Using Layer Masks in Photoshop

Layer Masks are one of Photoshop’s most powerful features. If you’ve been using the Eraser Tool to delete parts of a layer, stop now: Layer Masks give you the ability to hide and reveal parts of a layer at will, and to edit them at any time.

The starting image

This image consists of two layers: the matchbox, and the hand on the background layer. The task is to make the matchbox look as if it’s being held by the hand.

Make a Layer Mask

Choose Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All to make the mask. It will appear on the Layers panel next to the thumbnail of the layer.

Hiding the layer

Painting on the Mask in black hides that part of the layer. You can use a hard or soft brush, as you like. Here, we’ve clearly hidden too much.

Revealing the layer

Painting in white reveals the layer again. This makes it easy to hide exactly the area you want. Use X to switch between black and white.

Finishing touches

For added realism, don’t forget to add shadows both on and below the matchbox.

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