[Award Winner] Explanation of Layer Masks in GIMP(and PS)

[jfrazierjr]

There will be a bit more to come over the next day or so, but I hope this is more than enough to get anyone started with using layer masks. What I have presented the real "meat" of using layer masks and why they are so darn useful.

If anyone wants to ask any questions or if there is anything you don't understand(or want to add) please feel free.

[bryguy]

Whoah dude, this is awesome. Ive always wondered how to use layer masks, and so hopefully Ill be able to now (well, after I actually read it. Right now I just skimmed cause Im tired and off to bed)


5 stars!

[jfrazierjr]

Whoah dude, this is awesome. Ive always wondered how to use layer masks, and so hopefully Ill be able to now (well, after I actually read it. Right now I just skimmed cause Im tired and off to bed)

Thanks, that's exactly why I wrote it, for people who have so far been intimidated or just have not taken the time to learn how layer masks work. I hope this really helps you, and remember, ask questions if you need to. One thing I have found that this technique is really good for is blending various types of photo realistic texture fills. Check out my Some Creek thing for a very simple example. http://www.cartographersguild.com/sh...ighlight=creek

[xv43]

This is good, thank you.

[jfrazierjr]

Hmmm... I am kind of surprised with the lack of response on this. Is this because people already know this information, no one is looking at this(in which case, I can understand the lack of answering!), it's non understandable yet or you don't see any application in your mapping technique, or is everyone just using PS and don't think this applies to you? (it does, but in a slightly different way).

[ransw]

jfrazierjr,

I am new to mapping, but I have got to complete drawing maps for work. Finding your tutotials on layers, I believe, will help me get through some rough learning curves putting density on these maps. There are a few things that I have to learn, e.g. controlling the blending of shapes/colour onto the background, blending of shapes/colour of the next top layer, etc. This piece on layer is quite helpful. Thanks.

[jfrazierjr]

jfrazierjr,

I am new to mapping, but I have got to complete drawing maps for work. Finding your tutotials on layers, I believe, will help me get through some rough learning curves putting density on these maps. There are a few things that I have to learn, e.g. controlling the blending of shapes/colour onto the background, blending of shapes/colour of the next top layer, etc. This piece on layer is quite helpful. Thanks.

Thanks for posting Ransw and welcome to the guild. Be sure to pop over to the Member Introduction forum and post a note saying hi. Also, once you start on your map(s) start one or more threads in the appropriate Work in Progress forum(s) and we will be more than happy to help.


Finally, please be sure to rate any tutorial threads use use. I would also highly suggest going through the Regional Map tutorial by RobA as there a TONS of useful techniques for GIMP and you can really learn a lot.