How to Mask Part of an Image Using Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a versatile, photograph program to use for a variety of digital image editing needs. While it may seem intimidating to the novice user, it is easy to learn some of the simple functions on an individual basis. Here is how you can mask part of an image. The simplest way to do that is by making a layer mask. This will keep the original image as is.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open your image in Photoshop. Go to the Layers Palette, and click on the layer you want to create a mask for. Double click on it if it is the “background layer.” This will convert it to a standard, unlocked layer. Name it and click OK.

2. Using one of the selection tools, select an area in the image that you want to show. Note, the mask you create will HIDE the unselected areas.

3. Next choose a Brush tool, like the Paint brush or Pencil. Click on the Quick Mask Mode button in the toolbox. This button is on the bottom of the tool box, and looks like a white circle within a dark box. Photoshop will cover the unselected parts of the image in a semi-translucent color. What this mode does is allow you to preview a mask, and make changes to the edges of the selection.

4. You can now fix the edge of the selection, by painting with black to add to the mask or painting with white to show more of the image. When you are done, click on the Standard Mode button (that looks like a white circle in a light square, and you will be able to see the selection again.

5. To select the area that you want to show, the “Un-masked area”, go to Layer, then Add Layer Mask, then Reveal Selection. If you selected the area you want to hide or delete, the “Masked area”, go to Layer, then Add Layer Mask, then Hide Selection. Save your work.