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

[jfrazierjr]

Now, what if you want to get some more control over the actual layer mask? How can I see the actual layer mask? WE CAN DO THAT.


On the layer, right click and select show layer mask. This shows the actual layer mask as seen in image two. Now, any changes you make here will show up in the layers, just like before.


What if you want to see the image without the layer mask? You can temporarily disable a layer mask if you like.


Likewise, if for whatever reason, you no longer need the layer mask, you can delete it also from the right click menu. There is also a menu option called "Apply Layer Mask".


What this does is merges the layer mask directly into the layer.

See how the layer mask is gone, BUT the effect is blended into the underlying image on that layer?

I tend to NOT like this since it is a permanent change to the underlying layer and thus we loose our flexibility which is the reason for using the layer masks in the first place.