The number one rule in Photoshop is never alter the original.
This means if you are going to apply a filter to a layer, make a duplicate first. Always use adjustment layers instead of permanently altering the image information in a layer. Never clone stamp or heal on the original layer. Always, always make a duplicate. You never know when you’ll need to go back to its original state.
This rule most definitely applies to removing unwanted pixels from an image. There are two ways to get rid of these pixels in Photoshop: erase them or hide them.
Masks are infinitely superior to using the Eraser tool when getting rid of unwanted areas of an image. With the Eraser, you permanently delete pixels, where with masking, you are merely hiding them; the pixels are still there if you should need them in the future. If you hide too much of the image, especially around edges of objects, you can always reveal them later.
Yes, you can undo an erase, but once you save your project and close Photoshop (or get beyond the maximum undos allowed), you are out of luck to get those pixels back!
Two things you need to remember about Photoshop masks: black means hide, white means reveal.
Subscribe to Creative Curio so that you don’t miss more on this Photoshop masking series!
Photoshop Masking Series So Far
- Mastering Photoshop Masks: The Basics (current post)
- Mastering Photoshop Masks: Layer Masks
- Mastering Photoshop Masks: Expert Techniques
- Mastering Photoshop Masks: Quick Masks
- Mastering Photoshop Masks: Vector Masks
Photo: Lady in Blue by Alaskan Dude
oh, only now I realized why I wasn’t able to comment on this post earlier. I’ve typed twice, and both times the submission failed. I thought there’s something wrong with the connection. You should customize the spam error messages – on my blog, I display “stop spamming” message
Anyhow, what I was trying to comment here the other day was asking you whether you’ll be planning to write a tutorial on masking in Photoshop? There are different ways to do it, which one is your favourite?
Cool info, I hope to see some tutorials soon
Vivien,
I feel so silly about that! I did customize the message, but I think it didn’t display because I forgot to update the code in the wp-comments-post.php. I think I will never forget to do that again, though!
I’m going to keep going with this series on masking, I’ve got three so far. I’m going to cover the Quick Mask, too. Oh, and I completely forgot about vector masks! I’ll write something up on that, too! I usually just use a layer mask, but there are definitely times when vector masks are faster.
Michelle,
Yes! Tutorials are on their way! Tomorrow I’ll post the first bit…
Your blog has come in so handy just for the fact of recommending it to students. I no longer have to explain things to other students I can just recommend them to some of the articles here. Articles such as these simple things that no one else seems to write about are a great help.
Jacob,
Awesome!! I’m thrilled to hear that you are recommending my blog to your classmates! And thank you! If you ever hear of questions that you don’t know or don’t feel like answering on your blog, shoot me an email or leave a comment and I’ll see what I can do about writing an explanation or tutorial or something
Will do
“Masks are infinitely superior to using the Eraser tool” – very true! It was ages before I worked that out; I wish someone told me that 8 years ago!
Rob,
Hi there! Yes, I’m surprised how many people who work in Photoshop don’t use masks or think it’s easier to just erase something. I figure, if no one ever tells them a better way, how will they know?
Exactly. I often use a black to white gradient in a mask to fade something out – that’s really useful as well. It was a great series on masking!
Rob,
I use a gradient in a mask all the time, too. It’s a less harsh way to transition an image.
Cool and Nice………
Regards,
GRAPHICS@SBL
…thank you for sharing…
you have a very simple but cool web design…
keep on sharing..thank you:)
Thank you for the Photoshop masking tips; can’t wait to try it as an alterative to erasing. Can’t wait to check out your portfolio too!
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