Difference between Selection and Mask.

PP
Posted By
Philip_Potts
Dec 30, 2006
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294
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3
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Hi. Can someone explaine the difference between a selection and a mask? I have been reading manuals and tutorials but I can’t quite get a grasp on this.

Thanks
Philip
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C
chrisjbirchall
Dec 30, 2006
A selection is what you make using the lasso or marquee tools. Anything inside the ring of "marching ants" will be affected by whatever adjustement you do next.

A mask "masks off" parts of a layer making it invisible.

Try this to help you get the hang of both:

* Open an image file

* Click the "new layer" icon at the bottom of the Layers palette.

* Rename the "background layer to (say) image.

* Drag this "Image" layer to the top (above the new empty layer)

* Fill the empty layer with white.

* Make the Image layer active and create a selection with the marquee tool (round or square) See the "marching ants"? That’s your selection.

* Now hit the "Layer Mask" icon at the bottom of the layers palette.

See how the mask has been created, based upon your selection. You can modify this mask by painting on it with the paintbrush, using black or white, depending whether you want to hide more of the image or reveal parts which are hidden.

Have fun!

Chris.
PP
Philip_Potts
Dec 30, 2006
Thank you Chris.

I can’t believe I didn’t get it. I guess I was trying to make it harder than it really is. You made it so simple.

Again, thanks for the answer and the tips.

Philip
MV
Mathias_Vejerslev
Dec 30, 2006
A mask is just a saved selection.

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