Make bold edits with layer masks.

Discover the difference between layer and vector masks. Then use both to enhance your workflow in Adobe Photoshop.

Example of knocking out half of the background of an image using a layer mask

Photoshop layer masks overview.

Layer masking is a nondestructive way to hide parts of an image or layer without erasing them. They’re great for making image composites, modifying background colors, removing or cutting out objects, and targeting your edits so they affect only certain areas, rather than the entire layer.

Use the feathering and refining tools with layer masks to select objects that have irregular edges

Feather, adjust, repeat.

Layer masks use an overlay that can be adjusted to work with people and objects that have irregular edges. Use feathering and refining tools to realistically select hair and fur.

Use the Brush tool, as well as other tools, in Photoshop to paint edits onto your layer mask

Paint on edits to your masks.

Adjust your masks by painting on black and white. White areas will be affected by edits and black areas will not. Play with opacity and grayscale to change the degree to which your edits are applied.

Leverage vector masks in Photoshop to create pixel-perfect precision masking when editing images

Use vectors for precision.

Unlike a layer mask that’s manually painted on, vector masks use math to create pixel-perfect lines and edges for your selections. They’re great for architecture and areas that have straight lines.

Use any of the Photoshop tools, such as the Brush or Gradient tool, to edit layer mask selections

Ease of editing.

To edit the selections you make with your masks, you can use any of the Photoshop tools you’re used to — such as Brush tools, Gradient tools, and Eraser tools.

Masks for fine-tuned editing.

Masking can help you make precise edits to an image so you can create a result that matches your vision.

Use Adjustment layers to manipulate the contents of the layers beneath them in

Target elements of layers.

Adjustment layers include layer masks, allowing you to change the contents of the layers beneath them, so you can selectively alter parts of an image without having to edit layers individually.

Use the Hue and Saturation Adjustment layer with a masked area to affect the color and vibrancy

Adjust hue and saturation.

Apply a Hue and Saturation Adjustment layer to a masked area to make selective changes to the color and vibrancy of a certain part of a layer.

How to add a layer mask to a layer.

Adding a mask to an image layer is simple. Just follow these steps.

Select it:

Select your layer or group in the Layers panel.

Reveal it:

For a revealing mask, click the Add Layer Mask button in the bottom of the Layers panel.

Conceal it:

For a concealing mask, Alt-click (PC) or Option-click (Mac) the Add Layer Mask button.

Adjust it:

In the Channels panel, double-click your mask to adjust its edges and opacity. Or right-click the layer mask thumbnail. To completely invert your mask, press Command I on Mac (or Control I on Windows).