Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
PROJECT: MAGAZINE COVER IMAGE
Photography © Image Source,
www.imagesource.com
Use masks to isolate and manipulate specific parts of an image. The cutout
portion of a mask can be altered, but the area surrounding the cutout is protec-
ted from change. You can create a temporary mask to use once, or you can
save masks for repeated use.
Working with masks and channels
In Photoshop, masks isolate and protect parts of an image, just as masking tape
protects window panes or trim from paint when a house is painted. When you cre-
ate a mask based on a selection, the area you haven't selected is
masked,
or protec-
ted from editing. With masks, you can create and save time-consuming selections
and then use them again. In addition, you can use masks for other complex editing
tasks—for example, to apply color changes or filter effects to an image.
In Photoshop, you can make temporary masks, called
quick masks
, or you can cre-
ate permanent masks and store them as special grayscale channels called
alpha
