Photoshop Elements > Layers >

Masking >

2 - Check, Compare, & Repair

• Is the mask covering the right area?

You can check the mask.

• Is the mask doing what you want it to do?

You can turn the mask on and off, to compare the original photograph with the masked version.

• What if the mask isn't covering the right area?

If the mask needs some repairs, you can make changes to it easily.

Check the Mask

Bigger

You can enlarge the mask to make it easier to see.

Press and hold Alt, and click the mask thumbnail in the adjustment layer.

The mask will appear enlarged on your screen.

Repeat the operation to make the mask disappear.

Translucent Red Mask

You can also see the photograph, and the mask, at the same time.

Press and hold Alt + Shift, and click the mask thumbnail.

The mask will appear as a translucent red layer on your photograph.

Repeat the operation to make the mask disappear.

Compare - Turn the Mask On & Off

You may want to compare the unmasked version of your photograph with the masked version.

Press and hold Shift, and click the mask thumbnail.

The mask disappears.

The adjustment layer is now affecting the entire photograph.

Repeat the operation to make the mask reappear.

Repair the Mask

If you painted an area that you didn't intend to, do the following.

1) Change the foreground color to white by pressing x.

2) Then, paint the unwanted area on your photograph.

The white brush erases the black mask.

When you're finished erasing with white, be sure to switch the foreground color back to black.

Press x.

Again, use the mnemonic below to remember how the color of a mask affects how it functions.

White reveals; black blocks.

The next section has more masking techniques.

Back

2

Next