masks...

[jeepmama]

Ok... time for my dumb question of the week...LOL!!!!

What is a "mask"... how is it used? Is it different from a template? I have seen them separate from Sine's templates collections, but yet similar (like her So Da Pop ones this week).

Thanks!!

[jaye]

with a mask you place your photo or paper over it. You then hit 'ctrl g' (I use PSE 5.0) and the paper/photo takes on the shape of the mask. you then merge the two layers so they become one.

Hope I explained it properly.

[sansan]

Oh my gosh...thanks Jaye...I was doing it the long step by step way...Layer: add layer mask; reveal all, etc etc. Thanks for this great timesaving tip!
thank you thank you thank you!

[chellebelle]

Ohh I love masks!

Yup "Ctrl Alt G" is such a timesaver. I rarely use keyboard shortcuts in many other programs but in PS it's so much quicker and easier!

[jeepmama]

Thanks Jaye!! :highfive:

My little lightbulb has now clicked on... I can see how these will be very handy as I love to layer my papers, but not always in squares. Have been using the crop shapes in PSE, but they are fairly limited. My wheels are a-turnin'.... :thumbup:

I am learning to love the shortcuts, too, Michelle. Was working on blinkie #2 last night and was getting tired of "mousework". The keyboard shortcuts are a real timesaver!

Thanks again, y'all....

[jaye]

no problem, it was actually a question I knew how to answer. LOL

[valerie]

Oooooh! Ha, I've been doing that Control G all along but didn't realize that was a mask! Thanks :)

[Ren]

:) That's actually what's known as a clipping mask - just one of several different kinds of masking techniques you can use. But I definitely agree, 'tis AWESOME and very quick.