Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Adding a mask to a Vector layer
In this next part of the lesson, you will add a mask to the large snowl ake vector layer.
Adding a mask allows you to fade the shape into the rest of the ski image.
Make sure that Rectangle 1 is still the active layer in the Layers panel, and then select the
Add layer mask button ( ) at the bottom of the Layers panel. Visually, nothing happens to
the image, but a mask appears to the right of the Vector layer thumbnail.
Select the Gradient tool ( ) from the Tools panel and click and drag from the right side
of the snowl ake toward the center. A gradient appears, but only on the mask. Layer
masks allow you to cover-up parts of your image and make them transparent. Notice that
the snowl ake does not appear where the gradient is black, and that it appears where the
gradient is white. Using the gradient, you have faded the snowl ake into transparency. If
you are not satisi ed with the gradient that you created, you can click and drag as many
times as you want in dif erent directions until you i nd one that you like.
Click and drag to create a gradient mask.
Using the new brush tips
The Erodible and Airbrush tips were added to Photoshop CS6. The Erodible tip allows
you to scribble, draw, and wear out your brush tip much like a pencil or piece of chalk.
The Airbrush tip of ers extra controls and settings that allow the brush to act more like
a real airbrush. In this example, you will use one of the new Airbrush tips to make snow
blow of the skier. Airbrushing is a painting technique that uses a stream of air to apply the
paint to a surface.
1
Select Background in the Layers panel, press and hold the Alt (Windows) or Option
(Mac OS) key, and click the Create a new layer button at the bottom of the Layers panel.
This opens the New Layer dialog box so that you can immediately name the layer.
2
Ty p e
Strokes
in the Name text i eld, and then click OK.
