When it comes to having the skills and knowledge of Photoshop, you must always have an idea about some of the fundamental topics to get your editing journey started. One such topic that you must have a clear understanding of is Photoshop image masking. It is this skill that is used in almost every editing task that you will ever do.
So, let us first discuss what image masking in photoshop is. When you have a clear idea about it and its importance, we can move on to some tips for doing it.
Photoshop Image Masking – The What and Why
Image masking in Photoshop is a non-destructive way to do targeted edits, enhancements, and adjustments to a particular subject, object, or asset.
If you want to remove the background of a subject without completely eliminating it, image masking is the way to do it.
Moreover, if you want to change the color of a person’s t-shirt, you will have to use image masking.
Furthermore, if you want to use skin retouching on a person’s face and change the color of their eyes, you will have to use masking for that purpose too.
The use case for Photoshop image masking is endless. Thus, you must know how to use this Photoshop technique for your editing needs.
Now, let us move on to how to use Photoshop’s various tools and features to do masking on an image.
Photoshop Image Masking – The How
So, to carry out masking in Photoshop, you must first understand what Layer Masking is.
Layer Masking is the feature where you can do isolated edits on a particular area while the rest is hidden. When you successfully mask an area in Photoshop, you can see a black-and-white thumbnail in your layer. The black portion represents the hidden area, and the white represents the visible area. Any edits or enhancements, or adjustments will only affect the visible area.
Now that you understand the basics of layer masking, let us move on to the step-by-step tips for photo masking.
Step #1 Open the Image
To open the image in Photoshop Workspace, you can drag and drop the image onto the Workspace or go to File > Open and select the image from the file directory.
Step #2 Use the Selection Tool
There are several Selection Tools in Photoshop, such as Marquee Tools, Lasso Tools, and Quick Selection Tools, or by using the Pen Tool, you can make selections. Use one of these Selection Tools based on the object/subject you want to mask.
If you want to mask an object like a car so that you can change its color, you use the Pen Tool to draw a Clipping Path around the edge of the object to make a selection.
If you want to isolate a model from its background, you can use Subject Selection Tool. To get the finer hair details for Hair Masking, use the Refine Edge Brush.
Another method for Hair Masking is to use the Alpha Channel Method. Here you use the Channel Panels and select one of the Red, Green, or Blue Channels to make your selection.
Whichever selection method you are using or whatever object you are masking, you will need an active selection.
Step #3 Use Layer Masking
Once you have an active selection, the next step is to make a Layer Mask. Use the “Add a mask” button in the Layer Panel to create the mask. Once you do that, you will see the black-and-white thumbnail appear, and your subject will be isolated from its background.
Step #4 Make Adjustments
Once the area you have selected is isolated, you can make whatever adjustments you want to make to your isolated asset. Whether it is increasing the brightness or you want to change the color, any adjustments made will be made during this step.
Photoshop Image Masking – The Conclusion
So let us finish this here! You are now a well-learned person regarding all there is to know about Photoshop Image Masking. From the What, Why, or How you know them all! So, use this newfound knowledge to use photo masking for all your editing needs!
