|
 |
Masks Are Easy Part 2: PhotoShop Load/Save Masks
|
|
|
|
You can import an Adobe Illustrator image into a channel
for use as a selection or to create a layer mask. Create an image in
a vector program and save as Adobe Illustrator (.ai) format.
Open the Channels window. In the fly-out menu choose New
Channel. The default channel is filled with black. Since the imported
image is black, make sure the new channel is active and choose Fill>White.
Choose File>Place from the main menu and select your
file. The graphic can be repositioned and resized.  On
import it will have an "X" through it as shown here. Move
or resize and double click within the graphic to set the import. Your
imported image is now a channel. Choose Load Channel as Selection to
create a selection and apply desired effects.
|
| |
|
|
|
 
Graphic imported and added to a layer
mask with text added.
|
|
To create a layer mask, choose Load Channel as Selection
to create a selection. Activate the layer where you desire the mask.
Click on the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the layers window
to create the mask from the selection. Apply effects as desired. (See
Layer Masks.)
With a layer mask, you can add effects to the outline
of the imported graphic as shown here. The heart was imported into a
channel, and then a layer mask created. A graduated fill was added outside
the heart area in the layer mask.
This method was also used to create the photo within a heart at the
left. The text was added with the text selection tool on the mask and
filled with white to allow the photo to show through (method shown below).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Text created with the Text Selection tool and filled
with white to allow the photo to show through the mask. Image cropped
to text borders below and shown on a black background.
|
|
Add text to a mask
To end this tutorial series on masks, I have included the single most
requested technique: Placing a photo within text.
Add a layer mask and fill with black to mask all. Choose the Type
Mask Tool from the tool box and enter your text. Hint: You
can adjust the size of your selection with Select>Transform Selection
in the main menu. Fill the selection with white to allow the text
portions of the layer to show through. Crop the image to the text
for the look shown at right.
You can also move the mask within a layer. Click on the chain icon
between the layer thumbnail and the mask thumbnail in the layer window.
Choose the Move tool from the toolbox and move the mask to the desired
position.  You
will have to crop the image or fill any areas that are exposed through
moving the mask as shown here. Note that the link symbol is missing
from this sample. Once your mask is in the correct position, click
again between the layer and mask thumbnail to restore the link between
layer and mask.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
Photos © Tom
Thomson Photography. Used with permission.
|
|
With the methods included in both parts of this tutorial, you have
learned the basics of masks. There is no end to the possibilities for
effects using the various mask methods. If an effect seems difficult
or time consuming, think about masks. Chances are good that one of the
mask techniques will help you reach the look you want.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Next page
Masks Are Easy Part 2 Tutorial Index
Masks Are Easy Part 2 Start
Channels
PhotoShop Save Selection
PhotoShop Import Selection
PhotoShop Load/Save Masks
PaintShop Pro Save Masks
PaintShop Pro Channels
PSP Saved Selections/Masks
Freehand Masks
Masks in Flash
  
|
| |
|
|
