always above the topmost layer

• Always just above the Background

Multiple Choice

Only one layer can be selected at a time.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which tool would you use to reposition a layer (e.g., move it horizontally or vertically)?

• Move tool

• Ruler tool

• Path Selection tool

• Hand tool

Multiple Choice

What part of a document do the black portions of a mask represent?

• Hidden areas

• Transparent areas

• Protected areas

• Selected areas

Poll

Rate your level of understanding of layer masks.

• I can teach the class.

• I can do this.

• I know how but I may need alittle help.

• I'm struggling.