Photoshop Ninja
Expert Photoshop tips and tricks for designers and photographers since 2005
Creating a black layer mask instead of a white one the quicky way
It can be a little frustrating sometimes when you create layer masks that by default they apply as a white filled layer mask, meaning that the layer is not effected by it. Annoyed by having to keep selecting all and filling with black… you’ll like this one then!
To create a black filled layer mask straight away, simply Alt+Click on the layer mask icon. I love this tip, as it’s one I have only recently learned! Even the most experienced of Photoshop users can learn something new!! Alt and Command clicking around the interface of Photoshop can reveal all sorts of useful features hidden away, give it a go and see what happens!
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Written by Jonny Allbut - freelance graphic designer
Last modified: 24 May, 2007 (13:08) | First published: 24 May, 2007
Filed under Shortcuts - Categorised sets, Shortcuts - Other, Techniques - Layer 2 Comments »
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Comment by Mary
April 2, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
Using the layer mask. When I use my paint brush, unlike what every web site says, it will only mask if the “white” is showing on the tools pallet. And then if I don’t get the area the first time, it paints it back on even when I’m still on white. So it both paints the mask and erases it on white. Are my settings wrong?
Comment by Photoshop Ninja
April 4, 2009 @ 10:00 am
There are not any settings to control this preference – the way a layer mask should work is that painting in white makes the layer visible and painting in black makes in transparent. Levels of grey in-between produce variable transparency.
Be sure you are using a brush type tool – you never need to use the eraser in a layer mask, just levels of grey, white or black.
If it’s still not working, it may be the preferences have slightly screwed up or something. check out this post on resetting your preferences – it may help, but from what you describe – things are not working right!