Quick Masks in Photoshop
Version 7+
You can download a pdf version of this tutorial here
The quick mask has been included in Photoshop for several versions – You can access it from the bottom of the tool bar. ( In CS4 it appears as a rectangle with a circle – and you click on that icon to turn it on or off ) in previous versions there were 2 icons – one to turn it on and one to turn it off. I am using CS4 so my screenshots show the one icon. If you are using an earlier version it might look a little different
The Quick mask is a method of making a selection.
It is a more visual method as it displays a coloured overlay in the areas that are to be masked that can be painted on in black white or shades of grey to add or subtract from your selection.
Because you can easily see where you are applying your strokes it is often an easier way of making a selection.
There are several methods of using the quick mask to make a selection. You can start with a selection made with any of the normal selection tools such as the marquee tool as I have here with this photo of Hannah
Then click on the quick mask icon at the bottom of the tool bar
The masked area appears as a red overlay
You can now make some alterations to the mask by painting directly on the image
When you click on the quick mask icon your default brush colours automatically change to black and white.
When you paint with the black you add to your mask
When you paint with white it subtracts areas from your mask
You can also use the eraser to erase areas from your mask.
If you paint in a shade of grey on your mask then you will see the opacity of the red overlay is lighter – this will result in a feathered edge to your selection where it fades out
When you click on the quick mask icon again – your mask will turn back into a selection .
The quick mask is particularly useful for making selections out of creative brush work
This type of selection would be much harder to achieve using traditional selection tools
Once you are happy with your result press the quick mask icon again to return to normal mode and delete the area that is selected
There are of course many other ways you can use the quick mask
You can apply a gradient to your mask to achieve an easy fade out effect
Just press the quick mask icon and then use the gradient tool .
Choose black to white or black to transparent and drag your gradient across your image in the direction you desire
Click again on the quick mask button and your gradual selection has been completed for you.
It wont show as gradual in when you see the “ marching ants”
but when you hit delete you will see the feathering has been applied
Have some fun experimenting with the quick mask tool
It doesnt have quite the same capabilities as the normal masking option but its great when you want to make a difficult or fancy selection.
I created a layout using the above technique and photo
This layout uses a background from my Willow Wishes Page Kit ( lightened )
and the leafy border is from Autumn Agenda
The word art is by Tina and is from her Travel Word art Set
Thanks so much Lauren
ReplyDeleteHappybeingamom
Ooooooh wow, what fun I'm going to have with these new tricks you've taught us. Thank you so much Lauren
ReplyDeleteExcellent..love that creative brush idea. Thanks Lauren,
ReplyDeleteK
Lauren - I just have to say how much I love your tutorials! I download them each week and keep in a folder. Your examples are always fantastic too!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us! We really appreciate it!
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