{"id":37937,"date":"2021-09-28T04:53:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-28T04:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/?p=37937"},"modified":"2021-09-25T03:15:56","modified_gmt":"2021-09-25T03:15:56","slug":"how-to-add-layer-masks-in-photoshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/how-to-add-layer-masks-in-photoshop\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Add Layer Masks in Photoshop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Layer masks are often considered an advanced tool in Photoshop, when in reality they are a matter of black and white. Layer masks are your number one tool for non-destructive editing when doing any photo retouching and are a must for any photo compositing. And the best part? They are incredibly simple to use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this tutorial, we will be covering the basics of layer masks in Photoshop, how they work, their settings, and how to refine them using the Properties panel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/0.1-intro-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"556\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/0.1-intro-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/0.1-intro-1.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/0.1-intro-1-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/0.1-intro-1-768x427.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-layer-mask-in-photoshop\">What Is a Layer Mask in Photoshop<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer masks are a reversible way to hide part of a layer in Photoshop. It\u2019s a non-destructive alternative to permanently erasing or deleting part of a layer. Layer masking is a key tool in cutting out objects for image compositing, but also has uses in photo retouching and editing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are technically two types of layer masks:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Layer masks are edited using raster tools such as painting or selection tools.<\/li><li>Vector masks are edited using vector tools such as the Pen or Shape tool.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While both are similar, both are non-destructive and work on separate grayscale channels. Today, we will be focusing on raster-based layer masks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer masks can be used on both layers and groups in Photoshop, but will only remain intact if the file is saved as a .PSD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-add-and-edit-a-layer-mask-in-photoshop\">How to Add and Edit a Layer Mask in Photoshop&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-select-a-layer\">Step 1: Select a Layer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, select the layer or group you\u2019d like to apply a layer mask to. In this case, we will mask an image of a sky onto a mountain range.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While I\u2019ll be using a normal image layer, layer masks can be added to text layers, groups, and shape layers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.1-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-click-add-layer-mask-button\">Step 2: Click Add Layer Mask Button&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, choose the Add Mask found at the bottom of the Layers panel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The layer masks will start off white.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"475\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38070\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.2.jpg 475w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.2-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-paint-black-to-conceal\">Step 3: Paint Black to Conceal&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Select the Brush tool and set the Foreground color to Black. With the layer mask selected, paint black to conceal or hide portions of the layer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use other fill options such as the Pen tool, the various selection tools, and then the Gradient Tool.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you select an area of an image and then apply layer masks, the layer mask will fill in the selected area with black upon creation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38071\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.3-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-paint-white-to-reveal\">Step 4: Paint White to Reveal&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To reveal or bring back what was masked out, switch the Foreground color to White and paint on the layer mask just as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer masks work in grayscale, which means you can only use shades of black, gray, and white on a layer mask. For example, painting 50% gray on a white layer mask will mask at 50% transparency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Press X to switch the foreground and background colors in the Toolbar, so that you can quickly switch between black and white.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.4-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-copy-a-layer-mask\">Step 5: Copy a Layer Mask&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to copy the same layer mask onto multiple different layers, Alt-drag on Windows or Option-drag on a Mac the mask to the other layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to move a layer mask, without creating a copy, simply click and drag the mask to another layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"475\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.5.jpg 475w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.5-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-6-unlink-layers-and-masks\">Step 6: Unlink Layers and Masks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By default, a layer is linked to its layer mask, indicated by the link icon between the thumbnails in the Layers panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An active link means, when you move either the layer or the layer mask with the Move tool, both will move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlinking a layer and its mask lets you move them independently of one another and change the mask\u2019s boundaries separately from the layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>To unlink a layer from its mask, click the link icon between the layer and layer mask\u2019s thumbnails.<\/li><li>To link a layer and its mask, click the link icon again.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"955\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.6.jpg 955w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.6-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.6-768x495.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 955px) 100vw, 955px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-7-toggle-layer-mask-on-and-off\">Step 7: Toggle Layer Mask On and Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To turn a layer mask on and off, you can select the layer mask and do one of two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Right-click &gt; Disable Layer Mask to turn off and Right-click &gt; Enable Layer Mask to turn it back on.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Alternatively, you can Shift-click the layer mask thumbnail. Shift-click the layer mask a second time to re-enable it.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Turning a layer mask off only hides the layer mask; it does not delete it. To turn a layer mask back on, you can either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.7-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-8-apply-or-delete-a-layer-mask\">Step 8: Apply or Delete a Layer Mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do want to delete or permanently apply a layer mask, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Right-Click &gt; Apply Layer Mask to permanently delete the masked-out portions of the layer.<\/li><li>Or Right-Click &gt; Delete layer Mask, which will only delete the layer mask and leave the layer unchanged.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Applying and deleting layer masks can help reduce the size of your .PSD file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2.8-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-adjust-layer-mask-settings-in-photoshop\">How to Adjust Layer Mask Settings in Photoshop&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-adjust-opacity\">Step 1: Adjust Opacity&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are multiple ways you can adjust or fine-tune a layer mask. First, select the layer mask and open the Windows &gt; Properties panel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To Adjust a layer mask\u2019s Opacity, slide the Density slider either left or right. In this instance, Density and Opacity mean the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Density slider will adjust the layer mask as a whole, even with a selection active. If you want to pinpoint Opacity changes, you\u2019ll have to do so manually with a brush.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"730\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1-768x561.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1-363x265.jpg 363w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.1-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-adjust-feather\">Step 2: Adjust Feather&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Feathering blurs the edges of the mask to create a softer transition. Again, select the layer mask you\u2019d like to edit and open the Windows &gt; Properties panel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drag the Feather slider to apply feathering to the mask\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"730\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2-768x561.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2-363x265.jpg 363w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.2-84x60.jpg 84w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-select-and-mask\">Step 3: Select and Mask&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Select and mask is where you will find all of Photoshop\u2019s refine edge and auto mask tools. This includes Feather, Refine Edge, and Photoshop\u2019s auto hair select tool.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The view can be adjusted, so you can better see your selection. Below, all areas shown in red are masked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The global refinements will adjust the mask as a whole, while the different brush tools, seen on the left, can create pinpoint adjustments and refinements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"939\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mk0designbombsg12amh.kinstacdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3-939x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3-939x1024.jpg 939w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3-275x300.jpg 275w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3-768x838.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3.3.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 939px) 100vw, 939px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>That covers all you need to know about the basics of layer masks in Photoshop! After reading about all the pros of layer masks, you may be wondering \u201cWhy use layer masks instead of the Eraser brush?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be honest, there are very few reasons to. I will use an eraser brush on layers with solid colors or to make very small changes. Otherwise, layer masks are the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4.1-outro-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer masks can do much more than just basic blending. With a little practice, it will be your number one go-to tool for image extracting, photo composting, and even photo retouching.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Layer masks are often considered an advanced tool in Photoshop, when in reality they are a matter of black and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3997],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-37937","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-photoshop","7":"entry","8":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v26.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Add Layer Masks in Photoshop<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this tutorial, learn all the basics on how to add layer masks in Photoshop. Click through to get started now!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.designbombs.com\/how-to-add-layer-masks-in-photoshop\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Add Layer Masks in Photoshop\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Layer masks are often considered an advanced tool in Photoshop, when in reality they are a matter of black and white. 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