Photoshop Layer Masks Explained: Hide and Reveal Non‑Destructively
Layer masks let you control a layer’s visibility without deleting pixels, making your edits fully reversible. White reveals, black hides, and gray creates partial transparency. Practice these core techniques to confidently mask layers, adjustments, and groups.
Step-by-step instructions
Add a layer mask
Select a layer in the Layers panel.
Click the Add Layer Mask button.
Remember: a white mask reveals the entire layer (no transparency).
Invert the mask to hide everything
Click the mask thumbnail to target it.
Press Ctrl+I (Cmd+I on Mac) to invert white ↔ black.
A black mask hides the entire layer (100% transparent).
Paint the mask for precise control
Choose the Brush Tool (B) and set Opacity (e.g., 50%) for partial transparency.
Paint with black to hide; paint with white to reveal.
Use shades of gray for semi-transparent results.
Use selections and fills on the mask
Make a selection (Rectangular Marquee Tool, M).
With the mask active, go to Edit → Fill → Black to hide that region (or White to reveal).
Select → Deselect when done.
Unlink and transform mask or image independently
Click the chain icon between the layer thumbnail and its mask to unlink them.
Move/transform the mask or the layer independently (Edit → Free Transform).
Click the chain again to relink when finished.
Apply masks to adjustments and groups
Create an adjustment (Layer → New Adjustment Layer → e.g., Levels); it includes a mask by default.
Select multiple layers and choose Layer → Group Layers, then add a single mask to the group.
Edit the group mask to affect all contained layers at once.
