Using Quick Masks
Quick masks are a handy
little Photoshop- feature that many people don�t even know
about. If you�ve never heard of quick masks, this article is
going to show you how to use the basic features of the
feature.
When you want to use a mask in a more
traditional way, use a quick mask. It works very similarly
to the way a mask in the real world works. Say you were
painting a room and you didn�t want to get paint on the
trim. You would use tape right � masking tape? Quick masks
act very much the same way. Rather than create a mask layer,
that works to show or not show a layer below it using an
alpha channel, quick mask is much more intuitive to
understand. Let�s show an example.
I am going to start with this basic shape
that Photoshop 7 ships with. I have this shape on its own
layer. To enter the quick mask mode, simply hit the letter Q
on your keyboard. You won�t see anything happen, but your
history palette will show that you have entered quick mask
mode.
Now using the default color swatches (black
and white), select your gradient tool and swipe a gradient
from the upper left hand corner to the lower right.
Notice how the pink gradient appears after
you do this. This is the mask. Think of it as masking tape
with holes in it. The gradient acts as a way to go from
small holes to large holes. So if you were painting, more
paint would go through the large holes than the small holes
and you would get a gradient effect with your paint.
Now to exit quick mask mode, hit the Q key
again. Photoshop will give you a selection based on your
quick mask. I am going to use my mask to make a split-screen
effect with my flower. I simply go Image -> Adjustments
->Hue and Saturation. Make the necessary changes, and you
can see the result.
Now you can deselect the image area and you
are done. It�s as easy as that. The best part about this is
that you don�t have to take all that masking tape off after
you get done!
Now I encourage you to experiment with this
and see what you can do with it. Try different filters while
you are in quick mask mode and you will get interesting
effects. Talk to you soon.
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